Brookings vs Sioux Falls: Certified Nursing Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare certified nursing assistant salaries between Brookings, SD and Sioux Falls, SD. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Brookings, SD | Sioux Falls, SD |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $38,586 | $41,737▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $18.55 | $20.06▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $33,632▲ | $33,132 |
| 25th Percentile | $35,275 | $38,713▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $41,796 | $46,562▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $44,338 | $48,830▲ |
| Total Employed | 4 | 2,930▲ |
Verdict
Sioux Falls, SD offers better overall compensation for certified nursing assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Brookings.
The salary gap between Brookings and Sioux Falls is $3,151 (8.17%). Sioux Falls's median is -7.27% compared to the US national median of $45,007.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Brookings spans $10,706,Sioux Falls spans $15,698. Sioux Falls has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced certified nursing assistants.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Sioux Falls ($46,052 effective) pays 10.75% more than Brookings ($41,580 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Brookings if…
- ✓You prefer the South Dakota area and lifestyle
Choose Sioux Falls if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($41,737/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($48,830)
- ✓Larger job market (2,930 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $46,052)
- ✓You prefer the South Dakota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, certified nursing assistant salaries in Brookings grew 28.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 39.4% growth in Sioux Falls over the same period.
Brookings, SD
$28,293 (2024) → $36,231 (2025)
Sioux Falls, SD
$28,120 (2019) → $39,190 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Brookings, SD
Sioux Falls, SD
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays certified nursing assistants more: Brookings or Sioux Falls?
What is the hourly rate difference between Brookings and Sioux Falls?
Should I relocate from Brookings to Sioux Falls as a certified nursing assistant?
What do entry-level certified nursing assistants earn in Brookings vs Sioux Falls?
Written by Emily Chen, BSN, RN
Career Analyst
Emily has over 10 years of experience in nursing. She focuses on workforce trends in nursing. Emily has worked in various healthcare settings, including hospitals and long-term care facilities.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 6.50% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Emily Chen, BSN, RN, a licensed certified nursing assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov