Entry-Level Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Sioux Falls, SD: $33,132 (2026)
Quick Answer:New certified nursing assistants entering the Sioux Falls, SD job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $33,132 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-1131, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Sioux Falls's local price level (BEA RPP 90.6 — 9% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $36,557 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($41,737) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the field of certified nursing assistants (CNA) in Sioux Falls can anticipate starting salaries around $33,132, which is the lower end of the pay scale for entry-level positions. This initial salary represents a significant gap when compared to the city's median annual salary for CNAs, which is projected at $41,737. For newcomers, there’s a clear upward trajectory, as CNAs can expect to progress in their pay to about $38,713 within the first few years as they gain experience and skills. Given the demand for healthcare workers post-COVID and the projected annual growth rate of 6.50%, Sioux Falls presents a favorable market for aspiring CNAs looking for stable career opportunities.
Career Earnings Timeline in Sioux Falls
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 Sioux Falls
Entry-level certified nursing assistants in Sioux Falls, SD typically start between $33,132 and $38,713 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $15,698 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $41,737 — 7.27% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nursing program cost in South Dakota of $1,500 represents just 4.53% of the starting certified nursing assistant pay ($33,132/year) in Sioux Falls. 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 Sioux Falls
- 1Research the Sioux Falls market: entry-level certified nursing assistant pay ranges from $33,132 to $38,713, 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 Sioux Falls, 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 Sioux Falls for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Sioux Falls'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 Sioux Falls is $15,698 ( 47.38%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $33,132, experienced hygienists can earn up to $48,830.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$21,880
2025 BLS Actual
$31,110
2026 Current Est.
$33,132
2019–2027 Growth
+61.3%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Sioux Falls (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21,880 | Actual |
| 2020 | $21,840 | Actual |
| 2021 | $23,660 | Actual |
| 2022 | $28,090 | Actual |
| 2023 | $31,830 | Actual |
| 2024 | $29,960 | Actual |
| 2025 | $31,110 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $33,132 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $35,286 | Projected |
Entry-level certified nursing assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Sioux Falls, SD grew 42.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $21,880 in 2019 to $31,110 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $35,286. New graduates entering the Sioux Falls job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Sioux Falls 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 Sioux Falls
Employers in Sioux Falls actively seek new graduate CNAs, with skilled nursing facilities being the primary hiring sector; many of these facilities provide paid training programs specifically designed for new CNAs. Hospital systems typically prefer candidates with experience but also offer apprenticeship programs that allow new graduates to gain the necessary skills. Home health agencies are particularly interested in flexible candidates who can work varied schedules. Gaining additional credentials, such as CPR/BLS certification or pursuing specialized areas like dementia or hospice care, can enhance earning potentials and improve job prospects. In navigating the first few years of a CNA career, many will find that the increase in facility wages—some rising by 20-40% since 2020—will support their transition into nursing roles like LPN or RN, opening further pathways for salary growth in this competitive market.
More salary data for Sioux Falls, SD:
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 Sioux Falls. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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