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Registered Nurse Licensing in South Dakota

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for registered 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 Registered 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

    $69,510 median (26% below national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #50 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (4)

  1. 1. Meet South Dakota eligibility requirements for Registered 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 $69,510, Registered Nurses in South Dakota earn 26% below the national median of $93,600. South Dakota ranks #50 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

$69,510

Hourly estimate

$33.42
26% below national median

Difference: -$24,090

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$51,980
  • P2525th percentile$62,510
  • P50Median$69,510
  • P7575th percentile$80,490
  • P9090th percentile$92,570

State vs National Median

State: $69,510
National: $93,600

Total employment: 14,500 | Annual openings: N/A

Registered Nurse Salary Ranking

#50 of 50 statesfor Registered Nurse median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1California$140,330
#2Hawaii$136,320
#3Oregon$123,990
#4Washington$112,180
#5Alaska$110,690

Nearby States Comparison

Registered Nurse licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
South Dakota$69,510Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
North Dakota$78,260Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Minnesota$100,870Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
Iowa$76,960Specific course requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Nebraska$81,020Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
Wyoming$81,790Varies by state boardThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Montana$81,560Degree 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

Related Careers in South Dakota

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
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Athletic Trainer$54,200Varies by state boardVaries by board
Audiologist$102,310Varies by state boardVaries by board

FAQ

How long does it take to become a Registered 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 Registered Nurse salary in South Dakota?

The median annual salary for Registered Nurses in South Dakota is $69,510. Salaries range from $51,980 (10th percentile) to $92,570 (90th percentile).

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

Registered Nurses in South Dakota earn 26% below the national median of $93,600, with a state median of $69,510.

How many Registered Nurses work in South Dakota?

South Dakota employs approximately 14,500 Registered Nurses according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Registered 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 Registered 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 Registered Nurse license in South Dakota?

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