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Licensed Practical Nurse Licensing in South Dakota

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for licensed practical nurse in South Dakota, including See agency and board contact links.

Last verified: Feb 17, 2026

Current

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

State-approved exam

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Licensed Practical Nurse in South Dakota

Estimated timeline: Varies by board

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    Education: Varies by state board.

  2. 2

    License Type: Register with licensing agency.

Exam and processing details

  • State-approved exam

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    South Dakota Board of Nursing

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $49,170 median (21% below national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #49 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (4)

  1. 1. Meet South Dakota eligibility requirements for Licensed Practical Nurse licensure.
  2. 2. Complete required education or training (Education: Varies by state board.).
  3. 3. Pass required examination steps: State-approved exam.
  4. 4. Submit the application to South Dakota Board of Nursing and monitor board communications.

Salary Insights in South Dakota

With a median salary of $49,170, Licensed Practical Nurses in South Dakota earn 21% below the national median of $62,340. South Dakota ranks #49 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Rising

QoQ Employment Change

+3.6%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,123

Median annual salary

$49,170

Hourly estimate

$23.64
21% below national median

Difference: -$13,170

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$38,520
  • P2525th percentile$47,300
  • P50Median$49,170
  • P7575th percentile$57,810
  • P9090th percentile$61,300

State vs National Median

State: $49,170
National: $62,340

Total employment: 2,100 | Annual openings: N/A

Licensed Practical Nurse Salary Ranking

#49 of 50 statesfor Licensed Practical Nurse median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1Washington$79,700
#2Rhode Island$77,940
#3Alaska$77,670
#4California$77,170
#5Oregon$76,570

Nearby States Comparison

Licensed Practical Nurse licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
South Dakota$49,170Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
North Dakota$60,820Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Minnesota$60,870Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
Iowa$59,460Specific course requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Nebraska$60,740Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
Wyoming$61,880Varies by state boardThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Montana$59,750Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board

License by Endorsement

Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.

StateReciprocity ScoreTierNotes
South Dakota78HighBoard-specific review required.
North Dakota68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
Minnesota78HighBoard-specific review required.
Iowa68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
Nebraska78HighBoard-specific review required.
Wyoming68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
  • Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Official Licensing Agency

Official website verified

South Dakota Board of Nursing

4305 S Louise Ave Ste 201, Sioux Falls, SD, 57106-3115

Phone: 6053622760

Visit Official WebsiteCall BoardOpen in Maps

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FAQ

How long does it take to become a Licensed Practical Nurse in South Dakota?

Most applicants finish the licensing path in about Varies by board, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.

What is the typical Licensed Practical Nurse salary in South Dakota?

The median annual salary for Licensed Practical Nurses in South Dakota is $49,170. Salaries range from $38,520 (10th percentile) to $61,300 (90th percentile).

How does the Licensed Practical Nurse salary in South Dakota compare to the national average?

Licensed Practical Nurses in South Dakota earn 21% below the national median of $62,340, with a state median of $49,170.

How many Licensed Practical Nurses work in South Dakota?

South Dakota employs approximately 2,100 Licensed Practical Nurses according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Licensed Practical Nurse license to South Dakota from another state?

Transfer requirements vary by board. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Who is the licensing agency for Licensed Practical Nurses in South Dakota?

The licensing agency is South Dakota Board of Nursing. Review agency details at https://doh.sd.gov/boards/nursing/licensure.aspx.

How often do you renew a Licensed Practical Nurse license in South Dakota?

Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.