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70 Home Businesses You Can Start Without a License in South Dakota

These occupations don't require a state-issued occupational license in South Dakota. You still need basic business registration (LLC or sole prop), but you can skip the licensing fees, training requirements, and exams.

70 license-free · 32 require a license · LLC cost: $150

No License

70

License Required

32

LLC Cost

$150

Sales Tax

4.2%

Construction and Home Services

Crane Operator
No license

Median

$33.85/hr

Annual

$70,400

Full guide →

Median

$29.87/hr

Annual

$62,140

Full guide →

Median

$28.70/hr

Annual

$59,700

Full guide →

Median

$28.59/hr

Annual

$59,460

Full guide →

Median

$28.59/hr

Annual

$59,460

Full guide →

Median

$28.57/hr

Annual

$59,420

Full guide →

Median

$28.57/hr

Annual

$59,420

Full guide →

Median

$27.70/hr

Annual

$57,610

Full guide →

Median

$27.70/hr

Annual

$57,610

Full guide →

Median

$24.80/hr

Annual

$51,590

Full guide →

Median

$24.80/hr

Annual

$51,590

Full guide →

Median

$24.15/hr

Annual

$50,220

Full guide →

Median

$24.15/hr

Annual

$50,220

Full guide →

Median

$23.94/hr

Annual

$49,780

Full guide →

Median

$23.94/hr

Annual

$49,780

Full guide →

Median

$23.94/hr

Annual

$49,780

Full guide →

Median

$23.94/hr

Annual

$49,780

Full guide →

Median

$23.66/hr

Annual

$49,210

Full guide →

Median

$23.66/hr

Annual

$49,210

Full guide →

Median

$23.43/hr

Annual

$48,730

Full guide →

Median

$23.43/hr

Annual

$48,730

Full guide →

Median

$22.71/hr

Annual

$47,230

Full guide →

Median

$22.40/hr

Annual

$46,600

Full guide →

Median

$22.40/hr

Annual

$46,600

Full guide →

Median

$21.71/hr

Annual

$45,150

Full guide →

Median

$21.71/hr

Annual

$45,150

Full guide →

Median

$19.32/hr

Annual

$40,190

Full guide →

Median

$19.32/hr

Annual

$40,190

Full guide →

Median

$15.24/hr

Annual

$31,710

Full guide →

Other

Median

$28.36/hr

Annual

$58,990

Full guide →
Auctioneer
No license

Median

$27.89/hr

Annual

$58,010

Full guide →

Median

$20.45/hr

Annual

$42,540

Full guide →

Median

$17.79/hr

Annual

$37,010

Full guide →

Animals, Agriculture, and Outdoors

Median

$23.84/hr

Annual

$49,590

Full guide →

Median

$23.84/hr

Annual

$49,590

Full guide →
Tree Trimmer
No license

Median

$23.76/hr

Annual

$49,430

Full guide →
Animal Trainer
No license

Median

$18.94/hr

Annual

$39,380

Full guide →
Forest Worker
No license

Median

$18.12/hr

Annual

$37,690

Full guide →
Nursery Worker
No license

Median

$17.79/hr

Annual

$36,990

Full guide →
Florist
No license

Median

$16.37/hr

Annual

$34,050

Full guide →
Packer
No license

Median

$14.30/hr

Annual

$29,750

Full guide →

Health

Median

$22.92/hr

Annual

$47,680

Full guide →
Optician
No license

Median

$19.72/hr

Annual

$41,020

Full guide →

Median

$18.15/hr

Annual

$37,750

Full guide →

Entertainment and Hospitality

Travel Agency
No license

Median

$22.41/hr

Annual

$46,610

Full guide →
Bartender
No license

Median

$13.72/hr

Annual

$28,530

Full guide →

Transportation and Machinery

Weigher
No license

Median

$20.76/hr

Annual

$43,170

Full guide →

Median

$20.71/hr

Annual

$43,080

Full guide →

Median

$13.17/hr

Annual

$27,400

Full guide →

Education

What You Still Need (Even Without a License)

Business Registration

Form an LLC ($150 in South Dakota) or register as a sole proprietor. An LLC protects your personal assets.

EIN (Tax ID)

Free from IRS.gov. Required for opening a business bank account and filing taxes. Takes 5 minutes online.

Home Occupation Permit

Most cities/counties require a permit to run a business from home. Usually $0-150. Check your local zoning office.

Business Insurance

General liability insurance runs $15-40/month for home businesses. Protects you from lawsuits and property damage claims.

Data: Institute for Justice License to Work 3. BLS OEWS May 2024 (wage data). "No license" means no state-issued occupational license — local permits and general business registration may still apply.