Pierre vs Rapid City: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Pierre, SD and Rapid City, SD. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Pierre, SD | Rapid City, SD |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $59,348▲ | $55,197 |
| Hourly Rate | $28.53▲ | $26.54 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,416▲ | $43,802 |
| 25th Percentile | $57,587▲ | $51,317 |
| 75th Percentile | $69,073▲ | $66,010 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $73,714 | $78,133▲ |
| Total Employed | 4 | 340▲ |
Verdict
Pierre and Rapid City are closely matched on overall licensed practical nurse compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Pierre and Rapid City is $4,151 (7.52%). Pierre's median is -12.81% compared to the US national median of $68,071.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Pierre spans $27,298,Rapid City spans $34,331. Rapid City has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced licensed practical nurses.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Pierre ($63,953 effective) pays 3.30% more than Rapid City ($61,908 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Pierre if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($59,348/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $63,953)
- ✓You prefer the South Dakota area and lifestyle
Choose Rapid City if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($78,133)
- ✓Larger job market (340 employed)
- ✓You prefer the South Dakota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, licensed practical nurse salaries in Pierre grew 34.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 29.0% growth in Rapid City over the same period.
Pierre, SD
$41,850 (2024) → $56,148 (2025)
Rapid City, SD
$40,480 (2019) → $52,220 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Pierre, SD
Rapid City, SD
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Pierre or Rapid City?
What is the hourly rate difference between Pierre and Rapid City?
Should I relocate from Pierre to Rapid City as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Pierre vs Rapid City?
Written by Aisha Malik, LPN
Career Analyst
Aisha has 10 years of experience as a licensed practical nurse. She specializes in pediatric nursing. Aisha has worked in various outpatient clinics.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.70% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Aisha Malik, LPN, a licensed licensed practical nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov