Earning a CPA License in South Dakota is a practical, high-value choice for accountants who want strong job prospects, competitive pay, and the wide-open lifestyle of the Great Plains. Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) in South Dakota are in steady demand, especially in Sioux Falls, Rapid City, and Aberdeen, supporting key industries like agriculture, healthcare, finance, and manufacturing. This article covers the real-world career paths, current salary ranges, and the clear steps to getting your CPA License in South Dakota, optimized for professionals ready to plant roots in the Mount Rushmore State.

Why Pursue a CPA License in South Dakota?

South Dakota’s economy is resilient and diversified, with real GDP growth holding strong and sectors like agriculture, financial services (thanks to trust laws), healthcare, and tourism driving consistent opportunities. The state employs around 6,170 accountants and auditors, with solid job stability and growth potential amid national retirements. A CPA License in South Dakota boosts your credibility, opens doors to senior roles, and typically adds 10-15% to your salary compared to non-certified accountants—making it a must-have in a market facing a nationwide CPA shortage.

Career Opportunities for CPAs in South Dakota

A CPA License in South Dakota opens doors across the state’s practical, hardworking economy:

1. Public Accounting

Big Four and strong regional firms in Sioux Falls handle audits and tax for agribusiness, banks, and healthcare providers.

2. Corporate Accounting

In-house roles at companies like Sanford Health, Raven Industries, or major banks, focusing on financial reporting and compliance.

3. Forensic Accounting

Fraud investigation for law firms, state agencies, or financial institutions—growing with increased oversight in trust services and gaming.

4. Government and Nonprofit Roles

Work for the Department of Revenue, tribal nations, or universities like South Dakota State, ensuring compliance and grant management.

5. Financial Advisory and Consulting

Tax and business consulting for family farms, trusts (South Dakota is a top trust state), and growing startups in Sioux Falls.

6. Academia

Teaching positions at institutions like the University of South Dakota as veteran faculty retire.

Salary Expectations for CPAs in South Dakota

A CPA License in South Dakota delivers reliable earning power, with the statewide average around $77,840–$91,980 annually (2025 figures). Location pushes the range:

  • Sioux Falls metro: $81,020–$102,500
  • Rapid City: solid mid-$80,000s
  • Entry-level (Big Four or strong regional): $60,000–$75,000
  • Mid-career / senior: $85,000–$110,000
  • Controllers / CFOs: $120,000–$160,000+

Low cost of living (about 10% below national average) and no state income tax make your paycheck go further than in many states.

Requirements for a CPA License in South Dakota

The South Dakota Board of Accountancy keeps the process straightforward:

  1. Education
    • Sit for the exam: Bachelor’s + 150 semester hours (specific accounting and business coursework).
    • Some flexibility for exam eligibility at lower hours in certain cases.
  2. CPA Exam
    Pass all four sections with 75+ within 18 months.
  3. Experience
    2,000 hours under a licensed CPA.
  4. Ethics
    Pass the AICPA Professional Ethics exam (90%+).
  5. Other
    No residency or citizenship requirement.

Maintaining Your CPA License in South Dakota

Renew annually by August 1 ($50–$100 fee) with rolling CPE: 120 hours over three years (minimum 20 per year). The South Dakota CPA Society provides affordable, relevant courses.

Why Now Is the Perfect Time

With stable demand, low CPA density, and a resilient economy blending agriculture with financial services, competition is manageable while opportunities grow. The board’s clear rules keep entry realistic, and evolving needs in trust administration and ag-tech favor licensed pros.

How to Get Started

  1. Submit transcripts to NASB92A for evaluation.
  2. Prep with Becker, UWorld, or similar.
  3. Secure supervised experience.
  4. Pass the AICPA ethics exam.
  5. Apply through dlr.sd.gov/accountancy.

Conclusion

A CPA License in South Dakota is your gateway to a grounded, prosperous career in a state that values hard work and wide-open spaces. Salaries average $77,840–$91,980, job growth is reliable at 6-10% through 2032, and the path to licensure is clear and achievable. Whether auditing agribusiness in Aberdeen or advising trusts in Sioux Falls, this credential delivers stability, respect, and real financial rewards. Start your journey today and claim your place in South Dakota’s accounting landscape!