Rapid City vs Spearfish: Certified Nursing Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare certified nursing assistant salaries between Rapid City, SD and Spearfish, SD. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Rapid City, SD | Spearfish, SD |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $41,003▲ | $40,047 |
| Hourly Rate | $19.71▲ | $19.26 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,649▲ | $32,790 |
| 25th Percentile | $41,003▲ | $37,551 |
| 75th Percentile | $46,711▲ | $42,782 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $49,097▲ | $45,053 |
| Total Employed | 1,280▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Rapid City, SD offers better overall compensation for certified nursing assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Spearfish.
The salary gap between Rapid City and Spearfish is $956 (2.39%). 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 Rapid City spans $10,448,Spearfish spans $12,263. Spearfish 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, Rapid City ($45,988 effective) pays 6.57% more than Spearfish ($43,154 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
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
Choose Spearfish if…
- ✓You prefer the South Dakota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, certified nursing assistant salaries in Rapid City grew 32.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 28.1% growth in Spearfish over the same period.
Rapid City, SD
$29,120 (2019) → $38,500 (2025)
Spearfish, SD
$29,363 (2024) → $37,603 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Rapid City, SD
Spearfish, SD
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays certified nursing assistants more: Rapid City or Spearfish?
What is the hourly rate difference between Rapid City and Spearfish?
Should I relocate from Rapid City to Spearfish as a certified nursing assistant?
What do entry-level certified nursing assistants earn in Rapid City vs Spearfish?
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