Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay in Watertown, SD: $19.31 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a certified nursing assistant working in Watertown, SD runs $19.31 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $40,160 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Weighted against Watertown's regional price level (BEA RPP 92.8, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $20.81 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $24,097 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Watertown, South Dakota, the certified nursing assistant hourly pay stands at a median of $19.31. This figure is slightly below the national average of $21.64, positioning local CNAs' earnings on the lower end of the spectrum. For those working part-time—such as on a 3-day workweek—this equates to a take-home amount of approximately $1,197 per month, while full-time workers significantly increase their earnings. The hourly pay ranges from $16.51 for entry-level positions to a peak of $22.49 for more experienced workers in diverse environments, including skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, and home health settings. The compensation reflects ongoing estimates derived from 2025 BLS data and indicates the challenges faced by CNAs in a market that has seen wage growth fluctuations post-COVID due to workforce shortages.
About the Watertown 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) | $16.51 | $132.06 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $17.41 | $139.30 |
| Median (P50) | $19.31 | $154.47 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $21.10 | $168.78 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $22.49 | $179.94 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Watertown
Based on $19.31/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $19.31/hr, a certified nursing assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Watertown, SD can expect to earn approximately $40,162 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $23,170. With a cost-of-living index of 92.80 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Watertown.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Watertown
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $772.34 | $3,347 | $40,162 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $463.40 | $2,008 | $24,097 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $308.94 | $1,339 | $16,065 |
Compare CNA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Certified Nursing Assistant (Watertown) | $19.31 |
| 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 Watertown, SD earn a median of $40,160 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.77% lower than the national median of $45,007 and 3.80% below the South Dakota state average of $41,746.
Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $19.31/hr = $24,097/year (purchasing power: $25,967).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $40,162/year (purchasing power: $43,278).
CoL index: 92.8 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$12.72/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$18.13/hr
2026 Current Est.
$19.31/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Watertown (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $12.72/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $13.23/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $13.00/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $15.34/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $16.39/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $14.16/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $18.13/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $19.31/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $20.56/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for certified nursing assistants in Watertown grew 42.5% from $12.72/hr (2019) to $18.13/hr (2025). At a 6.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $20.56/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 Watertown 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 Watertown
Considering the financial landscape, part-time CNAs, who may work around 24 hours weekly, would accumulate roughly $15,684 annually, a stark contrast to their full-time counterparts. The rise of per diem certified nursing assistant pay in Watertown has opened opportunities for flexible employment, with some agencies billing at rates between $22 and $32 per hour. Premium weekend contracts can reach $30 to $45 per hour, especially in high-demand scenarios. Different workplace settings, such as rehabilitation hospitals or assisted living communities, often determine variation in pay; skilled nursing facilities typically offer stability but may provide lower hourly rates. This discrepancy leads many CNAs to negotiate compensation based on benefits—opting for a higher hourly rate might mean sacrificing health insurance and other security. For those looking to maximize their earnings, understanding the local market and leveraging skills in negotiation is essential.
More salary data for Watertown, 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 Watertown. 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 Watertown 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