May 2025 BLS data
Registered Nurse salary in South Dakota
The median registered nurse in South Dakota earns $78,060/year ($37.53/hr) — 20% below the national median.
Median pay
$78,060/yr
Hourly median
$37.53/hr
State rank
#49 of 51
Employed
14,710
Registered Nurse pay percentiles in South Dakota
| Percentile | Hourly | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $25.98 | $54,040 |
| 25th percentile | $31.29 | $65,070 |
| Median (50th) | $37.53 | $78,060 |
| 75th percentile | $40.52 | $84,280 |
| 90th percentile | $47.22 | $98,220 |
The spread is large: top-decile registered nurses in South Dakota out-earn the bottom decile by $21.24/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?
Registered Nurses in South Dakota earn
$25.98–$47.22 /hour
Median $78,060/year · 14,710 employed
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025
Nearby states compared
- Minnesota$101,510/yr
- Montana$85,280/yr
- Nebraska$84,730/yr
- Wyoming$83,760/yr
- North Dakota$80,730/yr
- Iowa$78,630/yr
Top-paying states for registered nurses
- 1. California$140,270/yr
- 2. Hawaii$136,320/yr
- 3. Oregon$129,010/yr
- 4. Washington$124,200/yr
- 5. Alaska$109,480/yr
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Registered Nurse salaries in every stateFrequently asked questions
How much does a registered nurse make in South Dakota?
The median registered nurse in South Dakota earns $78,060 per year, or $37.53 per hour, according to May 2025 BLS data. Most earn between $54,040 (10th percentile) and $98,220 (90th percentile).
What is a good registered nurse salary in South Dakota?
Top-quartile registered nurses in South Dakota earn $84,280 or more per year ($40.52/hr). Reaching that range typically comes from experience, certifications, and higher-paying settings.
How does South Dakota compare to other states for registered nurses?
South Dakota ranks #49 of 51 states, with a median 20% below the national median of $97,550.
What do entry-level registered nurses earn in South Dakota?
Entry-level pay typically falls near the 10th–25th percentile: $54,040–$65,070 per year ($25.98–$31.29/hr) in South Dakota.