BLS data on registered nurse pay, hourly rates, specialty salaries, and job growth for nurses in South Dakota.
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Registered nurses in South Dakota earn an average of $63,220 per year ($30.39/hour) according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2023). This places South Dakota at #50 nationally out of 51 states and territories.
The national average RN salary is $89,010/year. South Dakota nurses earn 29% less than the national average. Job growth of 4.7% through 2032 indicates steady demand for nurses across South Dakota's healthcare system.
Individual RN salaries in South Dakota vary significantly based on experience, specialty, education (ADN vs. BSN vs. MSN), employer type, and shift differentials. Nurses in metropolitan areas typically earn 10–20% more than rural counterparts. Specialty certifications and advanced degrees consistently yield higher compensation regardless of geography.
Estimates based on national specialty salary premiums applied to the South Dakota state average. Actual pay varies by employer and experience.
| Specialty | Est. Annual Salary | Est. Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) | $135,923 | $65.34 |
| Nurse Practitioner (NP) | $82,186 | $39.51 |
| ICU / Critical Care RN | $74,600 | $35.86 |
| Emergency Department RN | $70,806 | $34.04 |
| Operating Room RN | $69,542 | $33.43 |
| Labor & Delivery RN | $68,278 | $32.82 |
| Medical-Surgical RN | $63,220 | $30.39 |
| Home Health RN | $60,059 | $28.87 |
Source: BLS OEWS May 2023, adjusted using national specialty premium benchmarks. CRNA salary reflects national BLS SOC 29-1151 data.
South Dakota is projected to see 4.7% growth in registered nurse employment through 2032, according to BLS state-level employment projections. This translates to thousands of new and replacement RN positions opening over the decade.
Key drivers of nursing demand in South Dakota include an aging baby boomer population requiring more healthcare services, retirements among the existing nursing workforce, expansion of outpatient and telehealth care settings, and ongoing nursing school enrollment constraints. Nurses with BSN or higher degrees, specialty certifications, and experience in high-acuity settings (ICU, ED, OR) will be most competitive for top-paying positions.
To practice as an RN in South Dakota, you must be licensed by the South Dakota Board of Nursing. South Dakota is a compact state — multistate license eligible. License renewal is every 2 years.
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