Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay in Pierre, SD: $18.86 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a certified nursing assistant working in Pierre, SD runs $18.86 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $39,240 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Weighted against Pierre's regional price level (BEA RPP 92.8, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $20.32 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $23,539 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Pierre, South Dakota, the certified nursing assistant hourly pay is projected to be $18.86 in 2026. This rate falls below the national median hourly wage of $21.64, highlighting a significant gap for CNAs in the region. For those working part-time, typically around three days a week, this translates to about $1,296 monthly, which can greatly impact financial stability. The hourly rates range from $15.37 at the 10th percentile to $22.27 at the 90th percentile, offering flexibility for entry-level CNAs and those nearing the peak of their careers. These figures suggest that many workers in diverse health care settings, such as skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, home visits, and assisted living environments, will face compensation challenges compared to counterparts in other states.
About the Pierre Market
Salary estimated from South Dakota average ($33,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $15.37 | $122.94 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $17.64 | $141.09 |
| Median (P50) | $18.86 | $150.89 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $20.80 | $166.40 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $22.27 | $178.15 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Pierre
Based on $18.86/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $18.86/hr, a certified nursing assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Pierre, SD can expect to earn approximately $39,231 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $22,633. With a cost-of-living index of 92.80 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Pierre.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Pierre
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $754.45 | $3,269 | $39,231 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $452.67 | $1,962 | $23,539 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $301.78 | $1,308 | $15,692 |
Compare CNA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Certified Nursing Assistant (Pierre) | $18.86 |
| Licensed Practical Nurse (National Avg) | $29.34 |
| Home Health / Personal Care Aide (National Avg) | $16.80 |
| Medical Assistant (National Avg) | $19.70 |
| Psychiatric Aide (National Avg) | $18.50 |
Certified Nursing Assistants in Pierre, SD earn a median of $39,240 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.81% lower than the national median of $45,007 and 6.00% below the South Dakota state average of $41,745.
Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $18.86/hr = $23,539/year (purchasing power: $25,365).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $39,231/year (purchasing power: $42,275).
CoL index: 92.8 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$12.43/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$17.71/hr
2026 Current Est.
$18.86/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Pierre (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $12.43/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $12.93/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $12.70/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $14.99/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $16.01/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $13.83/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $17.71/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $18.86/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $20.09/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for certified nursing assistants in Pierre grew 42.5% from $12.43/hr (2019) to $17.71/hr (2025). At a 6.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $20.09/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem certified nursing assistants can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Pierre 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.
Working as an Hourly Certified Nursing Assistant in Pierre
Considering a part-time position of 24 hours a week, a certified nursing assistant in Pierre can expect to earn roughly $17,643 annually before taxes. This is significantly less than a full-time CNA, who might earn up to $39,240 in a year. For those pursuing per diem certified nursing assistant pay in Pierre, the opportunity to work flexibly can yield higher rates. Agency CNAs often earn between $22 to $32 per hour, sometimes even commanding weekend-only premium contracts that can reach $30 to $45 when facilities experience short staffing. Geography and employer type also affect pay – skilled nursing facilities and home health agencies typically offer lower hourly wages compared to hospitals or private practices. Many CNAs face a tough choice between lower hourly wages with benefits and higher pay without coverage. Knowing how to negotiate for better pay or benefits can be crucial in a competitive job market, particularly in Pierre, where health care needs remain high but wages have yet to catch up to national trends.
More salary data for Pierre, 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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 6.50% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for certified nursing assistants in Pierre. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Pierre 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