Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Watertown, SD: $40,160 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time certified nursing assistant in Watertown, SD earns a median $40,160/year (≈ $19.31/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Once you factor in Watertown's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 92.8), that paycheck buys what $43,276 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.8% below the South Dakota state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Watertown, SD, certified nursing assistants earn an estimated median annual salary of $40,160 in 2026, which is notably below the national median of $45,007. The pay range for CNAs in the area varies significantly, with the lower end at $34,326 and the higher end reaching $46,775. These figures are derived from local estimates based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional cost differences. The compensation landscape for certified nursing assistants reflects the broader economic conditions in the area, and many facilities may offer differentiated pay scales based on specific roles, shifts, or work settings, impacting overall earnings in this profession.
About the Watertown Market
Salary estimated from South Dakota average ($33,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $34,326 | $16.51 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $36,221 | $17.41 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $40,160 | $19.31 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $43,890 | $21.10 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $46,775 | $22.49 |
Median Salary Position
10.77% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Watertown
In Watertown, SD, the certified nursing assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $12,449 (2026 est.). At $40,160, the local median is 10.77% below the national median of $45,007.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Watertown: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Watertown Certified Nursing Assistant Pay Compares
Watertown median: $40,160/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Watertown Pays |
|---|---|---|
| South Dakota Average | $41,746 | -3.80% less |
| National Average | $45,007 | -10.77% less |
Certified Nursing Assistants in Watertown, SD earn a median of $40,160 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.77% lower than the national median of $45,007 and 3.80% below the South Dakota state average of $41,746.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Watertown 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.
Watertown, SD has a cost-of-living index of 92.8 (below the national average of 100). A certified nursing assistant earning $40,160 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $43,276 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.76% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$26,466
2025 BLS Actual
$37,709
2026 Current Est.
$40,160
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Watertown (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26,466 | Actual |
| 2020 | $27,528 | Actual |
| 2021 | $27,046 | Actual |
| 2022 | $31,909 | Actual |
| 2023 | $34,086 | Actual |
| 2024 | $29,446 | Actual |
| 2025 | $37,709 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $40,160 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $42,770 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Watertown metropolitan area, the median certified nursing assistant salary grew 42.5% from $26,466 (2019) to $37,709 (2025). At a 6.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $42,770 by 2027 — a total increase of $16,304 (61.60%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Watertown 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) | $34,326 – $36,221 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $36,221 – $40,160 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $40,160 – $43,890 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $43,890 – $46,775 |
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 Watertown
The local job market for certified nursing assistants is relatively limited, with only 6 individuals currently employed in this role within Watertown. Additionally, the cost-of-living index stands at 92.8, which presents both challenges and opportunities for potential CNAs. The lower cost of living could mean that earnings, even if lower than the national average, offer decent purchasing power locally. Skilled nursing facilities generally offer some of the higher salaries within the city, but pay can vary based on factors such as shift differentials—nights might pay an additional $2-4 per hour, and weekends could yield up to an extra $3. To maximize pay in Watertown, aspiring CNAs should consider seeking shifts that offer these premiums, explore roles in facilities with higher acuity, and investigate opportunities for additional certifications, like becoming a certified medication aide (CMA).
More salary data for Watertown, 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 $37,709 for certified nursing assistantsin the Watertown 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 Watertown 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