Entry-Level Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Dickinson, ND: $32,498 (2026)
Quick Answer:New certified nursing assistants entering the Dickinson, ND job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $32,498 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-1131, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Dickinson's local price level (BEA RPP 92.0 — 8% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $35,324 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($40,487) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Dickinson, ND, individuals entering the workforce as certified nursing assistants can expect an entry-level salary starting around $32,498 in 2026. This figure establishes a tangible pathway for new graduates as they collaborate with their employers to reach the city median of $40,487. As they gain experience, salaries can realistically increase to approximately $35,213 at the 25th percentile, moving toward the median within their first three to five years in the field. With a projected growth rate of 6.50% annually, Dickinson presents a favorable market for aspiring CNAs, making it a viable location for new graduates seeking an engaging start in their healthcare careers.
About the Dickinson Market
Salary estimated from North Dakota average ($36,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Dickinson
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Dickinson
Entry-level certified nursing assistants in Dickinson, ND typically start between $32,498 and $35,213 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $17,388 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $40,487 — 10.04% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nursing program cost in North Dakota of $1,500 represents just 4.62% of the starting certified nursing assistant pay ($32,498/year) in Dickinson. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on state nurse aide registry-approved CNA training programs meeting federal CMS requirements. Tuition varies widely between free employer-sponsored programs, community college courses, and private training schools.
CNA Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Dickinson
- 1Research the Dickinson market: entry-level certified nursing assistant pay ranges from $32,498 to $35,213, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the nursing field — employers in ND often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Dickinson, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Dickinson for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Dickinson's below-average cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Certified Nursing Assistant Compensation Range
The certified nursing assistant wage spread in Dickinson is $17,388 ( 53.50%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $32,498, experienced hygienists can earn up to $49,886.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$19,744
2025 BLS Actual
$30,515
2026 Current Est.
$32,498
2019–2027 Growth
+75.3%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Dickinson (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $19,744 | Actual |
| 2020 | $20,454 | Actual |
| 2021 | $21,470 | Actual |
| 2022 | $25,201 | Actual |
| 2023 | $26,991 | Actual |
| 2024 | $25,693 | Actual |
| 2025 | $30,515 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $32,498 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $34,611 | Projected |
Entry-level certified nursing assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Dickinson, ND grew 54.6% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $19,744 in 2019 to $30,515 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $34,611. New graduates entering the Dickinson job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Dickinson 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 6.50% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your nursing Career in Dickinson
In Dickinson, local employers predominantly hiring new certified nursing assistants include skilled nursing facilities and home health agencies. Skilled nursing facilities often feature paid training programs, providing an excellent opportunity for new graduates to further develop their skills. Hospitals in the area may prefer experienced candidates, but they also offer apprenticeship pipelines for those wishing to gain valuable experience. Credentialing can significantly boost starting pay in North Dakota; obtaining a state CNA certification, CPR/BLS, or optional medication aide (CMA) credentials are all helpful tools. Additionally, pursuing certifications in areas such as dementia care or hospice may enhance employability. Given the post-COVID turnover in the CNA workforce, opportunities for rapid advancement exist, frequently leading new CNAs towards bridge pathways into LPN or RN programs. In this evolving job market, entry-level salaries may escalate as these facilities continue to compete for qualified support staff, establishing an encouraging growth trajectory for new nursing assistants in their early career stages.
More salary data for Dickinson, ND:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new nursing graduates. A 6.50% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Dickinson. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Dickinson 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 6.50%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for certified nursing assistants (SOC 31-1131).
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