Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in South Dakota: $56,331 (2026)
Quick Answer:Across South Dakota's 11 metropolitan areas, the average median licensed practical nurse pay sits at $56,331/year heading into 2026 — a figure projected from 2025 BLS OEWS wage data for SOC 29-2061. Because South Dakota sits at BEA RPP 92.8 (7% below the U.S. baseline), that statewide median translates to roughly $60,702 in nationally-comparable purchasing power. Highest-paying metros: Watertown ($57,465), Yankton ($57,447), Spearfish ($57,303).
In South Dakota, the average median salary for licensed practical nurses (LPNs) in 2026 is projected to be $56,331, which is about 17.2% lower than the national median of $68,071. The salary range varies notably among cities; Watertown offers the highest pay at $60,741, while Rapid City provides the lowest at $55,197, resulting in a difference of $5,544. This disparity can be attributed to factors such as local demand for healthcare services, cost of living, and the specific needs of different communities. To practice as an LPN in South Dakota, individuals must complete a state-approved nursing program and pass the NCLEX-PN exam. The state’s laws and regulations provide a defined scope of practice, allowing LPNs to work in various healthcare settings under the supervision of registered nurses and physicians. The job market for LPNs shows a positive outlook, with a projected annual growth rate of 5.70%, indicating demand for these professionals is expected to rise. Currently, about 1,375 LPNs are employed across the state, with top-paying cities such as Yankton, Spearfish, Mitchell, and Aberdeen close in compensation to Watertown, ranging from $60,031 to $60,721. This growth underscores the increasing need for skilled nursing personnel in South Dakota's healthcare sector.
South Dakota Licensed Practical Nurse Salary Range
Overall salary range in South Dakota: $41,160 (lowest entry-level) to $78,133 (highest top earner)
South Dakota vs National Average
South Dakota licensed practical nurses earn 17.25% less than the national median ($-11,740/year difference).
South Dakota Licensed Practical Nurse Salary Distribution (2026)
Licensed Practical Nurse salaries in South Dakota range from $42,058 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $70,981 (top earners, 90th percentile), with a median of $56,331. The South Dakota median is $11,740 below the US national median of $68,071. The average hourly rate is $27.08/hr. Approximately 1,375 licensed practical nurses are employed across 11 cities.
2019 BLS Actual
$39,481
2025 BLS Actual
$53,293
2026 Current Est.
$56,331
2019–2027 Growth
+50.8%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in South Dakota (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $39,481 | Actual |
| 2020 | $40,257 | Actual |
| 2021 | $44,092 | Actual |
| 2022 | $47,576 | Actual |
| 2023 | $49,405 | Actual |
| 2024 | $49,250 | Actual |
| 2025 | $53,293 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $56,331 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $59,542 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the South Dakota metropolitan area, the median licensed practical nurse salary grew 35.0% from $39,481 (2019) to $53,293 (2025). At a 5.70% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $59,542 by 2027 — a total increase of $20,061 (50.81%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the South Dakota metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 5.70% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Top 5 Highest Paying Cities in South Dakota
Lowest Paying Cities in South Dakota
| City | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Rapid City | $55,197 |
| Sioux Falls | $56,571 |
| Huron | $58,255 |
| Vermillion | $58,346 |
| Brookings | $58,360 |
Best Value Cities for Licensed Practical Nurses in South Dakota
When adjusted for local cost of living, these South Dakota cities offer the most purchasing power for licensed practical nurses.
| City | Nominal Salary | CoL Index | Adjusted Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Watertown | $60,741 | 92.8 | $65,454 |
| Yankton | $60,721 | 92.8 | $65,432 |
| Spearfish | $60,569 | 92.8 | $65,268 |
| Mitchell | $60,133 | 92.8 | $64,798 |
| Aberdeen | $60,031 | 92.8 | $64,689 |
Adjusted salary = nominal salary × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average. Lower index = lower cost of living.
Salary by Experience Level in South Dakota
| Experience Level | Estimated Annual |
|---|---|
| Entry Level (0-2 years) | $42,058 |
| Mid Career (3-7 years) | $56,331 |
| Experienced (7+ years) | $70,981 |
Estimates based on BLS percentile data averaged across South Dakota metro areas. Individual pay varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
All 11 Cities in South Dakota
| # | City | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Watertown | $60,741 |
| 2 | Yankton | $60,721 |
| 3 | Spearfish | $60,569 |
| 4 | Mitchell | $60,133 |
| 5 | Aberdeen | $60,031 |
| 6 | Pierre | $59,348 |
| 7 | Brookings | $58,360 |
| 8 | Vermillion | $58,346 |
| 9 | Huron | $58,255 |
| 10 | Sioux Falls | $56,571 |
| 11 | Rapid City | $55,197 |
More South Dakota Salary Data
Hourly Rates
Explore licensed practical nurse hourly pay in South Dakota cities.
Senior / Experienced
Top earner salaries for experienced licensed practical nurses.
Explore More Licensed Practical Nurse Salary Data
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do licensed practical nurses make in South Dakota in 2026?
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How does South Dakota licensed practical nurse pay compare to the national average?
What is the entry-level licensed practical nurse salary in South Dakota?
How many licensed practical nurses are employed in South Dakota?
Which South Dakota city offers the best value for licensed practical nurses?
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
Statewide salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 5.70% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to each metro area's reported salary to estimate current 2026 licensed practical nurse compensation across South Dakota. State averages are employment-weighted across 11 metro areas — larger metro areas with more licensed practical nursescontribute proportionally more to the average, producing figures that better reflect typical compensation. Individual pay varies by city, employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.70%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for licensed practical nurses (SOC 29-2061).
Compiled and verified by Aisha Malik, LPN, a licensed licensed practical nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov