Pharmacy Technician in South Dakota

Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for SD

Median Salary
$43,760
South Dakota (2024)
National Median
$43,460
All states
License Fees
$154
Exam + application
Time to Complete
3-12 months
From start to licensed

How to Become a Pharmacy Technician in South Dakota

To become a pharmacy technician in South Dakota, you must register with the South Dakota Board of Pharmacy. Key steps include being at least 16 years old, possessing a high school diploma or GED, and securing employment as a pharmacy technician in the state, applying for registration within 30 days of hire. While not required for initial registration, national certification (PTCB or ExCPT) is mandatory within two years of initial registration and must be maintained for renewal. There is no reciprocity, so all applicants must meet the state's requirements as new registrants.

Pharmacy Technician Requirements in South Dakota

DetailSouth Dakota
Licensing BodySouth Dakota Board of Pharmacy
State License Required Yes
EducationHigh school diploma or GED. National certification (PTCB or ExCPT) is required within two years of initial registration. Completion of a board-approved training program is also required.
Exam PTCB (PTCE) or NHA (ExCPT) ($129)
Application Fee$25
RenewalEvery 1.0 year
Continuing Education6.0 hours per cycle
NotesMinimum age is 16. Must be currently employed as a pharmacy technician in South Dakota and apply within 30 days of hire. National certification (PTCB or ExCPT) is required within two years of initial registration and must be maintained for renewal. For 2026-27 renewals, technicians must have completed 6 hours of CE or be nationally certified. The state registration does not include a background check, but applicants are required to self-declare convictions. There is no reciprocity; applicants must fulfill all criteria as new registrants.

Source: South Dakota Board of Pharmacy

Pharmacy Technician Salary in South Dakota

The median pharmacy technician salary in South Dakota is $43,760 per year, which is 0.7% above the national median of $43,460.

PercentileAnnual Salary
10th (entry level)$35,990
25th$37,440
50th (median)$43,760
75th$47,730
90th (experienced)$51,930

South Dakota employs approximately 1,270 pharmacy technicians.

Pharmacy Technician Job Outlook

10-Year Growth
+6.4%
Faster than average
Annual Openings
49
Nationwide per year
Total Employment
490.4
Nationwide

AI Impact on Pharmacy Technicians

Low AI Exposure (Score: 0.01/1.00)

This career has low exposure to AI automation. Most tasks require physical presence, human judgment, or hands-on skills that AI cannot easily replicate.

Is Becoming a Pharmacy Technician in South Dakota Worth It?

Factors to consider: South Dakota's cost of living, the state licensing requirement, strong job growth, low AI disruption risk, and your personal career goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you get certified as a pharmacy technician in South Dakota?
To become a pharmacy technician in South Dakota, you need to complete the required education (High school diploma or GED. National certification (PTCB or ExCPT) is required within two years of initial registration. Completion of a board-approved training program is also required.), pass the PTCB (PTCE) or NHA (ExCPT), and submit your application ($25 fee).
Do I need a license to work as a pharmacy technician in South Dakota?
Yes, South Dakota requires a state license to practice as a pharmacy technician. The licensing body is South Dakota Board of Pharmacy. You must pass the PTCB (PTCE) or NHA (ExCPT).
How much do pharmacy technicians make in South Dakota?
The median pharmacy technician salary in South Dakota is $43,760 per year. That's roughly in line with the $43,460 national median. The range spans from $35,990 at the entry level to $51,930 for top earners.
How much does it cost to become a pharmacy technician in South Dakota?
Plan on spending varies total — that covers exam fee ($129) and application fee ($25) plus your education and training.
How long does it take to become a pharmacy technician in South Dakota?
Expect to spend 3-12 months from start to finish in South Dakota — covering coursework, supervised experience, and examination.
Does South Dakota require continuing education for pharmacy technicians?
To keep your license active, South Dakota mandates 6.0 CE hours every 1.0 year.

Explore More