Licensed Vocational Nurse salary in South Dakota
A licensed vocational nurse in South Dakota earns an estimated $52,750 a year ($25.36/hr) — about 18% below the U.S. average, with most between $49,680 and $61,300. State figures are estimates based on national pay for the role and local cost of living — a starting point, not a guaranteed local wage.
Licensed Vocational Nurse — South Dakota
Verified public wage dataMedian annual pay
$52,750
-18% vs nationalHourly
$25.36/hr
- Typical range
- $49,680–$61,300
- What most nurses earn
- High end
- $67,700
- Top earners
- Entry level
- $40,770
- Newer nurses
Licensed Vocational Nurse pay by city in South Dakota
Estimated pay in the state's largest metro areas.
| City | Est. annual | Est. hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Sioux Falls | $53,520 | $25.73 |
Licensed Vocational Nurse pay in nearby-paying states
How South Dakota compares to states with similar licensed vocational nurse pay.
Other nursing roles in South Dakota
Compare estimated pay for related roles in this state.
What affects licensed vocational nurse pay in South Dakota
Lower pay; low cost of living. For a licensed vocational nurse specifically, pay is shaped by the metro labor market, hospital vs clinic vs long-term-care setting, union presence, shift differentials, unit acuity, and years of experience. Certifications and a move into charge or advanced-practice roles raise pay further. Use the calculator to estimate your own.
Where this figure comes from
This is the actual median wage reported for South Dakota in official U.S. government wage data — about 18% below the U.S. average. It is measured from employer-reported payroll, not estimated from a national average.
In South Dakota, the lowest-paid 10% earn about $40,770 and the highest-paid 10% about $67,700. Where you land depends on specialty, shift, overtime, union status, employer type, and years of experience.
Source year: 2025. Updated when new official wage data is published.
How to use this state figure
- It’s the median actually reported for South Dakota — half of nurses earn more, half earn less. A midpoint, not an offer you’re guaranteed.
- Your actual pay shifts with role and specialty, care setting, shift, overtime, union status, and years of experience — so compare a role-specific page and personalize the calculator.
- Reviewed salary submissions from nurses in South Dakota make this page more precise over time.
Licensed Vocational Nurse salary in South Dakota — FAQ
- How much does a licensed vocational nurse make in South Dakota?
- A licensed vocational nurse in South Dakota earns an estimated $52,750 a year — about $25.36 an hour, with most between $49,680 and $61,300. That's about 18% below the national average. This is an estimate based on national pay for the role and South Dakota's local pay level, not a guaranteed local wage.
- Is South Dakota a good state for licensed vocational nurses?
- For pay, South Dakota sits about 18% below the national average for licensed vocational nurses. A higher number often comes with a higher cost of living, so weigh the estimated $52,750 against local housing and expenses rather than the headline figure alone.
- Which city in South Dakota pays licensed vocational nurses the most?
- Among South Dakota metros we track, Sioux Falls tends to have the highest estimated pay for licensed vocational nurses, at roughly $53,520 a year. City figures are estimates based on the role's national pay and local cost of living.
- How does South Dakota licensed vocational nurse pay compare to the national average?
- The national figure for a licensed vocational nurse is about $64,400 a year, versus an estimated $52,750 in South Dakota — about 18% below the national average. Use the calculator to factor in your experience, specialty, and shift.
- Why are some figures verified and others estimates?
- National pay for the main nursing roles — registered nurses, LPNs/LVNs, nurse practitioners, CRNAs, nurse midwives, and nursing assistants — comes from verified public wage data. State, city, and specialty figures that aren't reported on their own start from that national pay and are labeled "Estimated" or "Specialty estimate." We never show an estimate as a verified figure.
Source & confidence— A verified figure from official U.S. public wage data.
BLS OEWS (May 2025, state)
South Dakota figures are published directly by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics for South Dakota (May 2025). They are not estimated or adjusted.
Source year 2025. Last reviewed July 17, 2026. Full methodology
Estimated figure — national licensed vocational nurse pay adjusted for South Dakota. Last reviewed July 17, 2026.