May 2025 BLS data
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN/LVN) salary in South Dakota
The median licensed practical nurse (lpn/lvn) in South Dakota earns $52,750/year ($25.36/hr) — 18% below the national median.
Median pay
$52,750/yr
Hourly median
$25.36/hr
State rank
#50 of 51
Employed
2,050
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN/LVN) pay percentiles in South Dakota
| Percentile | Hourly | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $19.60 | $40,770 |
| 25th percentile | $23.88 | $49,680 |
| Median (50th) | $25.36 | $52,750 |
| 75th percentile | $29.47 | $61,300 |
| 90th percentile | $32.55 | $67,700 |
The spread is large: top-decile licensed practical nurse (lpn/lvn)s in South Dakota out-earn the bottom decile by $12.95/hour — experience, certifications, and setting drive most of that gap.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025.
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What do people in your role actually earn?
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN/LVN)s in South Dakota earn
$19.60–$32.55 /hour
Median $52,750/year · 2,050 employed
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025
Nearby states compared
- Minnesota$63,750/yr
- Wyoming$63,460/yr
- Nebraska$62,660/yr
- Iowa$62,630/yr
- North Dakota$62,300/yr
- Montana$62,210/yr
Top-paying states for licensed practical nurse (lpn/lvn)s
- 1. Washington$83,150/yr
- 2. Alaska$80,800/yr
- 3. Oregon$80,470/yr
- 4. Massachusetts$80,220/yr
- 5. Rhode Island$80,090/yr
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Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN/LVN) salaries in every stateFrequently asked questions
How much does a licensed practical nurse (lpn/lvn) make in South Dakota?
The median licensed practical nurse (lpn/lvn) in South Dakota earns $52,750 per year, or $25.36 per hour, according to May 2025 BLS data. Most earn between $40,770 (10th percentile) and $67,700 (90th percentile).
What is a good licensed practical nurse (lpn/lvn) salary in South Dakota?
Top-quartile licensed practical nurse (lpn/lvn)s in South Dakota earn $61,300 or more per year ($29.47/hr). Reaching that range typically comes from experience, certifications, and higher-paying settings.
How does South Dakota compare to other states for licensed practical nurse (lpn/lvn)s?
South Dakota ranks #50 of 51 states, with a median 18% below the national median of $64,400.
What do entry-level licensed practical nurse (lpn/lvn)s earn in South Dakota?
Entry-level pay typically falls near the 10th–25th percentile: $40,770–$49,680 per year ($19.60–$23.88/hr) in South Dakota.