Entry-Level Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Huron, SD: $33,457 (2026)
Quick Answer:New certified nursing assistants entering the Huron, SD job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $33,457 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-1131, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Huron's local price level (BEA RPP 92.8 — 7% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $36,053 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($38,518) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the certified nursing assistant (CNA) field in Huron, SD, can expect a starting certified nursing assistant salary of approximately $33,457. This figure marks the lower end of the salary spectrum for entry-level positions, indicating a notable gap between novice pay and the city’s median annual salary of $38,518. Over the first few years, new CNAs may see incremental pay increases as they gain experience; the transition from the entry-level salary to the 25th percentile at $35,129 and eventually to the median can reflect a broader growth trajectory within the nursing field. With a projected annual growth rate of 6.50% in this profession, Huron remains a viable market for new graduates, offering opportunities within various settings such as long-term care facilities and health agencies, despite the challenges posed by recent staffing shortages.
About the Huron Market
Salary estimated from South Dakota average ($33,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Huron
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 Huron
Entry-level certified nursing assistants in Huron, SD typically start between $33,457 and $35,129 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $10,674 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $38,518 — 14.42% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nursing program cost in South Dakota of $1,500 represents just 4.48% of the starting certified nursing assistant pay ($33,457/year) in Huron. 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 Huron
- 1Research the Huron market: entry-level certified nursing assistant pay ranges from $33,457 to $35,129, 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 Huron, 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 Huron for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Huron'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 Huron is $10,674 ( 31.90%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $33,457, experienced hygienists can earn up to $44,131.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$20,326
2025 BLS Actual
$31,415
2026 Current Est.
$33,457
2019–2027 Growth
+75.3%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Huron (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20,326 | Actual |
| 2020 | $21,057 | Actual |
| 2021 | $22,103 | Actual |
| 2022 | $25,945 | Actual |
| 2023 | $27,787 | Actual |
| 2024 | $24,260 | Actual |
| 2025 | $31,415 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $33,457 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $35,632 | Projected |
Entry-level certified nursing assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Huron, SD grew 54.6% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $20,326 in 2019 to $31,415 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $35,632. New graduates entering the Huron job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Huron 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 Huron
Regarding employment opportunities, Huron is home to several skilled nursing facilities that often hire recent graduates and provide paid training programs, making them excellent entry points for new CNAs. Opportunities may also arise within hospitals, though many of these employers prefer candidates with prior experience. Home health agencies are another option for new graduates, offering flexible schedules that cater to various lifestyles. In terms of credentials, completing state-required CNA certification, which includes a minimum of 75 hours of training followed by a state examination, is essential. Additional certifications in CPR, medication assistance (CMA), and specialized fields like dementia care can further boost earning potential. Given the recent upward trend in wages for CNAs due to the post-COVID staffing crisis, entry-level professionals can realistically anticipate upward mobility within their first three years, especially if they consider continued education and pathways to transition into roles like LPN or RN over time.
More salary data for Huron, SD:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for certified nursing assistants in Huron in 2026?
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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 Huron. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Huron 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