Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in South Dakota: $41,492 (2026)
Quick Answer:Across South Dakota's 11 metropolitan areas, the average median certified nursing assistant pay sits at $41,492/year heading into 2026 — a figure projected from 2025 BLS OEWS wage data for SOC 31-1131. Because South Dakota sits at BEA RPP 92.8 (7% below the U.S. baseline), that statewide median translates to roughly $44,711 in nationally-comparable purchasing power. Highest-paying metros: Sioux Falls ($39,190), Rapid City ($38,500), Watertown ($37,709).
The average median salary for certified nursing assistants in South Dakota is projected at $41,491 in 2026, which is approximately 7.8% lower than the national median of $45,007. Among various cities, Sioux Falls offers the highest salary at $41,737, while Huron has the lowest at $38,518, creating a salary gap of $3,219. This difference often arises from local cost of living, demand for healthcare services, and the presence of larger healthcare facilities in metro areas. In South Dakota, certified nursing assistants are required to complete a state-approved training program and pass a competency exam to obtain licensure. Their scope of practice may vary, but generally includes providing basic care to patients, assisting with daily activities, and supporting nursing staff. The state currently employs 4,255 certified nursing assistants, and the job market outlook remains positive with an anticipated growth rate of 6.50% annually. Key factors driving demand in South Dakota include an aging population and increased emphasis on healthcare access, particularly in rural areas. As the workforce continues to evolve, certified nursing assistants will play a crucial role in meeting the healthcare needs of the community.
South Dakota Certified Nursing Assistant Salary Range
Overall salary range in South Dakota: $31,973 (lowest entry-level) to $49,097 (highest top earner)
South Dakota vs National Average
South Dakota certified nursing assistants earn 7.81% less than the national median ($-3,515/year difference).
South Dakota Certified Nursing Assistant Salary Distribution (2026)
Certified Nursing Assistant salaries in South Dakota range from $34,795 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $48,874 (top earners, 90th percentile), with a median of $41,492. The South Dakota median is $3,515 below the US national median of $45,007. The average hourly rate is $19.95/hr. Approximately 4,255 certified nursing assistants are employed across 11 cities.
2019 BLS Actual
$28,393
2025 BLS Actual
$38,959
2026 Current Est.
$41,492
2019–2027 Growth
+55.6%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in South Dakota (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28,393 | Actual |
| 2020 | $29,243 | Actual |
| 2021 | $29,131 | Actual |
| 2022 | $30,963 | Actual |
| 2023 | $34,691 | Actual |
| 2024 | $37,769 | Actual |
| 2025 | $38,959 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $41,492 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $44,189 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the South Dakota metropolitan area, the median certified nursing assistant salary grew 37.2% from $28,393 (2019) to $38,959 (2025). At a 6.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $44,189 by 2027 — a total increase of $15,796 (55.63%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the South Dakota 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.
Top 5 Highest Paying Cities in South Dakota
Lowest Paying Cities in South Dakota
| City | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Huron | $38,518 |
| Vermillion | $38,577 |
| Brookings | $38,586 |
| Pierre | $39,240 |
| Aberdeen | $39,691 |
Best Value Cities for Certified Nursing Assistants in South Dakota
When adjusted for local cost of living, these South Dakota cities offer the most purchasing power for certified nursing assistants.
| City | Nominal Salary | CoL Index | Adjusted Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sioux Falls | $41,737 | 90.631 | $46,052 |
| Rapid City | $41,003 | 89.16 | $45,988 |
| Watertown | $40,160 | 92.8 | $43,276 |
| Yankton | $40,147 | 92.8 | $43,262 |
| Spearfish | $40,047 | 92.8 | $43,154 |
Adjusted salary = nominal salary × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average. Lower index = lower cost of living.
Salary by Experience Level in South Dakota
| Experience Level | Estimated Annual |
|---|---|
| Entry Level (0-2 years) | $34,795 |
| Mid Career (3-7 years) | $41,492 |
| Experienced (7+ years) | $48,874 |
Estimates based on BLS percentile data averaged across South Dakota metro areas. Individual pay varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
All 11 Cities in South Dakota
| # | City | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sioux Falls | $41,737 |
| 2 | Rapid City | $41,003 |
| 3 | Watertown | $40,160 |
| 4 | Yankton | $40,147 |
| 5 | Spearfish | $40,047 |
| 6 | Mitchell | $39,758 |
| 7 | Aberdeen | $39,691 |
| 8 | Pierre | $39,240 |
| 9 | Brookings | $38,586 |
| 10 | Vermillion | $38,577 |
| 11 | Huron | $38,518 |
More South Dakota Salary Data
Hourly Rates
Explore certified nursing assistant hourly pay in South Dakota cities.
Entry Level
Starting salaries for new certified nursing assistants.
Senior / Experienced
Top earner salaries for experienced certified nursing assistants.
Explore More Certified Nursing Assistant Salary Data
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do certified nursing assistants make in South Dakota in 2026?
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How does South Dakota certified nursing assistant pay compare to the national average?
What is the entry-level certified nursing assistant salary in South Dakota?
How many certified nursing assistants are employed in South Dakota?
Which South Dakota city offers the best value for certified nursing assistants?
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
Statewide 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. A 6.50% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to each metro area's reported salary to estimate current 2026 certified nursing assistant compensation across South Dakota. State averages are employment-weighted across 11 metro areas — larger metro areas with more certified nursing assistantscontribute proportionally more to the average, producing figures that better reflect typical compensation. Individual pay varies by city, employer, certifications, and experience.
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