Entry-Level Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Brookings, SD: $33,632 (2026)
Quick Answer:New certified nursing assistants entering the Brookings, SD job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $33,632 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-1131, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Brookings's local price level (BEA RPP 92.8 — 7% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $36,241 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($38,586) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Brookings, South Dakota, those pursuing their first role as a certified nursing assistant can expect a starting salary that aligns with entry-level market conditions. The projected entry-level pay for 2026 is around $33,632, which presents a significant gap when compared to the city’s median annual salary of $38,586. New graduates can anticipate a growth trajectory that moves from initial compensation, potentially advancing to $35,275 within a few years and approaching the median salary within three to five years of employment. Given the competitive market for healthcare roles, Brookings currently offers a favorable landscape for newly certified nursing assistants as demand in the field continues to rise.
About the Brookings Market
Salary estimated from South Dakota average ($33,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Brookings
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 Brookings
Entry-level certified nursing assistants in Brookings, SD typically start between $33,632 and $35,275 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $10,706 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $38,586 — 14.27% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nursing program cost in South Dakota of $1,500 represents just 4.46% of the starting certified nursing assistant pay ($33,632/year) in Brookings. 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 Brookings
- 1Research the Brookings market: entry-level certified nursing assistant pay ranges from $33,632 to $35,275, 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 SD often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Brookings, 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 Brookings for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Brookings'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 Brookings is $10,706 ( 31.83%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $33,632, experienced hygienists can earn up to $44,338.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$20,432
2025 BLS Actual
$31,579
2026 Current Est.
$33,632
2019–2027 Growth
+75.3%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Brookings (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20,432 | Actual |
| 2020 | $21,167 | Actual |
| 2021 | $22,219 | Actual |
| 2022 | $26,080 | Actual |
| 2023 | $27,932 | Actual |
| 2024 | $24,388 | Actual |
| 2025 | $31,579 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $33,632 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $35,818 | Projected |
Entry-level certified nursing assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Brookings, SD grew 54.6% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $20,432 in 2019 to $31,579 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $35,818. New graduates entering the Brookings job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Brookings 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 Brookings
Employers in Brookings typically seeking entry-level certified nursing assistants include skilled nursing facilities and home health agencies. Many facilities offer comprehensive paid training programs that can enhance the applicant's skills while allowing them to earn an income. While hospitals in the area may prefer candidates with experience, they often implement apprenticeship options to attract new talent. To maximize earning potential in SD, candidates should consider obtaining additional credentials such as CPR/BLS certification or a Certified Medication Aide (CMA) endorsement. The CNA workforce is slowly recovering from significant turnarounds post-COVID, leading to wage increases of 20-40% in some markets. For those looking to transition into higher roles, starting salaries can steadily rise with experience, and many CNAs find themselves prepared to bridge over to LPN or RN pathways within their first few years in the profession.
More salary data for Brookings, SD:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for certified nursing assistants in Brookings in 2026?
How fast do certified nursing assistant salaries grow in Brookings?
Is nursing school worth it in Brookings?
What do new certified nursing assistants make right out of school in Brookings?
How do I become a certified nursing assistant in South Dakota?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in South Dakota
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 Brookings. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Brookings 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