HVAC Technician in Sioux Falls, SD

As a Career Analyst who’s spent years mapping out job markets in the Midwest, I can tell you that Sioux Falls is a practical, no-nonsense city for skilled trades like HVAC. It’s not a sprawling metropolis, but it’s the economic engine of South Dakota, with a stable demand for technicians who can keep homes and businesses comfortable through brutal prairie winters and humid summers. If you’re considering a move here, you’re likely looking for a balance of solid pay, a low cost of living, and a manageable lifestyle. This guide breaks down exactly what that looks like on the ground, from your take-home pay to which neighborhoods make for an easy commute to the industrial parks.

The Salary Picture: Where Sioux Falls Stands

Let’s get straight to the numbers, because they set the foundation for your decision. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and local market data, the median salary for an HVAC Technician in Sioux Falls is $54,050/year. That translates to an hourly rate of $25.99/hour. It’s a solid starting point, sitting just below the national average of $55,670/year, which makes sense given the city’s lower cost of living.

The job market here is stable but not explosive. There are approximately 412 jobs for HVAC Technicians in the metro area, with a projected 10-year growth rate of 6%. This growth is tied to the city’s steady population increase, new construction in suburbs like Harrisburg and Tea, and the ongoing need to service existing infrastructure in the older parts of town.

Here’s how salaries typically break down by experience level in the Sioux Falls market:

Experience Level	Years of Experience	Typical Annual Salary Range
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$40,000 - $48,000
Mid-Level	3-7 years	$48,000 - $62,000
Senior	8-15 years	$62,000 - $75,000
Expert/Lead	15+ years	$75,000+ (often with commission/bonus)

When you compare Sioux Falls to other South Dakota cities, its position is clear. It’s the highest-paying market in the state for HVAC technicians, outpacing Rapid City (median $52,800) and Aberdeen ($49,500). The 412 jobs here are more than double the number in the next largest metro. If you want the most opportunities and the highest pay in SD, Sioux Falls is the destination.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

The median salary of $54,050 is a gross figure. To understand your real purchasing power, you need to factor in taxes and the famously low cost of living. South Dakota has no state income tax, which is a significant boost. However, you’ll still have federal taxes, Social Security, and Medicare deductions.

For a single filer on a bi-weekly payroll, a rough estimate for take-home pay on a $54,050 salary is approximately $1,550 every two weeks, or about $3,350 per month after federal taxes and FICA.

Now, let’s look at a monthly budget breakdown for an HVAC technician earning the median salary:

• Monthly Take-Home Pay: $3,350
• Average 1BR Rent: -$884
• Utilities (Electric, Gas, Water, Internet): -$250
• Car Payment/Insurance/Gas (Essential in Sioux Falls): -$450
• Groceries & Household: -$400
• Health Insurance (if not fully covered by employer): -$200
• Miscellaneous/Entertainment/Savings: -$766

Total Disposable Income: $766/month

This budget is tight but manageable. The key is that rent is low. The Cost of Living Index is 90.3 (US avg = 100), meaning your money goes further here than in 90% of the country. For a household with two income earners, the financial picture becomes very comfortable.

Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely, and many do. The median home price in Sioux Falls is around $275,000. On a $54,050 salary, with a good credit score and a down payment (3.5% FHA is common), your monthly mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) would likely be between $1,400 and $1,700. That’s higher than rent, but it’s a realistic goal for a mid-career technician, especially if you have a partner with an income.

Where the Jobs Are: Sioux Falls's Major Employers

The HVAC job market here is a mix of large commercial contractors and residential service companies. You won’t find the big national chains dominating; it’s more regional and local firms that have deep community ties. Here are the key players you need to know:

1. Johnson Controls (Local Office): A global giant with a significant local presence. They focus on commercial building automation and HVAC systems. They hire for service techs, installers, and controls technicians. Hiring trends show a steady need for techs with EPA 608 certification and experience with VRF and chiller systems.
2. Sioux Falls Heating & Cooling: A prominent local residential and light commercial contractor. They are known for their service department and are often hiring for service technicians, especially those with strong troubleshooting skills for furnaces and ACs. They have a strong reputation in the community.
3. Comfort Systems USA (Sioux Falls Division): Part of a national network but operated locally. They handle a mix of commercial HVAC, plumbing, and electrical. They frequently post openings for installers and service techs, with a focus on new construction projects in the growing suburbs.
4. Hageman HVAC: A well-regarded residential company serving the greater Sioux Falls area. They are a good entry point for technicians looking to specialize in residential replacements and maintenance. They often promote from within.
5. Sioux Falls School District: The largest employer in the area, the school district has an in-house facilities and maintenance team. They maintain HVAC systems across dozens of schools. These are stable, government jobs with excellent benefits, though they may pay slightly less than private contractors. They’re highly competitive.
6. Sanford Health & Avera Health: The two major healthcare systems in Sioux Falls are massive, with sprawling campuses and constant construction/remodeling. Their in-house engineering and maintenance departments employ HVAC technicians for 24/7 facility operations. This is a great path for those seeking union benefits and job security.
7. Trane Technologies (Local Distributor): While not a contractor, their local distributor ships parts and equipment to hundreds of contractors in the region. They employ parts specialists and application engineers, and their network is a key hub for how the local industry operates.

Insider Tip: The best time to look for jobs is in the spring (March-April) as companies ramp up for the cooling season, and in late summer (August-September) for the heating season ramp-up. Many companies host open houses or job fairs at the Southeast Technical Institute.

Getting Licensed in SD

South Dakota does not have a state-level journeyman or master HVAC license. Instead, licensing is handled at the city level, most stringently in Sioux Falls itself. This is a critical detail.

• Sioux Falls Requirement: The City of Sioux Falls requires a City of Sioux Falls HVAC Contractor License to perform HVAC work. To get this, you typically need to:
  1. Have a minimum of 4 years (8,000 hours) of on-the-job training under a licensed contractor.
  2. Pass a written exam administered by the city (covers local codes, mechanical codes, and business practices).
  3. Provide proof of insurance and a surety bond.
• Costs: The application fee is approximately $200, with exam fees around $150. The total initial cost is roughly $350 - $500.
• Timeline: If you’re starting from scratch, it’s a 4-year journey. If you’re already a licensed journeyman from another state, you can apply for reciprocity (though Sioux Falls doesn’t have formal reciprocity agreements; you’ll likely need to document your hours and take the exam).
• Critical Certification: Regardless of the city license, you must have an EPA Section 608 Certification (Type I, II, III, or Universal) to handle refrigerants. This is a federal requirement and is non-negotiable. Study courses and exams are available online and locally, costing $100 - $200.

Insider Tip: The Southeast Technical Institute (now Southeast Tech) in Sioux Falls offers a 1-year HVAC certificate program that can count toward your educational hours and prepares you for the EPA exam. It’s a fast track to getting your foot in the door.

Best Neighborhoods for HVAC Technicians

Sioux Falls is a commuter-friendly city. Traffic is minimal, so you can live almost anywhere and get to job sites in under 30 minutes. Your choice depends on your lifestyle and budget.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Avg. 1BR Rent	Best For
Downtown/ historic district	Walkable, urban, older homes. Commute to industrial parks (N. Louise Ave) is 10-15 min.	$950 - $1,200	Young professionals who want nightlife and don't mind older apartment stock.
Southwest (41st St area)	Major retail corridor, newer apartment complexes. Easy access to I-29 and I-229.	$900 - $1,100	Technicians who want convenience, shopping, and a central location.
Near Southeast Tech	Quiet, residential, family-oriented. Close to the tech school for night classes.	$800 - $950	Students, apprentices, and those starting their careers.
Northwest (Russell St area)	Rapidly growing, new construction, single-family homes. A bit further from downtown but great value.	$850 - $1,000	Those looking to buy a starter home soon. Long-term planning.
Westwood/Tea (Suburb)	Suburban, excellent schools, very safe. 20-25 min commute to downtown.	$950 - $1,200	Families or anyone prioritizing space and schools over urban vibe.

Insider Tip: If you’re renting, look for units in the $850-$950 range in the Southwest or Near Southeast areas. You get the best balance of price, safety, and commute time. Avoid the immediate downtown core if you need dedicated parking for a work truck.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In Sioux Falls, career growth is about specialization and reputation. The 6% 10-year growth means there will be steady demand, but the best opportunities go to those who diversify their skills.

• Specialty Premiums:
  • Commercial/Industrial Tech: Technicians with experience on chillers, boilers, and building automation systems (BAS) can earn 10-20% more than residential techs. Companies like Johnson Controls and Sanford Health pay a premium for this.
  • Refrigeration Tech: Adding grocery store or restaurant refrigeration experience is a huge plus. It’s a niche that commands higher rates due to 24/7 service needs.
  • Sheet Metal & Fabrication: Technicians who can fabricate their own ductwork are invaluable to install crews and can move into lead installer or project manager roles.
• Advancement Paths:
  1. Service Tech → Lead Service Tech → Service Manager: The classic path, requiring strong customer skills and technical knowledge.
  2. Installer → Lead Installer → Project Manager: For those who enjoy the construction side and want to manage large-scale projects (e.g., new schools, hospital wings).
  3. Tech → Controls Specialist: With additional training in BAS (like Johnson Controls’ Metasys or Tridium’s Niagara), you can move into the high-demand field of building automation, which often pays $70,000+.
  4. Start Your Own Business: The barrier to entry is relatively low if you have the license and a few loyal clients. Many successful local contractors started as solo operators.

10-Year Outlook: The growth will be driven by the healthcare sector (Avera and Sanford are always expanding) and the residential market in suburbs like Harrisburg and Tea. Energy efficiency retrofits (e.g., replacing old furnaces with heat pumps) will also be a major source of work. Technicians who are EPA-certified and knowledgeable about electrification and smart thermostats will be in the highest demand.

The Verdict: Is Sioux Falls Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Low cost of living makes a $54,050 salary feel like $70,000+ elsewhere.	Winters are long and harsh (-20°F wind chills are common). Outdoor work is challenging.
Stable job market with 412 jobs and 6% growth. No boom-bust cycles.	Limited nightlife and cultural scene compared to a major metro.
No state income tax boosts your take-home pay.	Dependence on a car is mandatory; public transit is limited.
Manageable commute (avg. <20 min) and easy parking.	The market is competitive for top-tier residential service techs.
Strong employer base in healthcare, education, and construction.	Licensing is city-specific, which can be a hurdle if you move within the state.

Final Recommendation: Sioux Falls is an excellent choice for HVAC technicians who value stability, affordability, and quality of life over high-density urban excitement. It’s particularly well-suited for:

• Career-starters who can get trained locally at Southeast Tech and apprentice under a local contractor.
• Mid-career techs looking to buy a home and start a family without being house-poor.
• Specialists in commercial or refrigeration work who can find a niche with the major healthcare or industrial employers.

If you can handle the cold and prefer a community-oriented city with clear career pathways, Sioux Falls offers a practical and rewarding career in HVAC.

FAQs

1. Do I need to be licensed to work as an HVAC employee in Sioux Falls?
No. The city license is for the contractor who owns the business. As an employee (installer or service tech), you do not need your own contractor’s license. However, you must have your EPA 608 Certification to handle refrigerants, and most employers will require it by the end of your first year.

2. How does the cost of living affect my salary offer?
A salary of $54,050 in Sioux Falls provides a similar standard of living to a $65,000 salary in a city with a cost of living index of 100. Employers know this, so their offers are calibrated accordingly. You should feel comfortable negotiating based on the local market data, not national averages.

3. Is it difficult to get a job without local experience?
It can be, but it’s not impossible. Many companies are willing to train the right candidate, especially if you have a clean driving record, your EPA 608 card, and a positive attitude. Highlight any experience with commercial systems, as that’s a growing need. Applying in the spring hiring season (March-April) increases your chances.

4. What’s the best way to network in the local HVAC industry?
Join the South Dakota HVAC Association (if active) or local trade groups. Attend the open houses at Southeast Tech. The most effective method, however, is to visit contractor offices in person with a resume, especially after the busy summer season (late August/early September). The local market is relationship-driven.

5. How are winters for HVAC work?
Demand is high for heating service and boiler maintenance from November through March. However, outdoor work on roof units or condensers is minimal. Most of your work will be in commercial buildings or residential basements/garages. The key is having a reliable, heated work vehicle and quality cold-weather gear. Many companies provide winter gear allowances.