Registered nurse salary in South Dakota
The median registered nurse in South Dakota earned $78,060 a year in 2025, $19,490 (20%) below the $97,550 national median. That ranks 49th of 51 states.
- Median yearly pay
- $78,060
- Average yearly pay
- $77,140
- Employed in South Dakota
- 14,710
How South Dakota compares
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, state estimates. Pay is before tax and does not adjust for cost of living, which is higher in some states than others.
Nursing pay in South Dakota
| Role | Median yearly pay | Employed |
|---|---|---|
| Registered nurse | $78,060 | 14,710 |
| LPN or LVN | $52,750 | 2,050 |
| Nurse practitioner | $128,840 | 1,020 |
A nurse practitioner in South Dakota earns a median $50,780 more than a registered nurse ($128,840 against $78,060). A registered nurse earns a median $25,310 more than an LPN or LVN here ($78,060 against $52,750).
Next steps
Common questions
How much does a registered nurse make in South Dakota?
The median is $78,060 a year, according to BLS data for May 2025. Half of registered nurses in South Dakota earn more and half earn less.
Is South Dakota a high-paying state for registered nurses?
South Dakota ranks 49th of 51 states on median pay for this job. The national median is $97,550, so South Dakota pays 20% below it. The highest median is $140,270 in California.
How many registered nurses work in South Dakota?
BLS counted 14,710 registered nurses employed in South Dakota in May 2025.
Why is the average different from the median?
The median is the middle wage: half of workers earn less. The average adds every wage and divides, so a few very high earners pull it up. In South Dakota the average is $77,140.
What do you need to work as a registered nurse in South Dakota?
South Dakota requires an associate or bachelor’s degree in nursing and a passing NCLEX-RN score, and a state license.