South Dakota Caretaker Requirements
Everything an agency needs to hire compliant caretakers in South Dakota — and everything an individual needs to know before starting work.
Training
14h
Min Age
18
Pay
$12–18
TB Test
Yes
CPR
Varies
Verify Eligibility
Not required by most states for non-medical home care, but preferred by many agencies
Complete Background Checks & Screening
The hiring agency initiates and pays for these checks. All must clear before the caretaker has any client contact.
DCI criminal background check
Not required by the state, but many agencies require a pre-employment drug test
Must be completed within 12 months of hire. Some agencies require annual rescreening.
Not required by the state, but many agencies require it and it strengthens your application
Complete Required Training
Agencies are responsible for providing or arranging this training. It must be completed before the caretaker works independently with clients.
Personal Care Attendant (PCA)
Non-medical personal care provider.
14
Hours
Agency orientation
8 hoursSafety, client rights, personal care basics
Annual training
6 hoursContinuing education
Scope of Practice — What This Role Covers
Meet Additional State Requirements
Maintain Ongoing Compliance
Agencies must track these deadlines and ensure all staff remain compliant. Lapsed credentials can result in fines and loss of licensure.
Renewal & Continuing Education
Annual 6 hours of continuing education
Annually or per agency policy
Regulatory Body
Average Hourly Pay
$12 – $18
per hour for non-medical care
Higher rates for weekends, overnights, and specialized care (dementia, hospice support). Urban areas typically pay 15–25% more than rural.
Demand Outlook
Moderate — Sioux Falls and Rapid City are primary markets
Home care is one of the fastest-growing employment sectors in the U.S. Demand is driven by the aging population and preference for aging in place.
South Dakota-Specific Notes
- 1South Dakota has minimal state-level caregiver requirements
- 2Sioux Falls metro has the largest market
- 3Significant demand on Native American reservations
Frequently Asked Questions
How many training hours are required for caretakers in South Dakota?
South Dakota requires 14 hours of pre-service training for Personal Care Attendants. This typically covers agency orientation, annual training. The hiring agency is responsible for providing or verifying this training.
What background checks are required for home care caretakers in South Dakota?
South Dakota requires: DCI criminal background check. The hiring agency must complete all screening before the caretaker has any client contact. Drug testing policy: agency discretion.
How much do home care caretakers earn in South Dakota?
Non-medical home care caretakers in South Dakota earn $12–$18 per hour on average. Pay varies by region, experience, care complexity, and whether the shift is weekday vs weekend/overnight.
What is the minimum age to work as a caretaker in South Dakota?
You must be at least 18 years old to work as a non-medical home care caretaker in South Dakota. Most agencies also require a valid ID and legal work authorization.
What ongoing requirements do caretakers have in South Dakota?
Annual 6 hours of continuing education Agencies are responsible for tracking compliance and ensuring all staff maintain current credentials.
Managing caretaker compliance across your team?
HomeCareAtlas automatically tracks certifications, training deadlines, background check expirations, and renewal dates for every caretaker on your roster.
See how it worksThis guide is for informational purposes only. Requirements change — always verify with South Dakota Department of Health before starting training or employment. HomeCareAtlas is not a certifying body and does not guarantee the accuracy of this information.