Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Pierre, SD: $39,240 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time certified nursing assistant in Pierre, SD earns a median $39,240/year (≈ $18.86/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Once you factor in Pierre's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 92.8), that paycheck buys what $42,284 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 6.0% below the South Dakota state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Pierre, SD, the projected median annual salary for a certified nursing assistant in 2026 stands at $39,240, indicating a regional earning potential that is notably below the national median of $45,007. The salary range for certified nursing assistants ranges from $31,973 at the 10th percentile to $46,317 at the 90th percentile, reflecting a diverse job market in terms of experience and specialty. These figures are derived from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for local economic conditions. Given the modest number of employed certified nursing assistants in the area, it's clear that the pathway to roles with higher earning potential may involve pursuing additional certifications, such as transitioning to licensed practical nurse (LPN) status, particularly beneficial in the evolving healthcare landscape of South Dakota.
About the Pierre Market
Salary estimated from South Dakota average ($33,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $31,973 | $15.37 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $36,681 | $17.64 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $39,240 | $18.86 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $43,263 | $20.80 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $46,317 | $22.27 |
Median Salary Position
12.81% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Pierre
In Pierre, SD, the certified nursing assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $14,344 (2026 est.). At $39,240, the local median is 12.81% below the national median of $45,007.
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At 40 hours/week in Pierre: You'd be above the median
How Pierre Certified Nursing Assistant Pay Compares
Pierre median: $39,240/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Pierre Pays |
|---|---|---|
| South Dakota Average | $41,745 | -6.00% less |
| National Average | $45,007 | -12.81% less |
Certified Nursing Assistants in Pierre, SD earn a median of $39,240 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.81% lower than the national median of $45,007 and 6.00% below the South Dakota state average of $41,745.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Pierre 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.
Pierre, SD has a cost-of-living index of 92.8 (below the national average of 100). A certified nursing assistant earning $39,240 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $42,284 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.76% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$25,860
2025 BLS Actual
$36,845
2026 Current Est.
$39,240
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Pierre (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $25,860 | Actual |
| 2020 | $26,897 | Actual |
| 2021 | $26,426 | Actual |
| 2022 | $31,178 | Actual |
| 2023 | $33,305 | Actual |
| 2024 | $28,772 | Actual |
| 2025 | $36,845 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $39,240 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $41,791 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Pierre metropolitan area, the median certified nursing assistant salary grew 42.5% from $25,860 (2019) to $36,845 (2025). At a 6.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $41,791 by 2027 — a total increase of $15,931 (61.60%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Pierre 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) | $31,973 – $36,681 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $36,681 – $39,240 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $39,240 – $43,263 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $43,263 – $46,317 |
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 Pierre
While the employment of only four certified nursing assistants indicates a relatively small local market, it also shapes the dynamics of compensation. Pierre's cost-of-living index of 92.8 suggests that expenses are below the national average, which can enhance take-home pay and purchasing power for CNAs in this area. Among local healthcare employers, skilled nursing facilities and hospitals typically offer the most competitive wages, particularly in critical care departments like ICUs. Pay disparities in this market often stem from shift differentials, with weekend and night shifts attracting premiums of $1-4 per hour, and bonuses available during staffing shortages. For those in Pierre looking to maximize their earnings, strategically seeking positions that offer these incentives or pursuing agency roles may yield more favorable pay dynamics as the demand for qualified CNAs continues to grow.
More salary data for Pierre, 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 $36,845 for certified nursing assistantsin the Pierre 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 Pierre 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