CDL Classes in South Dakota (Top Schools)

South Dakota map

Life may not be a dream, but if you aren’t chasing them, you are wasting it; if your dream is to live a life on the road, South Dakota schools have much to offer.

There aren’t too many (only 4) trucking and diesel technology schools in South Dakota, but the tuition is at reasonable $5,155 on average.

You can further help yourself close your financial plan by applying for scholarships; you can expect an average scholarship of $726.

Butler CAT Scholarship, Dale & Cecilia Knox Family Scholarship and the Dennis Tesch Memorial Scholarship are just some of the scholarships offered by Lake Area Technical Institute to diesel tech students who apply and satisfy the criteria.

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Finding Your Way among Truck Driving Schools in South Dakota

Not all schools are the same…except maybe at a glance. Pay attention to the special features available!

A degree in diesel technology gives you a chance to get acquainted with a wide variety of diesel vehicles, as well as repair techniques and tools.

Lake Area Tech even gives you an opportunity to study the most recent discoveries in energy-efficient diesel technology!

Here you can take a seminar on biodiesel fuel, discover low emission diesel engines, as well as modern ways of diesel engine exhaust fluid injection.

Time is valuable, duration and schedule are crucial features when choosing a school.

Southeast Technical Institute is just one of the South Dakota schools which offers a choice of programs; as usual, you can pick a basic one-year degree or an Associate’s degree study that will take you two years to finish.

7 Top CDL Schools in South Dakota

School NameAddressPhone
Cornerstones Career Learning Center Inc33 3rd St SE Ste 202, Huron, SD 57350605-353-7175
Midwest Coast Transport1600 E Benson Rd, Sioux Falls, SD 57104605-339-8400 +1 855-751-3121
Mitchell Technical Institute1800 E Spruce St, Mitchell, SD 57301800-MTI-1969
Southeast Technical Institute2320 N Career Ave, Sioux Falls, SD 57107605-367-6040
Western Dakota Tech800 Mickelson Dr, Rapid City, SC 57703800-544-8765
Northeastern Work and Technical Education Center2911 Industrial Ave., Aberdeen, SD 57401605-725-1833
Regional Technical Education Center Inc1200 W 21st St., Yankton, SD 57078605-668-5700

At a Glance: Trucking Schools in South Dakota

Total Schools:7
Undergraduate Programs:5
Graduate Programs:3
Average Acceptance Rate:60%
Average Tuition Cost:$5,155
Average Loan Amount:$6,227
Average Scholarship Award:$726
Average Classroom Size:14 Students
CDL Schools info

Mission: Employment

Many opportunities open up after graduation from a trucking school in South Dakota.

First, there are large employers, including MCT Transportation LLC, Foodliner and Selland Trucking.

Second, there are many other, smaller companies, including trucking cargo transport companies, truck repair offices and truck shops (dealers).

Optimism is at hand: O*Net expects a 9% increase in trucking and 7% boost in diesel technician jobs Between 2012 and 2022.

Know Your Future Income

While an average salary of $37,596 won’t make you rich, a truck driver occupation gives you a chance to live a life of passion, while remaining competitive in comparison to your peers.

For more information about the truck driver salary situation in South Dakota, please consult the data we’ve organized for you in the following section.

Annual Salary Range:
$33K
$37K
$43K

Average Salary of Truck Drivers in South Dakota

City NameSalary
Sioux Falls$38,627
Rapid City$38,252
Aberdeen$35,921
Watertown$37,966
Brookings$37,966
Mitchell$37,966
Pierre$36,582
Yankton$37,123
Huron$36,943
Vermillion$36,274

Regional Salary

RegionEmployedAvg. Annual SalaryAvg. Hourly PayTop 10% Annual SalaryBottom 10% Annual Salary
Rapid City, SD730$54,970$26.43$71,980$43,080
Sioux Falls, SD2,060$58,000$27.89$80,910$44,090
* Salary information based on the May 2023 Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) Survey for Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers, OCC Code 53-3032, BLS.
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
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