Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Dickinson, ND: $40,487 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time certified nursing assistant in Dickinson, ND earns a median $40,487/year (โ $19.47/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 โ projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Once you factor in Dickinson's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 92.0), that paycheck buys what $44,008 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.2% below the North Dakota state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates ยท View source

In Dickinson, North Dakota, the projected median annual salary for certified nursing assistants is $40,487 in 2026, reflecting the city's competitive job market for this role. With salaries ranging from $32,498 at the 10th percentile to $49,886 at the 90th percentile, many CNAs in the area will find opportunities that align with various levels of experience and responsibilities. These estimates, derived from 2025 BLS state-level data and adjusted for regional cost factors, emphasize the pay structure in Dickinson, where the need for skilled nursing continues to grow. For those considering a career path, transitioning from a CNA to an LPN can enhance earning potential and open doors to a broader scope of responsibilities.
About the Dickinson Market
Salary estimated from North Dakota average ($36,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $32,498 | $15.62 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $35,213 | $16.93 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $40,487 | $19.47 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $43,393 | $20.86 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $49,886 | $23.98 |
Median Salary Position
10.04% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Dickinson
In Dickinson, ND, the certified nursing assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $17,388 (2026 est.). At $40,487, the local median is 10.04% below the national median of $45,007.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Dickinson: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Dickinson Certified Nursing Assistant Pay Compares
Dickinson median: $40,487/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Dickinson Pays |
|---|---|---|
| North Dakota Average | $41,398 | -2.20% less |
| National Average | $45,007 | -10.04% less |
Certified Nursing Assistants in Dickinson, ND earn a median of $40,487 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.04% lower than the national median of $45,007 and 2.20% below the North Dakota state average of $41,398.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Dickinson has a cost of living 8.00% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal ร (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Dickinson, ND has a cost-of-living index of 92 (below the national average of 100). A certified nursing assistant earning $40,487 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $44,008 in an average-cost city โ an effective 8.7% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$26,681
2025 BLS Actual
$38,016
2026 Current Est.
$40,487
2019โ2027 Growth
+61.6%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Dickinson (2019โ2027)
2019โ2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26,681 | Actual |
| 2020 | $27,752 | Actual |
| 2021 | $27,266 | Actual |
| 2022 | $32,169 | Actual |
| 2023 | $34,364 | Actual |
| 2024 | $32,385 | Actual |
| 2025 | $38,016 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $40,487 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $43,119 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Dickinson metropolitan area, the median certified nursing assistant salary grew 42.5% from $26,681 (2019) to $38,016 (2025). At a 6.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $43,119 by 2027 โ a total increase of $16,438 (61.61%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019โ2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Dickinson metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026โ2026 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $32,498 โ $35,213 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $35,213 โ $40,487 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $40,487 โ $43,393 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $43,393 โ $49,886 |
CNA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual certified nursing assistant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Certified Nursing Assistant Job Market in Dickinson
Examining the local job market reveals that only four certified nursing assistants are currently employed in Dickinson, indicating a niche yet potentially lucrative employment landscape. With a cost-of-living index of 92, overall living expenses are lower than the national average, which can positively impact take-home pay. Among local employers, skilled nursing facilities and hospitals often offer the highest wages, driven by factors like shift differentials, which can add $2-4 per hour for night shifts and $1-3 for weekends. Additionally, positions at home health agencies may provide premium pay during staffing shortages, and role-specific stipends for CNAs with advanced certifications can further boost earnings. Aspiring CNAs in Dickinson should strategically seek out these higher-paying employers and consider flexible schedules, including weekend-only roles, to maximize their earnings potential in this evolving market.
More salary data for Dickinson, ND:
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
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 BLS reported a median annual salary of $38,016 for certified nursing assistantsin the Dickinson metropolitan area. A 6.50% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10โP90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Dickinson 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. ยท View source data at BLS.gov