Pierre vs Rapid City: Certified Nursing Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare certified nursing assistant salaries between Pierre, SD and Rapid City, SD. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Pierre, SD | Rapid City, SD |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $39,240 | $41,003▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $18.86 | $19.71▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $31,973 | $38,649▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $36,681 | $41,003▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $43,263 | $46,711▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $46,317 | $49,097▲ |
| Total Employed | 4 | 1,280▲ |
Verdict
Rapid City, SD offers better overall compensation for certified nursing assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Pierre.
The salary gap between Pierre and Rapid City is $1,763 (4.49%). Rapid City's median is -8.90% compared to the US national median of $45,007.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Pierre spans $14,344,Rapid City spans $10,448. Pierre has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Rapid City ($45,988 effective) pays 8.76% more than Pierre ($42,284 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Pierre if…
- ✓You prefer the South Dakota area and lifestyle
Choose Rapid City if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($41,003/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($49,097)
- ✓Larger job market (1,280 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $45,988)
- ✓You prefer the South Dakota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, certified nursing assistant salaries in Pierre grew 28.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 32.2% growth in Rapid City over the same period.
Pierre, SD
$28,772 (2024) → $36,845 (2025)
Rapid City, SD
$29,120 (2019) → $38,500 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Pierre, SD
Rapid City, SD
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays certified nursing assistants more: Pierre or Rapid City?
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Should I relocate from Pierre to Rapid City as a certified nursing assistant?
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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