Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Yankton, SD: $40,147 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time certified nursing assistant in Yankton, SD earns a median $40,147/year (≈ $19.30/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Once you factor in Yankton's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 92.8), that paycheck buys what $43,262 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.9% below the South Dakota state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Yankton, South Dakota, the projected median salary for certified nursing assistants (CNAs) in 2026 is $40,147. This figure reflects a considerable gap compared to the national median of $45,007, indicating a localized pay structure that varies by the type of healthcare facility. The salary range for CNAs in Yankton spans from $34,293 at the 10th percentile to $45,358 at the 90th percentile, suggesting that while entry-level positions may offer modest pay, highly experienced CNAs or those in demanding roles can earn significantly more. Such estimates are derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional cost-of-living standards, which are crucial to understanding the compensation landscape in this part of South Dakota. The structure of healthcare employment influences the salary dynamics, with skilled nursing facilities generally presenting differing pay rates compared to hospitals.
About the Yankton Market
Salary estimated from South Dakota average ($33,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $34,293 | $16.49 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $36,193 | $17.40 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $40,147 | $19.30 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $43,009 | $20.68 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $45,358 | $21.81 |
Median Salary Position
10.8% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Yankton
In Yankton, SD, the certified nursing assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $11,065 (2026 est.). At $40,147, the local median is 10.8% below the national median of $45,007.
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At 40 hours/week in Yankton: You'd be above the median
How Yankton Certified Nursing Assistant Pay Compares
Yankton median: $40,147/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Yankton Pays |
|---|---|---|
| South Dakota Average | $41,777 | -3.90% less |
| National Average | $45,007 | -10.80% less |
Certified Nursing Assistants in Yankton, SD earn a median of $40,147 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.80% lower than the national median of $45,007 and 3.90% below the South Dakota state average of $41,777.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Yankton 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.
Yankton, SD has a cost-of-living index of 92.8 (below the national average of 100). A certified nursing assistant earning $40,147 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $43,262 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.76% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$26,457
2025 BLS Actual
$37,697
2026 Current Est.
$40,147
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Yankton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26,457 | Actual |
| 2020 | $27,519 | Actual |
| 2021 | $27,037 | Actual |
| 2022 | $31,899 | Actual |
| 2023 | $34,075 | Actual |
| 2024 | $29,437 | Actual |
| 2025 | $37,697 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $40,147 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $42,757 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Yankton metropolitan area, the median certified nursing assistant salary grew 42.5% from $26,457 (2019) to $37,697 (2025). At a 6.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $42,757 by 2027 — a total increase of $16,300 (61.61%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Yankton 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) | $34,293 – $36,193 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $36,193 – $40,147 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $40,147 – $43,009 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $43,009 – $45,358 |
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 Yankton
Analyzing the job market for certified nursing assistants in Yankton reveals an employment situation with just four individuals currently filling these vital roles. With a cost-of-living index of 92.8, workers enjoy a relative affordability compared to national averages, bolstering their purchasing power. Among local employers, skilled nursing facilities and home health agencies typically offer competitive wages, while hospitals might present higher pay rates in specialized units like ICUs. The variation in pay can be substantial due to factors such as shift differentials—where night shifts can earn an additional $2-4 per hour—and premium pay for working weekends. For those looking to enhance their certified nursing assistant pay in Yankton, pursuing additional qualifications or certifications, such as becoming a CMA or accepting roles with higher acuity levels, could provide a pathway to increased earnings while navigating potential staffing shortages.
More salary data for Yankton, 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 $37,697 for certified nursing assistantsin the Yankton 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 Yankton 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