Registered Nurse Hourly Pay in Pierre, SD: $43.06 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a registered nurse working in Pierre, SD runs $43.06 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $89,566 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1141). Weighted against Pierre's regional price level (BEA RPP 92.8, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $46.40 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $53,740 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Pierre, SD, the projected median hourly pay for registered nurses is $43.06, which is notably lower than the national median hourly rate of $49.39. This discrepancy reflects not only the local economy but also the cost of living index in Pierre, which stands at 92.8, indicating affordability compared to national averages. For part-time RNs working three days a week, typically around 24 hours, the implications of this hourly pay can be significant. In the diverse healthcare landscape of Pierre, from hospital floors and ICUs to outpatient clinics and home health visits, entry-level RNs can expect to earn around $30.67 per hour, while top earners can command as much as $58.08 per hour. These hourly rates are derived from annual salary data, making them essential for those considering either full-time or per diem positions within the local healthcare system.
About the Pierre Market
Salary estimated from South Dakota average ($66,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Registered Nurse Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $30.67 | $245.33 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $37.67 | $301.36 |
| Median (P50) | $43.06 | $344.49 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $48.91 | $391.25 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $58.08 | $464.63 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Pierre
Based on $43.06/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $43.06/hr, a registered nurse working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Pierre, SD can expect to earn approximately $89,567 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $51,674. With a cost-of-living index of 92.80 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Pierre.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Pierre
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,722.45 | $7,464 | $89,567 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,033.47 | $4,478 | $53,740 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $688.98 | $2,986 | $35,827 |
Compare RN Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Registered Nurse (Pierre) | $43.06 |
| Licensed Practical Nurse (National Avg) | $29.34 |
| Nursing Assistant (CNA) (National Avg) | $18.60 |
| Nurse Practitioner (National Avg) | $63.50 |
| Medical Assistant (National Avg) | $19.70 |
Registered Nurses in Pierre, SD earn a median of $89,566 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.81% lower than the national median of $102,730 and 6.00% below the South Dakota state average of $95,283.
Registered Nurse Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $43.06/hr = $53,740/year (purchasing power: $57,910).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $89,567/year (purchasing power: $96,517).
CoL index: 92.8 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$30.73/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$40.89/hr
2026 Current Est.
$43.06/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+47.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Registered Nurses in Pierre (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.31% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30.73/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $31.58/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $32.53/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $34.04/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $36.08/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $27.66/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $40.89/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $43.06/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $45.35/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for registered nurses in Pierre grew 33.1% from $30.73/hr (2019) to $40.89/hr (2025). At a 5.31% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $45.35/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem registered nurses can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
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 5.31% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Registered Nurse in Pierre
Within the framework of registered nursing, per diem and agency work present compelling opportunities in Pierre. For instance, a registered nurse working three days a week could earn approximately $53,000 annually, a contrast to full-time earnings that average about $89,566. This flexibility in scheduling is a major pull for many RNs, especially in light of the fact that per diem registered nurse pay in Pierre often ranges between $50 and $80, depending on specialty. Furthermore, travel nursing continues to thrive post-COVID, with contracts paying between $2,000 and $4,500 per week, and urgent ICU positions commanding rates as high as $5,000 to $8,000 per week. Hourly rates can vary significantly depending on the type of employer, from hospital systems to outpatient clinics or home health agencies, and registered nurses must balance the allure of higher hourly rates against the benefits offered by full-time positions, such as health insurance. When negotiating pay, RNs in Pierre should consider industry standards and leverage their specific qualifications, such as specialty certifications or experience in Magnet-status facilities, to achieve fair compensation.
More salary data for Pierre, SD:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Jordan Lee, RN, BSN
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has 10 years of experience as a registered nurse. Their specialty is pediatric nursing in a community hospital. They analyze nursing workforce trends and salary data.
Methodology & Data Source
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 5.31% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for registered nurses in Pierre. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
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 5.31%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for registered nurses (SOC 29-1141).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, RN, BSN, a licensed registered nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov