May 2025 BLS data
Nursing Assistant (CNA) salary in South Dakota
The median nursing assistant (cna) in South Dakota earns $38,800/year ($18.65/hr) — 8% below the national median.
Median pay
$38,800/yr
Hourly median
$18.65/hr
State rank
#34 of 51
Employed
6,860
Nursing Assistant (CNA) pay percentiles in South Dakota
| Percentile | Hourly | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $14.96 | $31,110 |
| 25th percentile | $17.71 | $36,830 |
| Median (50th) | $18.65 | $38,800 |
| 75th percentile | $21.12 | $43,940 |
| 90th percentile | $22.17 | $46,100 |
The spread is large: top-decile nursing assistant (cna)s in South Dakota out-earn the bottom decile by $7.21/hour — experience, certifications, and setting drive most of that gap.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025.
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What do people in your role actually earn?
Nursing Assistant (CNA)s in South Dakota earn
$14.96–$22.17 /hour
Median $38,800/year · 6,860 employed
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025
Nearby states compared
- Minnesota$46,680/yr
- North Dakota$45,820/yr
- Montana$40,900/yr
- Nebraska$40,000/yr
- Iowa$39,350/yr
- Wyoming$39,160/yr
Top-paying states for nursing assistant (cna)s
- 1. Oregon$49,830/yr
- 2. Washington$49,180/yr
- 3. New York$48,590/yr
- 4. New Hampshire$47,870/yr
- 5. District of Columbia$47,700/yr
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Nursing Assistant (CNA) salaries in every stateFrequently asked questions
How much does a nursing assistant (cna) make in South Dakota?
The median nursing assistant (cna) in South Dakota earns $38,800 per year, or $18.65 per hour, according to May 2025 BLS data. Most earn between $31,110 (10th percentile) and $46,100 (90th percentile).
What is a good nursing assistant (cna) salary in South Dakota?
Top-quartile nursing assistant (cna)s in South Dakota earn $43,940 or more per year ($21.12/hr). Reaching that range typically comes from experience, certifications, and higher-paying settings.
How does South Dakota compare to other states for nursing assistant (cna)s?
South Dakota ranks #34 of 51 states, with a median 8% below the national median of $42,260.
What do entry-level nursing assistant (cna)s earn in South Dakota?
Entry-level pay typically falls near the 10th–25th percentile: $31,110–$36,830 per year ($14.96–$17.71/hr) in South Dakota.