Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay in Yankton, SD: $19.30 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a certified nursing assistant working in Yankton, SD runs $19.30 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $40,147 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Weighted against Yankton's regional price level (BEA RPP 92.8, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $20.80 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $24,084 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Yankton, South Dakota, the projected median hourly pay for a certified nursing assistant (CNA) in 2026 stands at approximately $19.30. This figure is notably below the national median hourly rate of $21.64, which highlights local market conditions for CNAs. For part-time employees working three 8-hour shifts weekly, this hourly rate translates to a comfortable yet modest wage, supporting those engaged in settings such as skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, and home healthcare. The hourly pay range in Yankton varies from $16.49 for entry-level positions to as high as $21.81 for more experienced or top-earning CNAs. These projections reflect a growing emphasis on recognizing the contributions of CNAs, especially in the wake of staffing challenges that arose during the post-COVID era.
About the Yankton 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) | $16.49 | $131.89 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $17.40 | $139.22 |
| Median (P50) | $19.30 | $154.38 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $20.68 | $165.46 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $21.81 | $174.49 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Yankton
Based on $19.30/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $19.30/hr, a certified nursing assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Yankton, SD can expect to earn approximately $40,139 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $23,157. With a cost-of-living index of 92.80 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Yankton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Yankton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $771.91 | $3,345 | $40,139 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $463.15 | $2,007 | $24,084 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $308.76 | $1,338 | $16,056 |
Compare CNA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Certified Nursing Assistant (Yankton) | $19.30 |
| 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 Yankton, SD earn a median of $40,147 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.80% lower than the national median of $45,007 and 3.90% below the South Dakota state average of $41,777.
Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $19.30/hr = $24,084/year (purchasing power: $25,952).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $40,139/year (purchasing power: $43,254).
CoL index: 92.8 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$12.72/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$18.12/hr
2026 Current Est.
$19.30/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Yankton (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 | $15.33/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $16.38/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $14.15/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $18.12/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $19.30/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $20.55/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for certified nursing assistants in Yankton grew 42.5% from $12.72/hr (2019) to $18.12/hr (2025). At a 6.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $20.55/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 Yankton 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 Yankton
For those considering part-time roles or per-diem certified nursing assistant positions in Yankton, the financial landscape can differ significantly from that of full-time employment. A part-time CNA working a standard schedule can expect to take home less annually than their full-time counterparts, yet many find flexibility attractive, particularly in managing work-life balance. Per-diem and agency CNAs often find opportunities that pay between $22 and $32 per hour, with specialty situations like weekend-only contracts offering premiums of $30 to $45. Furthermore, while CNAs in skilled nursing facilities or assisted living may earn at the lower end of the scale, those in hospitals or specialty roles often see better compensation. For CNAs seeking to negotiate their hourly rate, considering the trade-off between higher wages and benefits is crucial, as some may choose lower hourly pay that includes health insurance. Understanding the dynamics of employer types and the potential for varied earnings can empower nursing assistants to make informed career choices in Yankton, SD.
More salary data for Yankton, 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 Yankton. 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 Yankton 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