Pop. 0.9MCOL: 92%5 month season#47 Market
Off-peak rates available - best time for interior work

How Much to Charge for Car Detailing in South Dakota?2026 Statewide Rates & Calculator

With 0.9M residents and high vehicle ownership, South Dakota has approximately 709,334 potential car detailing clients. An emerging market with room to establish yourself. Build relationships and grow with the community. Demand for car detailing stays steady throughout the year, making income more predictable. South Dakota rates run about 4% lower than neighboring North Dakota - useful context if you serve clients near the border.

Or Use South Dakota State Average

Don't see your city? Use the calculator below with South Dakota statewide rates.

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$

Suggested: $37/hr based on South Dakota wages

Your Pricing

Recommended Price

$92

Range: $83 - $110

2h estimated

Standard (Full Interior/Exterior)- + Interior wipe, tire dressing

Cost Breakdown

Base Price (Sedan / Coupe)$92.00
Total$92.00

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South Dakota Car Detailing Market Intelligence

Pricing models, earning potential, and market comparison for car detailing in South Dakota.

Car Detailing Pricing Breakdown

Pricing ModelLowTypicalHigh
Basic wash$23$46$69
Interior detail$69$115$184
Full detail$138$207$322
Per hour$28$37$55

Prices adjusted for South Dakota cost of living (92% of national average).

How Much Can You Earn Doing Car Detailing in South Dakota?

Part-time
15 hrs/week
$2,374/mo
$28,488/yr
Full-time
35 hrs/week
$5,538/mo
$66,456/yr
Recommended
Hustler
50 hrs/week
$7,912/mo
$94,944/yr

Estimates based on South Dakota average rates. Actual income varies by experience, efficiency, and client mix.

South Dakota vs Other Markets

MarketHourly RateCOLDemand
South Dakota$37/hr92%low
National Average$40/hr100%-
North Dakota(neighbor)$38/hr96%low
Minnesota(neighbor)$39/hr97%high
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South Dakota Licensing Requirements

  • No state contractor license required
  • No state income tax
  • Workers comp required for employees
  • Simpler business environment

This information is provided as general guidance only. Requirements may change and vary by locality. Always verify current requirements with state and local licensing authorities before starting your business.

South Dakota Car Detailing Business Tips

Local insights for running a successful car detailing business in South Dakota

pricing

Short season (May-September) means premium pricing is expected.

marketing

Sioux Falls is the primary market. Limited competition in smaller cities.

pricing

No state income tax is a business advantage. Lower overhead enables competitive pricing.

seasonal

Harsh winters create spring cleanup demand. Market salt damage removal.

Key Insight: South Dakota's low taxes and limited competition create opportunity for dedicated operators.

Car Detailing Demand in South Dakota by Month

Plan your year around seasonal demand patterns.

Jan
0%
Feb
5%
Mar
20%
Apr
50%
May
80%
Jun
100%
Jul
100%
Aug
85%
Sep
60%
Oct
35%
Nov
15%
Dec
5%
Peak: Jun-Aug
Off-season: Nov-Mar

Plan alternative income sources for the off-season months.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much should I charge for car detailing in South Dakota?

In South Dakota, car detailing rates range from $30-$56/hour, with an average of $37/hour. South Dakota's cost of living is 92% of the national average. Major cities like Sioux Falls command higher rates ($38/hr), while smaller markets like Watertown average $34/hr.

What's the South Dakota average for car detailing services?

The South Dakota statewide average for car detailing is $37/hour or approximately $111-$185 per job. This reflects South Dakota's 92% cost of living index relative to the national baseline.

Which South Dakota cities have the highest car detailing rates?

In South Dakota, Sioux Falls has the highest car detailing rates at around $38/hour due to its 95% cost of living. Other high-rate areas include Sioux Falls, Rapid City, Aberdeen.

Do I need a license for car detailing in South Dakota?

South Dakota licensing: No state contractor license required No state income tax Workers comp required for employees Simpler business environment This information is provided as general guidance only. Requirements may change and vary by locality. Always verify current requirements with state and local licensing authorities before starting your business.

Is South Dakota a good market for car detailing businesses?

South Dakota offers a competitive market for car detailing with rates averaging $37/hour. The state's 92% cost of living index supports sustainable pricing. Top markets include Sioux Falls, Rapid City, Aberdeen.

Trusted Data Sources

Based on

10,000+ quotes

Used by

5,000+ pros

Updated

January 2026

Verified by

BLS Data

Car Detailing pricing data for South Dakota is sourced from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Census Bureau cost of living data, and verified quotes from local service professionals.

Data Sources:

  • U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
  • South Dakota Labor Department
  • U.S. Census Bureau

Last updated: January 2026