How Much to Charge for Painting in South Dakota?2026 Statewide Rates & Calculator
With 0.9M residents and a 69% homeownership rate, South Dakota has approximately 611,800 potential painting customers. An emerging market with room to establish yourself. Build relationships and grow with the community. Demand for painting 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.
Select Your City in South Dakota
Get precise painting rates for your local market.
Or Use South Dakota State Average
Don't see your city? Use the calculator below with South Dakota statewide rates.
Enter Your Details
Include hallways
Wall surface area
Suggested: $41/hr based on South Dakota wages
Your Pricing
Recommended Price
Range: $1,190 - $1,488
$0.89/sq ft - 17.6h estimated
5 gallons of paint needed + 3 gallons primer
Cost Breakdown
South Dakota Painting Market Intelligence
Pricing models, earning potential, and market comparison for painting in South Dakota.
Painting Pricing Breakdown
| Pricing Model | Low | Typical | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Per sq ft (interior) | $1 | $2 | $4 |
| Per sq ft (exterior) | $2 | $3 | $5 |
| Per room (avg 12x12) | $184 | $368 | $644 |
| Per hour | $32 | $41 | $60 |
Prices adjusted for South Dakota cost of living (92% of national average).
How Much Can You Earn Doing Painting in South Dakota?
Estimates based on South Dakota average rates. Actual income varies by experience, efficiency, and client mix.
South Dakota vs Other Markets
| Market | Hourly Rate | COL | Demand |
|---|---|---|---|
| South Dakota | $41/hr | 92% | low |
| National Average | $45/hr | 100% | - |
| North Dakota(neighbor) | $43/hr | 96% | low |
| Minnesota(neighbor) | $44/hr | 97% | high |
Your Business Misses 5-10 Calls a Day.
One Is a Hot Lead - Gone to a Competitor.
Every time you can't answer, that caller Googles the next business - and they pick up. 62% won't leave a voicemail. They won't call back. That's $200-500 walking out the door. Stop losing money - let AI answer while you work.
Instant Call Answering
Never miss a lead, even at 3 AM
Smart Scheduling
Books appointments directly to your calendar
SMS Follow-ups
Automatic text confirmations to callers
24/7 Availability
Works while you sleep, holidays included
"I answer calls now when I can, but Voctiv catches everything I miss. No more lost leads."
- William P., Small Business Owner, Utah
Setup takes 40 seconds. While you're reading this, someone's trying to call you.
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 Painting Business Tips
Local insights for running a successful painting business in South Dakota
Short season (May-September) means premium pricing is expected.
Sioux Falls is the primary market. Limited competition in smaller cities.
No state income tax is a business advantage. Lower overhead enables competitive pricing.
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.
Painting Demand in South Dakota by Month
Plan your year around seasonal demand patterns.
Plan alternative income sources for the off-season months.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much should I charge for painting in South Dakota?
In South Dakota, painting rates range from $33-$62/hour, with an average of $41/hour. South Dakota's cost of living is 92% of the national average. Major cities like Sioux Falls command higher rates ($43/hr), while smaller markets like Watertown average $38/hr.
What's the South Dakota average for painting services?
The South Dakota statewide average for painting is $41/hour or approximately $123-$205 per job. This reflects South Dakota's 92% cost of living index relative to the national baseline.
Which South Dakota cities have the highest painting rates?
In South Dakota, Sioux Falls has the highest painting rates at around $43/hour due to its 95% cost of living. Other high-rate areas include Sioux Falls, Rapid City, Aberdeen.
Do I need a license for painting 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 painting businesses?
South Dakota offers a competitive market for painting with rates averaging $41/hour. The state's 92% cost of living index supports sustainable pricing. Top markets include Sioux Falls, Rapid City, Aberdeen.
Nearby States
Other Calculators for South Dakota
Based on
10,000+ quotes
Used by
5,000+ pros
Updated
January 2026
Verified by
BLS Data
Painting 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