Senior Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Sioux Falls, SD: $48,830 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of certified nursing assistants working in Sioux Falls, SD — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $48,830/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 31-1131. Strip back Sioux Falls's price premium (BEA RPP 90.6, 9% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $53,878 in average-cost America. The 17% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Official BLS data · View source
For those in Sioux Falls, SD, senior certified nursing assistants encounter a substantial earning potential, especially as they climb the career ladder. The 2026 projected data anticipates top earners (P90) achieving a commendable salary of $48,830, while those in the 75th percentile (P75) can expect to earn around $46,562 annually. This highlights a significant disparity between the median annual salary of $41,737 and the peak of the salary range, where seasoned professionals can capitalize on their experience and expertise. Reaching this top-tier pay requires not only years in the field but also a commitment to pursuing specialized training or certifications that enhance a CNA's qualifications and ability to serve diverse patient needs.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Sioux Falls
Experienced certified nursing assistants at the top of the pay scale in Sioux Falls earn between $46,562 and $48,830 per year (2026 est.). This $15,698 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Sioux Falls median of $41,737 sits 7.27% below the US median.
Top CNA Salary Comparison
| Level | Sioux Falls | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $41,737 | $45,007 |
| 75th Percentile | $46,562 | $50,289 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $48,830 | $55,359 |
In Sioux Falls, experienced certified nursing assistants (P90) earn 16.99% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Certified Nursing Assistant Pay in Sioux Falls
Advanced Certifications in South Dakota
SD certified nursing assistants with additional specialty certifications within the nursing field earn significantly above the $41,737 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Sioux Falls employers.
Specialty Focus
Certified Nursing Assistants focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the nursing field in Sioux Falls command premium compensation, often reaching the $46,562–$48,830 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Sioux Falls metro area, which is a large CNA employment market, 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 Sioux Falls with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this competitive 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 Sioux Falls
Clinical Certified Nursing Assistant
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Certified Nursing Assistant
5-10 yearsCertified Nursing Assistant Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedSioux Falls ranks #2 of 11 South Dakota cities for top earner certified nursing assistant salary (90th percentile: $48,830).
Top 10% certified nursing assistant compensation in Sioux Falls ($48,830) is 0.09% below the South Dakota average P90 ($48,874).
2019 BLS Actual
$36,420
2025 BLS Actual
$45,850
2026 Current Est.
$48,830
2019–2027 Growth
+42.8%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Sioux Falls (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $36,420 | Actual |
| 2020 | $36,750 | Actual |
| 2021 | $36,520 | Actual |
| 2022 | $38,000 | Actual |
| 2023 | $42,570 | Actual |
| 2024 | $44,640 | Actual |
| 2025 | $45,850 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $48,830 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $52,004 | Projected |
Top-earning certified nursing assistants (90th percentile) in Sioux Falls saw their compensation grow 25.9% from $36,420 in 2019 to $45,850 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 $52,004 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Sioux Falls 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 Sioux Falls
Compensation for experienced certified nursing assistants in Sioux Falls reflects various factors, including specializations and employer types. Those who have advanced to roles such as restorative aides, medication aides, or have a focus on dementia care typically command higher pay. Employment settings also impact earnings, with skilled nursing facilities and hospitals offering different compensation structures than home health agencies or hospice care. Many experienced CNAs find that leadership roles, such as charge CNA or training coordinator, lead to further salary increases. Additionally, obtaining advanced certifications like CPR/BLS or a medication aide qualification can boost pay. Non-salary compensation features prominently, with evening shifts often carrying a differential of $2 to $4 per hour and weekend work providing additional premiums. These factors combined create an attractive landscape for senior certified nursing assistant pay in SD as professionals look to leverage their training and experience efficiently.
More salary data for Sioux Falls, SD:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced certified nursing assistants make in Sioux Falls in 2026?
What drives higher certified nursing assistant pay in Sioux Falls?
What certifications boost certified nursing assistant salary in Sioux Falls?
Can experienced certified nursing assistants make six figures in Sioux Falls?
How much does certified nursing assistant salary increase over time in Sioux Falls?
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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 $45,850 for certified nursing assistants in the Sioux Falls 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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