Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in Sioux Falls, SD

The Salary Picture: Where Sioux Falls Stands

As a local career analyst, I’ll start with the numbers that matter most to your bottom line. Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) in Sioux Falls earn a median salary of $53,030/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $25.5. This is slightly below the national average of $54,620/year, but the lower cost of living in Sioux Falls significantly offsets this difference. The metro area has approximately 412 LPN jobs, with a 10-year job growth of 5%—a stable, steady demand rather than a boom or bust cycle.

Here’s how experience translates to pay in our market:

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary Range	Key Employers Seeking This Level
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)	$46,000 - $50,000	Avera McKennan, Sanford USD Medical Center, long-term care facilities
Mid-Career (3-7 yrs)	$51,000 - $58,000	Specialty clinics, home health agencies, same major hospitals
Senior (8-15 yrs)	$58,000 - $65,000 +	Leadership roles (LPN Charge Nurse), dialysis centers, specialty units
Expert (15+ yrs)	$65,000 - $72,000+	Education/mentorship, clinical research, complex care coordination

Insider Tip: The $53,030 median is a solid baseline, but your specific shift, facility, and certifications will push you toward the higher end. Night shift differentials at the major hospitals can add $3-$5/hour, which has a massive cumulative effect.

Compared to other SD cities, Sioux Falls is the primary hub. Brookings and Watertown offer similar wages but have a fraction of the job openings. Rapid City pays slightly more on average (closer to $55,500) but has a higher cost of living and fewer facilities. For an LPN seeking volume of opportunities and career mobility, Sioux Falls is unmatched in the state.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get practical. With a median salary of $53,030/year, your take-home pay after federal taxes, South Dakota state tax (none), and FICA will be approximately $41,000-$42,000/year, or about $3,400-$3,500/month.

With the average 1BR rent at $884/month and a Cost of Living Index of 90.3 (10% below the national average), your budget has significant breathing room. Here’s a realistic monthly breakdown for a single LPN:

Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Rent (1BR)	$884	Varies by neighborhood; $800-$1,000 is typical
Utilities (Elec/Gas/Water)	$150	Higher in winter due to heating costs
Groceries	$350	Sioux Falls has competitive grocery prices
Car Payment/Insurance	$400	Essential; public transit is limited
Health Insurance	$200	Employer-sponsored plans are common
Misc (Phone, etc.)	$150
Total Essentials	$2,134
Remaining	$1,266 - $1,366	For savings, debt, entertainment, or a mortgage

Can you afford to buy a home? Absolutely. With $1,200+ in monthly disposable income, saving for a down payment is feasible. The median home price in Sioux Falls is around $280,000. On a $53,030 salary, you could comfortably afford a mortgage on a $200,000-$225,000 home with a modest down payment. Many LPNs I advise buy starter homes in the $150,000-$200,000 range within 15-20 minutes of the major hospitals.

Where the Jobs Are: Sioux Falls's Major Employers

Sioux Falls is a healthcare oligopoly, dominated by two massive systems and a robust network of long-term care and specialty providers. Here are the key players:

1. Sanford USD Medical Center: The state’s largest hospital and a major regional hub. They have high-volume hiring for LPNs in Med-Surg, Orthopedics, and their renowned cancer center. Insider Tip: Sanford’s “LPN to RN” tuition reimbursement program is one of the most generous in the region. They also host a large home health and hospice division.

2. Avera McKennan Hospital & University Health Center: The other giant. Avera is particularly strong in behavioral health, transplant services, and outpatient clinics. They frequently hire LPNs for their urgent care network and surgical centers. Their culture is often described as more community-focused than Sanford’s corporate feel.

3. Good Samaritan Society: A national nonprofit with a massive presence in Sioux Falls, specializing in long-term care, assisted living, and rehabilitation. They have multiple facilities across the city (e.g., on the north side and in the Harrisburg area). This is a prime source of stable, predictable LPN shifts, especially for those who prefer a less acute care environment.

4. Sioux Falls Specialty Hospital: An independent, 58-bed long-term acute care (LTAC) facility. It’s a unique employer that handles complex patients from the major hospitals. LPNs here gain deep experience with ventilators, wounds, and complex medication regimens. It’s a great resume builder.

5. Home Health Agencies (e.g., Interim HealthCare, BrightStar Care): Several agencies serve the metro area. The demand is steady, offering more autonomy and a 9-to-5 Monday-Friday schedule. Pay can be similar to hospital work, but benefits vary more widely.

Hiring Trends: Hiring is consistent year-round, with slight peaks in winter (post-holiday turnover) and late summer (as new grads enter the market). The 5% growth is driven by an aging population and the expansion of outpatient and home-based care. Remote LPN roles in triage or care coordination are emerging but remain a small niche.

Getting Licensed in SD

South Dakota’s licensing is straightforward but has specific steps. The South Dakota Board of Nursing (sdbn.org) is your governing body.

1. Education: Graduate from a state-approved LPN program (typically 12-18 months). Several local programs exist, including those at Southeast Technical College and regional community colleges.
2. NCLEX-PN Exam: After graduation, you apply for an exam permit. The NCLEX-PN is the national licensing exam. The pass rate for South Dakota graduates is consistently high (over 90%).
3. Fees: Budget approximately $200-$250 total. This includes:
   • Application Fee: ~$50
   • NCLEX Exam Fee: ~$200
   • Background Check: ~$40
4. Timeline: From program completion to holding an active SD license, plan for 6-8 weeks. This includes processing your application, scheduling the exam, and waiting for results. You can work on a temporary permit under supervision in some settings.
5. Compact State: South Dakota is part of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). If you hold a multistate license from another compact state, you can practice in SD without a new license. This is a huge advantage for relocating nurses.

Insider Tip: Start your application as soon as you graduate. The background check can take time. Also, join the South Dakota Nurses Association (SDNA) for networking and advocacy—it’s a small community, and word travels fast.

Best Neighborhoods for Licensed Practical Nurse (LPNs)

Proximity to Sanford and Avera is key for minimizing commute times. Sioux Falls is a driving city, but traffic is generally mild.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute to Hospitals	1BR Rent Estimate	Best For
Downtown / Eastside	Urban, walkable, close to Avera McKennan (5-10 min). Older buildings, trendy restaurants.	$950 - $1,200	LPNs who want city life, short walks to work, and a social scene.
South Siders (41st St area)	Established, family-friendly suburbs. 10-15 min to both hospitals. Lots of amenities.	$850 - $1,000	The classic choice for balance. Safe, convenient, and quiet.
North Siders (57th St area)	Newer developments, more spacious. 15-20 min commute. Easy access to shopping.	$900 - $1,100	LPNs wanting more space, newer apartments, and a modern feel.
Harrisburg / Tea (Just Outside)	Small-town feel, 15-25 min commute. Growing rapidly with new construction.	$800 - $950	LPNs seeking affordability, a quieter life, and don’t mind a short drive.
Central / McKennan Area	Directly adjacent to the hospital district. Mix of old homes and apartments.	$750 - $900	Ultra-short commutes (under 5 mins). Ideal for those who bike or want minimal drive time.

Insider Tip: The commute from Harrisburg is longer but almost always against the grain of traffic, which flows into the city in the AM and out in the PM. Your commute might be more predictable than someone living in the southern suburbs.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 10-year outlook for LPNs in Sioux Falls is positive. While the 5% job growth isn’t explosive, it’s steady. The real growth is in specialization and advancement.

• Specialty Premiums: LPNs with certifications in areas like Wound Care (WCC), IV Therapy, or Gerontology can command a 5-10% pay premium. Dialysis LPNs also earn more due to the technical skill required.
• Advancement Paths:
  1. LPN to RN: This is the most common path. Sioux Falls employers, especially Sanford, offer robust tuition assistance. An RN license increases your earning potential to $70,000-$85,000+.
  2. Leadership: Become an LPN Charge Nurse or Unit Manager in a long-term care or rehab setting.
  3. Niche Specialties: Move into hospice, dialysis, or occupational health. These roles offer different challenges and often better schedules.
  4. Education/Case Management: With experience, LPNs can move into clinical instruction or care coordination roles, though these are less common.

Insider Tip: The network here is everything. Attend local SDNA events. The healthcare community in Sioux Falls is tight-knit. A good reputation opens doors faster than any application.

The Verdict: Is Sioux Falls Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Strong job market with major employers and variety of settings.	Limited public transit—you will need a reliable car.
Significantly lower cost of living than national average.	Winters are long, cold, and snowy (Oct-April).
Stable, predictable growth with low unemployment in healthcare.	Social scene is quieter than a major coastal city.
Clear career pathways to RN and beyond with employer support.	Cultural and dining options are good for a city its size but not vast.
Friendly, community-oriented atmosphere in the healthcare sector.	Traffic is growing but is still manageable (for now).

Final Recommendation: Sioux Falls is an excellent choice for LPNs who prioritize financial stability, career growth, and a manageable cost of living. It’s ideal for those looking to buy a home, start a family, or advance to RN without taking on massive debt. If you crave the hustle of a 24/7 metropolis or hate winter, it may not be the fit. But for a balanced, rewarding career in a supportive community, Sioux Falls delivers.

FAQs

1. How long does it take to get a job offer after applying?
For experienced LPNs, 2-4 weeks is typical. For new grads, it can take 1-3 months post-licensure. Applying to multiple facilities simultaneously (Sanford, Avera, Good Sam) maximizes your chances.

2. Is the cost of living really that low?
Yes. The Cost of Living Index of 90.3 means your dollar goes 10% further than the national average. The biggest savings are in housing and utilities. Groceries and transportation are near the national average.

3. What’s the typical schedule for an LPN here?
Hospitals run 12-hour shifts (7a-7p or 7p-7a), often with 3-day work weeks. Long-term care and clinics typically offer 8-hour shifts, Monday-Friday. Many facilities have weekend and night shift differentials.

4. Can I live in Sioux Falls without a car?
It’s very difficult. The city is spread out, and public bus routes are limited and not always reliable for shift work. A car is a near-necessity for an LPN’s commute and daily life.

5. Are there opportunities for LPNs in pediatrics?
Yes, but they are competitive. The primary pediatric employers are the Sanford Children’s Hospital and Avera’s pediatric clinics. Gaining experience in a general Med-Surg unit first is often a stepping stone to these roles.

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Data Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), South Dakota Department of Labor & Regulation, South Dakota Board of Nursing, Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce, local apartment rental listings (2023-2024), and employer job postings (Sanford Health, Avera Health, Good Samaritan Society).