Senior Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Huron, SD: $44,131 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of certified nursing assistants working in Huron, SD — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $44,131/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 31-1131. Strip back Huron's price premium (BEA RPP 92.8, 7% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $47,555 in average-cost America. The 15% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Earning a top certified nursing assistant salary in Huron, SD, is an attainable goal for seasoned professionals, especially those with more than seven years of experience. In 2026, the highest earners (P90) in this role can expect to receive an annual salary of $44,131, with those at the P75 percentile earning around $42,460. This is a significant gap compared to the median annual salary of $38,518 in the area, illustrating the lucrative potential that experience brings to this profession. Achieving these top-tier salaries typically requires advanced training, certifications, and possibly diversifying skill sets into specialized fields such as hospice care or dialysis support, which can greatly enhance employability and earning potential.
About the Huron Market
Salary estimated from South Dakota average ($33,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Huron
Experienced certified nursing assistants at the top of the pay scale in Huron earn between $42,460 and $44,131 per year (2026 est.). This $10,674 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Huron median of $38,518 sits 14.42% below the US median.
Top CNA Salary Comparison
| Level | Huron | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $38,518 | $45,007 |
| 75th Percentile | $42,460 | $50,289 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $44,131 | $55,359 |
In Huron, experienced certified nursing assistants (P90) earn 14.57% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Certified Nursing Assistant Pay in Huron
Advanced Certifications in South Dakota
SD certified nursing assistants with additional specialty certifications within the nursing field earn significantly above the $38,518 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Huron employers.
Specialty Focus
Certified Nursing Assistants focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the nursing field in Huron command premium compensation, often reaching the $42,460–$44,131 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Huron metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced certified nursing assistants who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured certified nursing assistants in Huron with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Certified Nursing Assistants in South Dakota who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Certified Nursing Assistant Career & Wage Growth Path in Huron
Clinical Certified Nursing Assistant
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Certified Nursing Assistant
5-10 yearsCertified Nursing Assistant Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedHuron ranks #11 of 11 South Dakota cities for top earner certified nursing assistant salary (90th percentile: $44,131).
Top 10% certified nursing assistant compensation in Huron ($44,131) is 9.7% below the South Dakota average P90 ($48,874).
2019 BLS Actual
$32,382
2025 BLS Actual
$41,438
2026 Current Est.
$44,131
2019–2027 Growth
+45.1%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Huron (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32,382 | Actual |
| 2020 | $33,570 | Actual |
| 2021 | $35,268 | Actual |
| 2022 | $36,623 | Actual |
| 2023 | $38,887 | Actual |
| 2024 | $33,378 | Actual |
| 2025 | $41,438 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $44,131 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $47,000 | Projected |
Top-earning certified nursing assistants (90th percentile) in Huron saw their compensation grow 28.0% from $32,382 in 2019 to $41,438 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 6.50% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $47,000 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Huron 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.
Maximizing Your Certified Nursing Assistant Earnings in Huron
Compensation for experienced certified nursing assistants varies notably across different employment settings in Huron. Specializations such as restorative aide, medication aide, dementia care, hospice aide, and dialysis technician can command premium pay, reflecting the heightened demand for these skills. Skilled nursing facilities and hospitals, particularly in critical care areas such as ICUs, generally offer higher pay compared to home health agencies or assisted living communities. Career advancement is also a viable path, with opportunities to transition into roles such as charge CNA, training coordinator, or bridge programs to become an LPN or RN. Additionally, acquiring certifications beyond the basic CNA can lead to pay increases, while non-salary benefits like shift differentials, weekend premiums, and agency pay boosts during staffing shortages further enhance overall compensation for seasoned professionals in Huron, making it a competitive market for experienced nursing assistants.
More salary data for Huron, SD:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced certified nursing assistants make in Huron in 2026?
What drives higher certified nursing assistant pay in Huron?
What certifications boost certified nursing assistant salary in Huron?
Can experienced certified nursing assistants make six figures in Huron?
How much does certified nursing assistant salary increase over time in Huron?
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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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $41,438 for certified nursing assistants in the Huron metro area. A 6.50% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Huron 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