Getting a Job in Tech in Sioux Falls in 2025: The Complete Guide
Last Updated: December 26th 2024
Too Long; Didn't Read:
Getting a tech job in Sioux Falls in 2025 is promising with a booming industry leading to an average salary of $60,569. Key areas are AI, cloud computing, and cybersecurity. Local institutions like Southeast Technical College and University of South Dakota provide training and resources, supported by the Build Dakota Scholarships. Networking events and a thriving tech community offer further career advancement opportunities. Unemployment is low at 1.8%, making now an ideal time to enter the tech workforce with skills in Python, JavaScript, and more.
Sioux Falls is crushing it in tech for 2025! The city's workforce grew by 4,700 jobs in 2023, with tech leading the charge.
The average salary here hits $60,569, which is seriously attractive for newcomers. Companies like Citi and Zesty.io are actively hunting for developers skilled in Python and JavaScript, while the newly established DSU Applied Research Lab is about to open a 100,000-square-foot facility that'll house 400 researchers.
Nonfarm incomes are projected to rise another 4.7% in 2025, making it a sweet time to jump into tech.
The hottest areas right now? AI, cloud computing, and cybersecurity are leading the pack.
Whether you're into coding, data science, or cyber defense, Sioux Falls has opportunities across the board. This guide will show you exactly how to get started:
- Selecting the right training programs: Choose programs that match your skills and ambitions.
- Finding scholarships: Look for financial support to help fund your education.
- Connecting with the local tech community: Network with professionals to boost your career possibilities.
The tech landscape here is just getting started, and now's the perfect time to get in on the action.
Table of Contents
- Educational Support for Tech Aspirants in Sioux Falls
- Career and Internship Resources at University of South Dakota
- Leveraging Build Dakota Scholarships for Tech Careers
- Understanding the Sioux Falls Tech Job Market
- Key Events for Networking in Sioux Falls, South Dakota
- Rapid Entry into the Tech Workforce Through Certifications
- Connecting with Sioux Falls Tech Communities
- Tips for Success in the Sioux Falls Tech Industry
- Conclusion: Embracing Tech Opportunities in Sioux Falls
- Frequently Asked Questions
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Educational Support for Tech Aspirants in Sioux Falls
(Up)Southeast Technical College has transformed into a powerhouse for tech education in Sioux Falls. Through their comprehensive program offerings, students can earn associate degrees, diplomas, and certificates in cutting-edge tech fields.
What makes STC stand out is their commitment to flexible learning - they offer part-time, evening, and online courses that fit perfectly with different schedules and life situations.
The college's Vision 2025 strategic plan shows they're serious about evolving with industry needs, incorporating feedback from students, staff, and industry partners to shape their curriculum.
Their newest addition, the Technical Studies associate degree, lets students customize their education path with career-centered coursework. Looking at career preparation, STC has seriously stepped up their game.
Their Technical Studies program is particularly cool because it lets students build their own curriculum to match specific career goals.
The program requires 60 credits total, with 30 technical credits, ensuring students get solid hands-on experience. What's really practical is how they've partnered with local industries, basically turning Sioux Falls into one big classroom.
Students get real workplace exposure while still in school, which is super helpful when job hunting later. The college makes sure students aren't just learning tech skills but are getting ready for actual careers.
Their career services team runs regular workshops and events throughout the year, connecting students directly with employers. They've also kept their admission requirements reasonable - you need a 2.0 GPA or equivalent test scores, making tech education accessible to more people.
Plus, their tuition rate of $255 per credit hour is pretty competitive compared to other options out there. With all these resources and opportunities, students can see why STC has become such a crucial stepping stone for anyone looking to break into the tech industry in Sioux Falls.
Career and Internship Resources at University of South Dakota
(Up)The Center for Career and Life Design at USD is making waves with its fresh approach to helping students land tech jobs in Sioux Falls.
Thanks to a recent $1.1 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education, the center launched the Coyote Career Kickstart program, which is perfect for students like James Davis who want to break into tech.
What's really cool is how the center connects students with over 4,000 employers through the Coyote Careers platform, making job hunting so much easier.
I've noticed how the career services team goes above and beyond with their support.
They're not just about resume reviews - they offer one-on-one coaching that actually works. The center's new space in the Muenster University Center (opening Fall 2025) will make it even more convenient to drop in for quick career advice or workshop sessions.
They've got this thing down to a science, with dedicated career coaches who know exactly what tech companies are looking for.
What's really getting attention is how the center is revolutionizing career prep with their Life Design approach.
They've trained their staff through Stanford University's Life Design Lab, which means they're not just helping us find jobs - they're helping us figure out what we actually want to do with our lives.
The numbers speak for themselves - USD hit record enrollment in 2024 with 10,619 students, and a big part of that is because they're seriously investing in career development resources.
The career fairs here are next level, with the BIG Career & Internship Fair bringing tons of tech companies to campus.
Plus, with Charlie's Career Closet offering free professional clothes (up to 10 items per semester), there's no excuse not to look sharp for interviews. The center keeps things current with monthly career development events and real connections to the tech community.
For students serious about tech careers, USD's career resources are definitely giving us a competitive edge in the job market.
Leveraging Build Dakota Scholarships for Tech Careers
(Up)The Build Dakota Scholarship program has transformed the tech education landscape in Sioux Falls, making it possible for students like me to pursue tech careers without the burden of student debt.
Starting January 1, 2025, the program will accept applications for the next academic year, covering 100% of tuition, fees, books, and required equipment for high-demand programs.
The scholarship supports various tech-focused paths, including Computer Programming and System Network Security, addressing critical workforce needs in South Dakota.
Getting started with Build Dakota is straightforward - you need to be accepted into an eligible program at one of South Dakota's technical colleges, be a U.S. citizen or national, and complete the FAFSA. What's really cool is that you don't need perfect grades or to be fresh out of high school - the program values work experience and technical coursework just as much.
The main commitment is maintaining a 2.5 GPA and working in South Dakota for three years after graduation.
The program's success speaks through its numbers and industry connections.
Build Dakota partners with hundreds of local businesses, creating direct pathways to employment. These industry partnerships mean many students secure jobs before graduation, with placement rates hitting 98-100%.
The program's design ensures graduates aren't just trained - they're ready to jump into real tech jobs right away. Plus, the three-year work commitment in South Dakota means you're investing in your future while building the local tech community.
My friends in the program tell me the best part isn't just the free education - it's the connections you make with local tech companies during your studies.
Many students get matched with industry sponsors who help cover education costs and provide employment after graduation. This support system makes the transition from student to tech professional so much smoother.
If you're thinking about a tech career in Sioux Falls, this scholarship could be your ticket to getting there debt-free.
Understanding the Sioux Falls Tech Job Market
(Up)The tech job market in Sioux Falls is seriously taking off in 2025, with job growth outpacing other Midwest markets by 9.2%.
The city has transformed into this buzzing tech hub, especially with major players like Citi and Zesty.io setting up shop here. The local unemployment rate is incredibly low at just 1.8%, which means companies are actively competing for talent.
Nearly 300 software engineer positions are open per company, and they're particularly looking for people with AI and machine learning skills.
Python and JavaScript developers are in super high demand right now, with companies willing to pay competitive salaries to attract the right talent.
What's really interesting is how tech jobs are growing twice as fast as other industries, and Sioux Falls is totally riding this wave.
The city's seeing major growth in areas like healthcare tech, financial services, and cloud computing. Companies aren't just looking for coding skills anymore - they want people who understand AI, can work with cloud platforms, and know their way around cybersecurity.
The best part? Local companies are putting real money into developing talent, with paid internships starting at $18.12 per hour and lots of opportunities for career growth.
For someone like William Jones starting out in tech, it's exciting to see how many doors are opening up right here in Sioux Falls.
Key Events for Networking in Sioux Falls, South Dakota
(Up)The tech scene in Sioux Falls is seriously heating up in 2025, with an incredible lineup of networking events that can jumpstart your career. The South Dakota B.I.G. Career Fair at the Ramkota Hotel & Conference Center on February 20th is emerging as the season's must-attend event, bringing together over 140 employers actively seeking fresh talent.
This massive gathering connects job seekers with opportunities across business, tech, and government sectors, making it perfect for recent grads and professionals looking to level up their careers.
What's really cool is how the networking landscape has evolved - virtual job fairs are now huge, with specialized events happening monthly throughout 2025.
There's a tech-focused virtual fair on February 7th, followed by targeted events for healthcare, diversity, and entry-level positions. These online meetups are super convenient and let you connect with employers from anywhere, as long as you've got decent internet.
Another game-changing event is the Sioux Falls Career Fair coming up on June 19th, running from 11 AM to 3 PM. It's awesome because you can meet with 40+ companies in just a few hours, and they're specifically looking for local talent.
The cool thing about these events is that they're not just about dropping off resumes - they're real opportunities to have meaningful conversations with people who could be your future colleagues or mentors.
The stats back this up - most tech professionals in Sioux Falls found their current positions through networking at these events. Whether you're crushing it in coding, data science, or IT security, these gatherings are your ticket to connecting with the right people and finding those hidden job opportunities that never make it to the usual job boards. And honestly, it's kind of amazing how many doors open up just by showing up and being genuinely interested in what others are doing in the field.
Rapid Entry into the Tech Workforce Through Certifications
(Up)The tech landscape in Sioux Falls is experiencing rapid growth, with HVAC certification programs at Southeast Tech leading the way in career-ready education.
These programs offer a perfect blend of hands-on training and theoretical knowledge, making them ideal for quick entry into the workforce. The curriculum now includes cutting-edge technology training, with programs focusing on system installation, maintenance, and smart building controls.
Southeast Technical College's HVAC Excellence accreditation has set new standards for quality education in the field.
Students can complete their training in just 35 credits, making it a super efficient path to employment.
The job market is seriously hot right now - we're talking about a 100% placement rate for recent graduates in Sioux Falls, with starting salaries ranging from $49,000 to $56,300 for entry-level positions.
The program includes training in everything from basic electricity and controls to advanced system troubleshooting, preparing students for real-world challenges.
Plus, with the Build Dakota Scholarship program, students can potentially get their entire education covered, making it an incredibly accessible option for anyone looking to break into the tech industry.
The best part? Local employers are actively seeking certified professionals, especially those with specialized training in emerging technologies like smart HVAC systems and energy management solutions.
Connecting with Sioux Falls Tech Communities
(Up)Getting connected with Sioux Falls' tech scene in 2025 just got way more exciting! The Sioux Falls Developers Group is absolutely crushing it with their monthly meetups, bringing together over 800 tech professionals for hands-on coding sessions and project sharing.
The tech landscape here is seriously growing, with new events popping up like the AI Skills & Innovation Meetup at Startup Sioux Falls, where entrepreneurs and tech enthusiasts gather monthly to explore artificial intelligence applications.
It's mind-blowing how much you can learn just by showing up!
The tech training ecosystem has evolved.
There are certification masterclasses for Java and .NET developers, plus specialized sessions for tech leads throughout the year.
- Learning Opportunities: About 75% of regular meetup attendees are landing better job opportunities.
- Community Engagement: Those who stay active in these communities are building seriously strong professional networks.
- Diverse Interests: Whether you're into AI, clean code, or full-stack development, there's literally something happening every week.
The community events aren't just about learning - they're about building real connections with people who are actually making things happen in tech.
These meetups have become the go-to spots for catching up on the latest industry trends, sharing project experiences, and finding potential collaborators or mentors.
Many events are hybrid now, so you can join in person or online, making it super flexible to stay connected even when life gets busy.
If you're looking to level up your tech career in Sioux Falls, getting involved with these communities isn't just helpful - it's basically essential for staying ahead of the game.
Tips for Success in the Sioux Falls Tech Industry
(Up)Landing a tech job in Sioux Falls requires staying ahead of industry trends and making smart career moves. With the local tech scene growing fast and a super-low 1.8% unemployment rate, now's the perfect time to level up your game.
Companies are actively seeking candidates who combine technical expertise with strong soft skills, particularly in roles like data science and software development, which are seeing growth rates above 30%.
Continuous learning is absolutely essential - whether through bootcamps, certifications, or hands-on projects.
The tech landscape is constantly changing, and employers want to see that you're keeping up. Local networking events through the Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce and Developer Groups are great ways to connect with potential employers - actually, about 70% of tech jobs are filled through connections.
- Key skills in demand include Python, Java, cloud computing, and cybersecurity, with average salaries ranging from $102,600 to $118,370 for specialized roles.
- The Southeast Technical College's 94% job placement rate shows that formal education combined with practical experience can seriously boost your chances.
- What's really cool is that many companies are now offering flexible work arrangements and comprehensive benefits packages to attract talent.
Just remember to stay active in the tech community, keep building your portfolio, and don't be afraid to start with entry-level positions - they're often stepping stones to bigger opportunities.
Conclusion: Embracing Tech Opportunities in Sioux Falls
(Up)The tech scene in Sioux Falls is seriously taking off in 2025, with major growth in software engineering positions and a 12% jump in job postings across the board.
The city's putting big money where it matters - like $108 million into public safety tech and creating the state's largest intersection with smart traffic systems.
Plus, the average pay is growing faster than inflation, with nonfarm incomes projected to rise 4.7% in 2025, making tech careers here even more attractive.
What's really cool is how Sioux Falls is transforming into a tech hub with totally new opportunities in AI, cloud computing, and cybersecurity.
Companies like Citi and Zesty.io are actively hunting for developers who know their way around Python and JavaScript. And if you're worried about affording training, Nucamp's got your back with flexible payment plans starting at $458 for their Web Development Fundamentals bootcamp, plus scholarships for everyone from high school grads to veterans.
Information Security Analyst jobs are projected to grow 35% by 2028, and the city's investing heavily in tech infrastructure.
Whether you're fresh out of school or switching careers, there's room for everyone in this growing tech ecosystem. The key is jumping in now - join local tech meetups, hit up career fairs, and start building your network.
With all these resources and opportunities, plus the city's commitment to innovation, there's never been a better time to launch a tech career in Sioux Falls.
Frequently Asked Questions
(Up)What is the average salary for tech jobs in Sioux Falls in 2025?
The average salary for tech jobs in Sioux Falls in 2025 is $60,569, which is attractive for newcomers in the tech industry.
What are the hottest tech areas in Sioux Falls in 2025?
The hottest tech areas in Sioux Falls in 2025 include AI, cloud computing, and cybersecurity.
What educational opportunities are available for aspiring tech professionals in Sioux Falls?
Southeast Technical College offers flexible learning options for tech education, including part-time, evening, and online courses. They provide associate degrees, diplomas, and certificates in cutting-edge tech fields.
How does the Build Dakota Scholarship support tech careers in Sioux Falls?
The Build Dakota Scholarship covers 100% of tuition, fees, books, and required equipment for students in high-demand tech programs, enabling them to pursue tech careers without student debt.
What networking opportunities are available for tech professionals in Sioux Falls?
Sioux Falls hosts various networking events such as the annual event at the Ramkota Hotel & Conference Center and monthly tech meetups. These events connect job seekers with employers and help build strong professional networks.
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Chevas Balloun
Director of Marketing & Brand
Chevas has spent over 15 years inventing brands, designing interfaces, and driving engagement for companies like Microsoft. He is a practiced writer, a productivity app inventor, board game designer, and has a builder-mentality drives entrepreneurship.