Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Mitchell, SD: $39,758 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time certified nursing assistant in Mitchell, SD earns a median $39,758/year (≈ $19.12/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Once you factor in Mitchell's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 92.8), that paycheck buys what $42,843 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.8% below the South Dakota state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the median annual salary for certified nursing assistants in Mitchell, South Dakota, is projected at $39,758. This figure places the local earnings approximately 11.66% below the national median of $45,007, indicating a competitive yet challenging job market for these professionals. The salary range for certified nursing assistants in this area spans from $33,289 at the 10th percentile to $45,540 at the 90th percentile. These estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for local cost-of-living factors, reflect both the demand for CNAs and opportunities for advancement, especially for those considering the pathway from certified nursing assistant to licensed practical nurse (LPN) or registered nurse (RN). With the ongoing efforts to fill nursing positions, the potential for career growth remains significant for individuals entering this field in Mitchell.
About the Mitchell Market
Salary estimated from South Dakota average ($33,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $33,289 | $16.01 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $35,354 | $17.00 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $39,758 | $19.12 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $42,976 | $20.66 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $45,540 | $21.90 |
Median Salary Position
11.66% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Mitchell
In Mitchell, SD, the certified nursing assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $12,251 (2026 est.). At $39,758, the local median is 11.66% below the national median of $45,007.
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How Mitchell Certified Nursing Assistant Pay Compares
Mitchell median: $39,758/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Mitchell Pays |
|---|---|---|
| South Dakota Average | $41,762 | -4.80% less |
| National Average | $45,007 | -11.66% less |
Certified Nursing Assistants in Mitchell, SD earn a median of $39,758 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.66% lower than the national median of $45,007 and 4.80% below the South Dakota state average of $41,762.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Mitchell 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.
Mitchell, SD has a cost-of-living index of 92.8 (below the national average of 100). A certified nursing assistant earning $39,758 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $42,843 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.76% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$26,201
2025 BLS Actual
$37,331
2026 Current Est.
$39,758
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Mitchell (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26,201 | Actual |
| 2020 | $27,252 | Actual |
| 2021 | $26,775 | Actual |
| 2022 | $31,589 | Actual |
| 2023 | $33,745 | Actual |
| 2024 | $29,152 | Actual |
| 2025 | $37,331 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $39,758 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $42,342 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Mitchell metropolitan area, the median certified nursing assistant salary grew 42.5% from $26,201 (2019) to $37,331 (2025). At a 6.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $42,342 by 2027 — a total increase of $16,141 (61.60%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Mitchell 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) | $33,289 – $35,354 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $35,354 – $39,758 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $39,758 – $42,976 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $42,976 – $45,540 |
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 Mitchell
The job market for certified nursing assistants in Mitchell is relatively small, with only six individuals employed as CNAs in the area. Despite this limited figure, the cost of living in Mitchell is slightly lower than the national average, as evidenced by a wallet-friendly cost-of-living index of 92.8. This lower cost can enhance the purchasing power of those in the profession. Employers offering the highest salaries typically include skilled nursing facilities and hospitals, which may provide various incentives such as shift differentials for evening and weekend hours. Factors that contribute to the wage disparity among CNAs include premium pay during nursing shortages, stipends for certified medication aides, and roles with weekend-only schedules. For those looking to maximize their certified nursing assistant pay in Mitchell, pursuing certification enhancements and being open to flexible work hours can be effective strategies.
More salary data for Mitchell, 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 $37,331 for certified nursing assistantsin the Mitchell 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 Mitchell 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