How to Become a Paramedic in South Dakota (2026)
South Dakota employs about 280 paramedics earning a median $48,830 a year (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Training as a Paramedic here means completing a CAAHEP-accredited paramedic program after EMT, the NREMT paramedic exam, and state paramedic licensure, then applying through South Dakota Department of Public Safety - Emergency Medical Services.
South Dakota employs approximately 280 paramedics according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, with a median annual wage of $48,830 1. Nationally, paramedic employment is projected to grow 5.0% from 2024 to 2034, with about 4,900 openings per year 2. This page covers how to become a Paramedic in South Dakota, including licensing requirements, training programs, and salary data.
At a Glance
- Training paths: state-approved paramedic program after EMT (find programs)
- Typical timeline: a CAAHEP-accredited paramedic program after EMT, the NREMT paramedic exam, and state paramedic licensure
- Licensing authority: South Dakota Department of Public Safety - Emergency Medical Services
- Exam: NREMT (most states)
- Median wage (South Dakota): $48,830 per year 1
Quick Answers About How to Become a Paramedic in South Dakota
How to become a Paramedic in South Dakota? Complete a CAAHEP-accredited paramedic program after EMT, the NREMT paramedic exam, and state paramedic licensure. Apply through South Dakota Department of Public Safety - Emergency Medical Services. See the NREMT 3 for the national exam.
How long does it take? Most people finish a CAAHEP-accredited paramedic program after EMT, the NREMT paramedic exam, and state paramedic licensure. Confirm current hour totals with the training program and South Dakota Department of Public Safety - Emergency Medical Services.
Do I need a license in South Dakota? Yes. South Dakota certifies paramedics through South Dakota Department of Public Safety - Emergency Medical Services 4. You also pass the NREMT exam in most states. See the licensing section below.
What do paramedics earn in South Dakota? The median annual wage for paramedics in South Dakota is $48,830 according to BLS data. Entry-level wages start around $30,950 and experienced professionals can earn $58,380 or more 1.
How to Become a Paramedic in South Dakota
- Hold an EMT credential and meet program entry rules. Paramedic programs in South Dakota typically require a current EMT certification, a high school diploma or GED, and CPR. Confirm age, driving, and background-check rules with the program.
- Complete a CAAHEP-accredited paramedic program. Enroll in a state-approved, CAAHEP-accredited paramedic program in South Dakota. These programs are longer than EMT training and combine classroom work with clinical and field internships. Confirm current length with the program. This is not a registered apprenticeship path.
- Pass the NREMT paramedic exam. Pass the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians paramedic exam. See the NREMT 3 for current cognitive and psychomotor rules.
- Apply for South Dakota paramedic licensure. Apply through South Dakota Department of Public Safety - Emergency Medical Services. Some states also require a local EMS agency affiliation. Confirm current fees and reciprocity before you practice.
Steps and hour totals vary by credential level; confirm current requirements with the state board before you apply.
Paramedic License Requirements in South Dakota
The South Dakota Department of Public Safety - Emergency Medical Services oversees paramedic licensure in South Dakota 4. Most candidates complete a CAAHEP-accredited paramedic program after EMT and take the NREMT paramedic exam 3.
Typical paramedic path
- Hold a current EMT certification.
- Complete a CAAHEP-accredited paramedic program (longer than EMT; confirm length with the school).
- Pass the NREMT paramedic exam.
- Apply for South Dakota paramedic licensure.
Hour totals, background checks, and reciprocity rules change. Confirm current requirements with the South Dakota EMS office before you enroll.
Paramedic Wages by Metro Area in South Dakota
Paramedics Wages by Metro Area in South Dakota
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics ( OES data), paramedics wages in South Dakota vary by metro area.
| Metro Area | Employment | Median Annual Wage | Avg. Annual Wage | Entry Level (10th pctile) | Experienced (90th pctile) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sioux Falls | 80 | $50,550 | $51,410 | $42,030 | $59,290 |
| Sioux City | 50 | $53,310 | $55,120 | $48,060 | $60,290 |
| Rapid City | 40 | $47,810 | $47,650 | $30,140 | $75,450 |
Wages reflect survey data and vary based on experience, credentials, employer, and local market conditions. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May .
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the job outlook for paramedics in South Dakota? South Dakota currently employs approximately 280 paramedics 1. Nationally, paramedic employment is projected to grow 5.0% from 2024 to 2034 2.
What training programs are available in South Dakota? Options include trade schools, community colleges, and state-approved training programs. Use the school finder above to search for programs in South Dakota.
How much do paramedics earn in South Dakota compared to the national average? The median annual wage for paramedics in South Dakota is $48,830, which is $9,580 below the national median of $58,410 according to BLS data 1.
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Citations
About this guide: Researched and written by the TradeCareerPath Editorial Team. Our editorial team researches and sources every trade school and career guide using federal labor and education data, including BLS OEWS and Employment Projections, DOL apprenticeship records, IPEDS, College Scorecard, and state licensing boards. We follow the editorial standards documented at /editorial-policy/.
References
Bureau of Labor Statistics - Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics: https://www.bls.gov/oes/ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎
Bureau of Labor Statistics - Employment Projections: https://www.bls.gov/emp/ ↩︎ ↩︎
NREMT - National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians: https://www.nremt.org/ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎
South Dakota Department of Public Safety - Emergency Medical Services - Licensing Information: https://doh.sd.gov/health-care-professionals/ems-trauma-program/ems-licensing/ ↩︎ ↩︎
Data sources
Figures on this page are sourced from the federal and state datasets below. Methodology: how we rank and source data.
| Data | Provider | Vintage |
|---|---|---|
| Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | May 2025 |
| Employment Projections | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | 2024-2034 |
| Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System | National Center for Education Statistics (IPEDS) | 2024 |
| College Scorecard (school-level outcomes) | U.S. Department of Education | latest release |
| College Scorecard (field-of-study earnings) | U.S. Department of Education | latest release (updated 2026-06-12) |
| Occupational licensing requirements | CareerOneStop (U.S. Department of Labor) | latest release (updated 2026-02-22) |
| Registered apprenticeship programs | CareerOneStop / Apprenticeship.gov (U.S. Department of Labor) | latest release (updated 2025-10-25) |
| O*NET occupation profiles (skills, tasks, tools, job zones) | U.S. Department of Labor (O*NET / Employment & Training Admin.) | O*NET 29.1 (updated 2026-06-13) |