Registered Nurse Salary in South Dakota
Based on 15K+ workers in South Dakota
Median Annual Salary (SD)
$78,060
$37.53/hr
vs National Average
$94,098
-17.0% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$54K – $98K
15K employed in South Dakota
Discover the intricacies of Registered Nurse salary in South Dakota, where the median annual income stands at $78,060. This figure positions South Dakota's RNs at 17% below the national average, with earnings typically falling between $54,040 and $98,220. This data reflects the compensation for the state's 14,710 registered nurses.
Several factors influence the Registered Nurse salary in South Dakota. Experience level, specific healthcare setting (such as hospitals or clinics), geographic location within the state, and additional certifications or specializations all play a significant role in determining an individual's earning potential. These elements contribute to the wide salary range observed for RNs.
Salary Distribution — Registered Nurse in South Dakota
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $54,040 |
| 25th percentile | $65,070 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $78,060 |
| 75th percentile | $84,280 |
| 90th percentile | $98,220 |
Top H-1B Employers for Registered Nurse in South Dakota
Companies that filed the most H-1B (LCA) applications for this role in South Dakota — ranked by application count.
| # | Employer | Applications | Median Wage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Monument Health Rapid City Hospital, Inc. | 3 | $74,880 |
Source: U.S. Department of Labor OFLC LCA Disclosure Data, FY2026.
Registered Nurse H-1B Salary by Wage Level in South Dakota
DOL prevailing wage levels approximate seniority — Level I is entry-level, Level IV is senior/expert. Based on certified H-1B (LCA) filings in South Dakota.
| Wage Level | Experience | Median Salary | Filings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level II | Qualified | $74,880 | 5 |
Source: U.S. Department of Labor OFLC LCA Disclosure Data, FY2026. Based on certified filings with a disclosed wage level.
Top-Paying Industries for Registered Nurse (U.S.)
Which industries pay Registered Nurses the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Registered Nurses in South Dakota tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $110,780 | 170K |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $100,010 | 23K |
| Health Care and Social Assistance | $97,660 | 2.9M |
| Information | $97,430 | 590 |
| Utilities | $95,280 | 70 |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Registered Nurse in South Dakota vs National
| Year | Median Salary (South Dakota) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $62,920 |
| 2023 | $67,030 |
| 2024 | $69,510 |
| 2025 | $78,060 |
| 2026 (projected) | $82,744 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | South Dakota Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $62,920 | $81,890 |
| 2023 | $67,030 | $86,652 |
| 2024 | $69,510 | $90,458 |
| 2025 | $78,060 | $94,098 |
| 2026 (projected) | $82,744 | $99,744 |
Registered Nurse Salary by Experience Level in South Dakota
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $65,070 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $78,060 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $84,280 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $98,220 |
Registered Nurse Salary in Other States
Related Registered Nurse Salaries in South Dakota
How other high-demand occupations in South Dakota compare to Registered Nurse ($78,060 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Registered Nurse | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Radiologist in SD | $586,010 | +650.7% | $281.74/hr |
| Emergency Medicine Physician in SD | $393,870 | +404.6% | $189.36/hr |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in SD | $297,610 | +281.3% | $143.08/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in SD | $280,520 | +259.4% | $134.87/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in SD | $263,930 | +238.1% | $126.89/hr |
| Pediatrician in SD | $257,610 | +230.0% | $123.85/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in SD | $239,970 | +207.4% | $115.37/hr |
| Psychiatrist in SD | $226,180 | +189.8% | $108.74/hr |
| Dentist in SD | $158,140 | +102.6% | $76.03/hr |
| Pharmacist in SD | $146,790 | +88.0% | $70.57/hr |
| Physician Assistant in SD | $133,200 | +70.6% | $64.04/hr |
| Nurse Practitioner in SD | $128,840 | +65.1% | $61.94/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do registered nurses make in South Dakota?
- The median salary for registered nurses in South Dakota is $78,060 per year, which averages out to $38 per hour. Most RNs in the state fall within a salary range of $54,040 to $98,220 annually.
What is the average salary for an RN in South Dakota compared to the national average?
- Registered nurses in South Dakota earn 17.0% less than the national average salary. This means that while the median in South Dakota is $78,060, the national median is higher.
What is the typical salary range for a Registered Nurse in South Dakota?
- In South Dakota, the salary for registered nurses typically ranges from $54,040 to $98,220 per year. The median salary sits at $78,060, indicating that half of RNs earn more and half earn less than this amount.
How many registered nurses are employed in South Dakota?
- There are approximately 14,710 registered nurses employed in South Dakota. This large number of professionals contributes to the healthcare landscape of the state.