Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Aberdeen, SD: $39,691 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time certified nursing assistant in Aberdeen, SD earns a median $39,691/year (≈ $19.08/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Once you factor in Aberdeen's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 92.8), that paycheck buys what $42,770 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.0% below the South Dakota state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the certified nursing assistant salary in Aberdeen is projected to reach a median of $39,691 annually, which reflects a noticeable difference compared to the national median of $45,007 for the same year. The salary range in this area extends from $33,322 at the 10th percentile to $46,725 at the 90th percentile, providing a glimpse into the earning potential based on experience and workplace setting. These figures represent local estimates based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional price levels. With the growing demand for healthcare professionals, the prospects are favorable for certified nursing assistants looking to bridge into LPN or RN roles, highlighting a robust job market in Aberdeen.
About the Aberdeen Market
Salary estimated from South Dakota average ($33,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $33,322 | $16.02 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $35,569 | $17.10 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $39,691 | $19.08 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $44,444 | $21.36 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $46,725 | $22.46 |
Median Salary Position
11.81% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Aberdeen
In Aberdeen, SD, the certified nursing assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $13,403 (2026 est.). At $39,691, the local median is 11.81% below the national median of $45,007.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Aberdeen: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Aberdeen Certified Nursing Assistant Pay Compares
Aberdeen median: $39,691/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Aberdeen Pays |
|---|---|---|
| South Dakota Average | $41,781 | -5.00% less |
| National Average | $45,007 | -11.81% less |
Certified Nursing Assistants in Aberdeen, SD earn a median of $39,691 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.81% lower than the national median of $45,007 and 5.00% below the South Dakota state average of $41,781.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Aberdeen has a cost of living 7.20% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Aberdeen, SD has a cost-of-living index of 92.8 (below the national average of 100). A certified nursing assistant earning $39,691 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $42,770 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.76% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$26,157
2025 BLS Actual
$37,269
2026 Current Est.
$39,691
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Aberdeen (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26,157 | Actual |
| 2020 | $27,207 | Actual |
| 2021 | $26,730 | Actual |
| 2022 | $31,537 | Actual |
| 2023 | $33,688 | Actual |
| 2024 | $29,103 | Actual |
| 2025 | $37,269 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $39,691 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $42,271 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Aberdeen metropolitan area, the median certified nursing assistant salary grew 42.5% from $26,157 (2019) to $37,269 (2025). At a 6.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $42,271 by 2027 — a total increase of $16,114 (61.60%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Aberdeen 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $33,322 – $35,569 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $35,569 – $39,691 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $39,691 – $44,444 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $44,444 – $46,725 |
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 Aberdeen
The local workforce for certified nursing assistants remains relatively small, with just five CNAs currently employed in the area, suggesting that job opportunities may arise as demands increase. The cost of living index in Aberdeen is 92.8, indicating that living expenses are below the national average and potentially enhancing the take-home purchasing power of CNAs here. Employers that typically pay well include skilled nursing facilities and assisted living communities, often offering shift differentials for night shifts and weekends, which can range from $1 to $4 extra per hour. The variance in certified nursing assistant pay in Aberdeen, SD, can also be attributed to factors such as agency staffing premiums during shortages and the potential for additional certifications, such as CMA. For those looking to maximize earnings, focusing on weekend-only roles or positions in high-acuity areas can increase overall compensation significantly.
More salary data for Aberdeen, 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
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 $37,269 for certified nursing assistantsin the Aberdeen 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 (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Aberdeen 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