South Dakota ranks 51st of 51 states and D.C. for registered nurses pay, trailing top-paying California ($140,330) by $70,820 — a 102% gap.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $51,980 to $92,570 — a $40,590 spread, 41% tighter than the national $69,290 range.
Registered Nurses are more concentrated in South Dakota than the U.S. average — a location quotient of 1.50 means the occupation's share of local jobs is 1.50× the national share.
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $51,980 | $24.99 |
| 25th percentile | $62,510 | $30.05 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $69,510 | $33.42 |
| 75th percentile | $80,490 | $38.70 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $92,570 | $44.50 |
| Mean (average) | $72,210 | $34.72 |
How South Dakota Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. South Dakota |
|---|---|---|
| South Dakota (current) | $69,510 | n/a |
| California | $140,330 | +102% |
| Hawaii | $136,320 | +96% |
| Oregon | $123,990 | +78% |
| Washington | $112,180 | +61% |
| Alaska | $110,690 | +59% |
| New York | $105,600 | +52% |
| District of Columbia | $104,550 | +50% |
| New Jersey | $102,730 | +48% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in South Dakota
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Buyers and Purchasing Agents | $68,930 | 1,230 |
| Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary | $68,570 | 270 |
| Cargo and Freight Agents | $68,400 | 240 |
| Credit Analysts | $68,320 | 340 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers | $70,950 | 1,900 |
| Network and Computer Systems Administrators | $71,040 | 1,710 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Registered Nurses salary in South Dakota?
The mean registered nurses salary in South Dakota is $72,210 per year. The median (middle) salary is $69,510 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Registered Nurses in South Dakota?
Entry-level registered nursess (10th percentile) in South Dakota typically earn around $51,980 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $62,510 per year.
What is the highest Registered Nurses salary in South Dakota?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in South Dakota make approximately $92,570 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $80,490 per year.
How does the South Dakota Registered Nurses salary compare to the national average?
The median registered nurses salary in South Dakota is $69,510, which is -26% below national average of $93,600.