Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Aberdeen, SD: $60,031 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time licensed practical nurse in Aberdeen, SD earns a median $60,031/year (≈ $28.86/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2061). Once you factor in Aberdeen's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 92.8), that paycheck buys what $64,689 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.0% below the South Dakota state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the licensed practical nurse salary in Aberdeen, South Dakota, is projected to be a median of $60,031, which is noticeably lower than the national median of $68,071. The local salary range indicates a P10 of $48,493 and a P90 of $74,491, illustrating a diverse compensation spectrum based on experience and specialization. These estimates emerge from an analysis of 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional cost variations, pointing to specific local factors that influence pay structures in the area. Employers offering competitive compensation often provide shift differentials and weekend premiums, particularly in long-term care settings, highlighting the need for flexibility and commitment in this essential healthcare role.
About the Aberdeen Market
Salary estimated from South Dakota average ($48,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $48,493 | $23.32 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $55,897 | $26.87 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $60,031 | $28.86 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $70,956 | $34.11 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $74,491 | $35.81 |
Median Salary Position
11.81% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Aberdeen
In Aberdeen, SD, the licensed practical nurse salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $25,998 (2026 est.). At $60,031, the local median is 11.81% below the national median of $68,071.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Aberdeen: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Aberdeen Licensed Practical Nurse Pay Compares
Aberdeen median: $60,031/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Aberdeen Pays |
|---|---|---|
| South Dakota Average | $63,191 | -5.00% less |
| National Average | $68,071 | -11.81% less |
Licensed Practical Nurses in Aberdeen, SD earn a median of $60,031 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.81% lower than the national median of $68,071 and 5.00% below the South Dakota state average of $63,191.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Aberdeen has a cost of living 7.20% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Aberdeen, SD has a cost-of-living index of 92.8 (below the national average of 100). A licensed practical nurse earning $60,031 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $64,689 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.76% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$41,872
2025 BLS Actual
$56,794
2026 Current Est.
$60,031
2019–2027 Growth
+51.5%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Aberdeen (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $41,872 | Actual |
| 2020 | $43,054 | Actual |
| 2021 | $42,393 | Actual |
| 2022 | $48,169 | Actual |
| 2023 | $52,676 | Actual |
| 2024 | $42,331 | Actual |
| 2025 | $56,794 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $60,031 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $63,453 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Aberdeen metropolitan area, the median licensed practical nurse salary grew 35.6% from $41,872 (2019) to $56,794 (2025). At a 5.70% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $63,453 by 2027 — a total increase of $21,581 (51.54%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Aberdeen metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 5.70% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $48,493 – $55,897 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $55,897 – $60,031 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $60,031 – $70,956 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $70,956 – $74,491 |
LPN salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual licensed practical nurse compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Licensed Practical Nurse Job Market in Aberdeen
The job market for licensed practical nurses in Aberdeen currently shows five employed LPNs, a relatively small figure that reflects both opportunity and competition. With a cost-of-living index of 92.8, residents can enjoy a more affordable life relative to the national average, although this is also indicative of limited overall wage competition. Skilled nursing facilities and home health agencies typically offer the most attractive pay among local employers, often driven by the complexities of patient care and staffing needs. Factors contributing to the salary disparity include settings such as skilled nursing versus home health, along with the significance of shift differentials and certification stipends like IV therapy. To maximize licensed practical nurse pay in Aberdeen, pursuing roles in high-demand areas and seeking work in long-term care environments, where additional premiums are often available, can significantly enhance overall compensation.
More salary data for Aberdeen, SD:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do licensed practical nurses make in Aberdeen, SD in 2026?
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Can licensed practical nurses make $100K in Aberdeen?
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Related Pages
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Written by Aisha Malik, LPN
Career Analyst
Aisha has 10 years of experience as a licensed practical nurse. She specializes in pediatric nursing. Aisha has worked in various outpatient clinics.
Methodology & Data Source
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $56,794 for licensed practical nursesin the Aberdeen metropolitan area. A 5.70% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Aberdeen is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.70%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for licensed practical nurses (SOC 29-2061).
Compiled and verified by Aisha Malik, LPN, a licensed licensed practical nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov