Senior Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Pierre, SD: $73,714 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of licensed practical nurses working in Pierre, SD — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $73,714/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-2061. Strip back Pierre's price premium (BEA RPP 92.8, 7% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $79,433 in average-cost America. The 24% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For licensed practical nurses (LPNs) aiming for the top tier of their profession in Pierre, SD, the potential for lucrative earnings is considerable, especially for those possessing advanced skills and extensive experience. In 2026, the upper echelon of LPNs can expect to see salaries reaching up to $73,714, with the 75th percentile sitting at $69,073. This compares significantly to the median annual salary of $59,348, illustrating the wealth of opportunities available for experienced practitioners. To attain this higher compensation level, LPNs typically need at least seven years of experience, strong recommendations, and specialized certifications that enhance patient care capabilities, such as IV therapy or wound care.
About the Pierre Market
Salary estimated from South Dakota average ($48,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Pierre
Experienced licensed practical nurses at the top of the pay scale in Pierre earn between $69,073 and $73,714 per year (2026 est.). This $27,298 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Pierre median of $59,348 sits 12.81% below the US median.
Top LPN Salary Comparison
| Level | Pierre | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $59,348 | $68,071 |
| 75th Percentile | $69,073 | $80,364 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $73,714 | $88,196 |
In Pierre, experienced licensed practical nurses (P90) earn 24.21% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Licensed Practical Nurse Pay in Pierre
Advanced Certifications in South Dakota
SD licensed practical nurses with additional specialty certifications within the nursing field earn significantly above the $59,348 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Pierre employers.
Specialty Focus
Licensed Practical Nurses focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the nursing field in Pierre command premium compensation, often reaching the $69,073–$73,714 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Pierre metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced licensed practical nurses who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured licensed practical nurses in Pierre with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Licensed Practical Nurses in South Dakota who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Licensed Practical Nurse Career & Wage Growth Path in Pierre
Clinical Licensed Practical Nurse
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Licensed Practical Nurse
5-10 yearsLicensed Practical Nurse Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedPierre ranks #4 of 11 South Dakota cities for top earner licensed practical nurse salary (90th percentile: $73,714).
Top 10% licensed practical nurse compensation in Pierre ($73,714) is 3.85% above the South Dakota average P90 ($70,982).
2019 BLS Actual
$52,956
2025 BLS Actual
$69,739
2026 Current Est.
$73,714
2019–2027 Growth
+47.1%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Pierre (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $52,956 | Actual |
| 2020 | $54,761 | Actual |
| 2021 | $53,316 | Actual |
| 2022 | $60,721 | Actual |
| 2023 | $65,084 | Actual |
| 2024 | $51,815 | Actual |
| 2025 | $69,739 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $73,714 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $77,916 | Projected |
Top-earning licensed practical nurses (90th percentile) in Pierre saw their compensation grow 31.7% from $52,956 in 2019 to $69,739 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 5.70% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $77,916 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Pierre 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.
Maximizing Your Licensed Practical Nurse Earnings in Pierre
The differentiation in senior licensed practical nurse pay across various settings in Pierre is noteworthy, reflecting the demand and complexity of roles available in healthcare. Positions in long-term care facilities often offer competitive salaries due to the specialized skills required in that sector, particularly for those engaged in complex patient management such as MDS coordination, which requires a keen understanding of care plans and regulatory compliance. Similarly, experienced LPNs can find appealing roles in hospice care or pediatric home health, where specific certifications can significantly elevate earning potential. Advancement pathways are also essential considerations; charge LPN positions or opportunities to enroll in LPN-to-RN bridge programs further enhance both professional growth and salary prospects. Additionally, factors such as shift differentials and holiday premiums contribute to overall compensation, making senior-level roles in skilled nursing environments more attractive from both a financial and a professional standpoint.
More salary data for Pierre, SD:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced licensed practical nurses make in Pierre in 2026?
What drives higher licensed practical nurse pay in Pierre?
What certifications boost licensed practical nurse salary in Pierre?
Can experienced licensed practical nurses make six figures in Pierre?
How much does licensed practical nurse salary increase over time in Pierre?
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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $69,739 for licensed practical nurses in the Pierre metro area. A 5.70% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Pierre 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