Senior Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Pierre, SD: $46,317 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of certified nursing assistants working in Pierre, SD — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $46,317/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 31-1131. Strip back Pierre's price premium (BEA RPP 92.8, 7% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $49,911 in average-cost America. The 18% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Pierre, SD, the earning potential for an experienced certified nursing assistant is promising, particularly for those reaching the top tier of the salary range. The anticipated 2026 compensation indicates that senior professionals can earn as much as $46,317 annually at the 90th percentile, with even the 75th percentile seeing competitive salaries around $43,263. While the median salary sits at $39,240, the sizable gap between this figure and the top earners shows that achieving such pay necessitates not only extensive experience but likely additional credentials or specialized skills. This unique market reflects a lucrative opportunity for those who invest in professional development, making competitive choices to stand out in the workforce.
About the Pierre Market
Salary estimated from South Dakota average ($33,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Pierre
Experienced certified nursing assistants at the top of the pay scale in Pierre earn between $43,263 and $46,317 per year (2026 est.). This $14,344 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Pierre median of $39,240 sits 12.81% below the US median.
Top CNA Salary Comparison
| Level | Pierre | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $39,240 | $45,007 |
| 75th Percentile | $43,263 | $50,289 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $46,317 | $55,359 |
In Pierre, experienced certified nursing assistants (P90) earn 18.04% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Certified Nursing Assistant Pay in Pierre
Advanced Certifications in South Dakota
SD certified nursing assistants with additional specialty certifications within the nursing field earn significantly above the $39,240 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Pierre employers.
Specialty Focus
Certified Nursing Assistants focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the nursing field in Pierre command premium compensation, often reaching the $43,263–$46,317 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Pierre 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 Pierre 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 Pierre
Clinical Certified Nursing Assistant
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Certified Nursing Assistant
5-10 yearsCertified Nursing Assistant Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedPierre ranks #5 of 11 South Dakota cities for top earner certified nursing assistant salary (90th percentile: $46,317).
Top 10% certified nursing assistant compensation in Pierre ($46,317) is 5.23% below the South Dakota average P90 ($48,874).
2019 BLS Actual
$33,985
2025 BLS Actual
$43,490
2026 Current Est.
$46,317
2019–2027 Growth
+45.1%
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 | $33,985 | Actual |
| 2020 | $35,232 | Actual |
| 2021 | $37,014 | Actual |
| 2022 | $38,437 | Actual |
| 2023 | $40,813 | Actual |
| 2024 | $34,999 | Actual |
| 2025 | $43,490 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $46,317 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $49,327 | Projected |
Top-earning certified nursing assistants (90th percentile) in Pierre saw their compensation grow 28.0% from $33,985 in 2019 to $43,490 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 $49,327 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
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.
Maximizing Your Certified Nursing Assistant Earnings in Pierre
Specializations often drive higher salaries for senior certified nursing assistants in Pierre. Skills in areas such as neurology, palliative care, and specialized rehabilitation can command significantly more in compensation. The compensation landscape varies widely by employer type; top earners often find positions with skilled nursing facilities or hospitals, particularly in critical care, where the demand for advanced expertise leads to premium pay. Additionally, options for advancement remain robust; leadership roles such as charge nurse or scheduling coordinator provide pathways for career growth, while transitioning to LPN or RN through bridge programs can further elevate earning potential. Moreover, advanced certifications like CPR, BLS, or medication aide status not only enhance skillsets but can create further financial incentives, including weekend premiums or shift differentials that can add up to $4 per hour.
More salary data for Pierre, SD:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced certified nursing assistants make in Pierre in 2026?
What drives higher certified nursing assistant pay in Pierre?
What certifications boost certified nursing assistant salary in Pierre?
Can experienced certified nursing assistants make six figures in Pierre?
How much does certified nursing assistant salary increase over time in Pierre?
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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 $43,490 for certified nursing assistants in the Pierre 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 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