Senior Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Brookings, SD: $70,660 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of licensed practical nurses working in Brookings, SD — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $70,660/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-2061. Strip back Brookings's price premium (BEA RPP 92.8, 7% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $76,142 in average-cost America. The 21% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, experienced licensed practical nurses in Brookings, South Dakota have the potential to earn a top licensed practical nurse salary of $70,660, with many in this category seeing compensation around $66,792 at the 75th percentile. This represents a significant step up from the annual median salary of $58,360 for individuals in this field. For those aiming for these upper echelons of pay, achieving specialized skills and certifications can be pivotal. Advanced training in areas such as IV therapy, wound care, or long-term care can help candidates command these lucrative salaries, highlighting the experience premium available in Brookings—over $12,000 separating top earners from the median.
About the Brookings Market
Salary estimated from South Dakota average ($48,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Brookings
Experienced licensed practical nurses at the top of the pay scale in Brookings earn between $66,792 and $70,660 per year (2026 est.). This $21,703 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Brookings median of $58,360 sits 14.27% below the US median.
Top LPN Salary Comparison
| Level | Brookings | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $58,360 | $68,071 |
| 75th Percentile | $66,792 | $80,364 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $70,660 | $88,196 |
In Brookings, experienced licensed practical nurses (P90) earn 21.08% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Licensed Practical Nurse Pay in Brookings
Advanced Certifications in South Dakota
SD licensed practical nurses with additional specialty certifications within the nursing field earn significantly above the $58,360 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Brookings employers.
Specialty Focus
Licensed Practical Nurses focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the nursing field in Brookings command premium compensation, often reaching the $66,792–$70,660 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Brookings metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced licensed practical nurses who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured licensed practical nurses in Brookings with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Licensed Practical Nurses in South Dakota who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Licensed Practical Nurse Career & Wage Growth Path in Brookings
Clinical Licensed Practical Nurse
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Licensed Practical Nurse
5-10 yearsLicensed Practical Nurse Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedBrookings ranks #8 of 11 South Dakota cities for top earner licensed practical nurse salary (90th percentile: $70,660).
Top 10% licensed practical nurse compensation in Brookings ($70,660) is 0.45% below the South Dakota average P90 ($70,982).
2019 BLS Actual
$50,762
2025 BLS Actual
$66,850
2026 Current Est.
$70,660
2019–2027 Growth
+47.1%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Brookings (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $50,762 | Actual |
| 2020 | $52,493 | Actual |
| 2021 | $51,107 | Actual |
| 2022 | $58,205 | Actual |
| 2023 | $62,387 | Actual |
| 2024 | $49,665 | Actual |
| 2025 | $66,850 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $70,660 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $74,688 | Projected |
Top-earning licensed practical nurses (90th percentile) in Brookings saw their compensation grow 31.7% from $50,762 in 2019 to $66,850 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 5.70% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $74,688 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Brookings 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.
Maximizing Your Licensed Practical Nurse Earnings in Brookings
Properties of employment and specializations can greatly influence senior licensed practical nurse pay in SD. For instance, roles within long-term care facilities often offer robust compensation compared to home health or physician offices. Payers are also willing to provide additional stipends for specialized skills, such as IV therapy certifications or charge LPN responsibilities, which can enhance overall earnings. Furthermore, opportunities for career advancement, such as transitioning to an LPN-to-RN bridge program or becoming a nursing supervisor, are both accessible and financially rewarding. Non-salary incentives, including shift differentials and holiday premiums, add to the overall attractiveness of senior roles within Brookings, making this an appealing market for seasoned professionals.
More salary data for Brookings, SD:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced licensed practical nurses make in Brookings in 2026?
What drives higher licensed practical nurse pay in Brookings?
What certifications boost licensed practical nurse salary in Brookings?
Can experienced licensed practical nurses make six figures in Brookings?
How much does licensed practical nurse salary increase over time in Brookings?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in South Dakota
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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $66,850 for licensed practical nurses in the Brookings metro area. A 5.70% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Brookings is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
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