Licensed Practical Nurse Salaries in South Dakota — 2026 Overview
BLS 2026Licensed Practical Nurses in South Dakota earn an average of $49,170 per year ($23.64/hr) according to the latest BLS data. The state currently employs around 2,100 licensed practical nurses.
Licensed Practical Nurse salaries in South Dakota are below the national average by approximately $14,317. South Dakota has no state income tax.
South Dakota's diverse economy underpins consistent demand for licensed practical nurses across both urban and rural areas.
South Dakota Licensed Practical Nurse Take-Home Pay Calculator
InteractiveEnter your gross annual salary to estimate take-home pay in South Dakota after federal tax, Social Security and Medicare. South Dakota has no state income tax.
Estimate based on 2026 federal tax brackets, single filer, standard deduction. South Dakota has no state income tax. Does not account for local taxes or benefit deductions.
Am I Paid Fairly? — South Dakota Licensed Practical Nurse Check
InteractiveEnter your current salary to see how it compares to the South Dakota median of $49,170.
Licensed Practical Nurse Salary by Experience — South Dakota
Licensed Practical Nurse Salary Trend in South Dakota — 2021 to 2026
5-Year DataOver the past five years, South Dakota has seen 13.9% wage growth for licensed practical nurses — broadly in line with cost-of-living changes across the region. The growth reflects broader workforce and economic conditions in South Dakota's healthcare and long-term care.
Licensed Practical Nurse Salary by City — South Dakota
BLS Metro Data| City / Metro Area | Annual Median | Hourly | vs State | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sioux Falls | $54,600 | $26.25 | +11.0% | 735 |
| Rapid City | $52,100 | $25.05 | +6.0% | 588 |
| Aberdeen | $50,650 | $24.35 | +3.0% | 378 |
| Brookings | $47,200 | $22.69 | -4.0% | 189 |
| Watertown | $44,750 | $21.51 | -9.0% | 126 |
| Mitchell | $42,800 | $20.58 | -13.0% | 84 |
Tip: Sioux Falls offers the highest licensed practical nurse salaries in South Dakota at $54,600/yr — +11.0% above the state average.
South Dakota vs Nearby States — Purchasing Power
Cost of Living AdjustedGross salary figures don't tell the whole story. After adjusting for state income tax, South Dakota compares favourably for licensed practical nurses.
Take-home estimates based on single filer, standard deduction, 2026 federal brackets. South Dakota has no state income tax.
Licensed Practical Nurse Job Outlook in South Dakota
BLS ProjectionsEmployment for licensed practical nurses in South Dakota is projected to grow over the next decade, driven by strong demand across the South Dakota job market. South Dakota's diverse economy underpins consistent demand for licensed practical nurses across both urban and rural areas.
How to Earn More as a Licensed Practical Nurse in South Dakota
1. Pursue advanced certification or licensing. Moving from entry to senior level as a licensed practical nurse in South Dakota typically adds $40,300 to your annual salary. Additional certifications from the State Board of Nursing can accelerate this progression.
2. Target the highest-paying city. Sioux Falls pays licensed practical nurses $54,600/yr — +11.0% above the South Dakota average. Simply relocating within South Dakota can meaningfully increase your income without changing careers.
3. Specialise in high-demand areas. Licensed Practical Nurses who specialise in healthcare and long-term care typically command premium rates in South Dakota. Identifying growing niches within your field is one of the fastest paths to higher pay.
4. Consider neighbouring states. North Dakota pays licensed practical nurses $60,820/yr — 23.7% vs South Dakota.
Find Licensed Practical Nurse Jobs in South Dakota
Live ListingsSearch current licensed practical nurse job vacancies in South Dakota:
🔍 Licensed Practical Nurse jobs in South Dakota — Indeed→ 🔍 Licensed Practical Nurse jobs in South Dakota — ZipRecruiter→ 🔍 Licensed Practical Nurse jobs — Sioux Falls, SD→