Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Spearfish, SD: $40,047 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time certified nursing assistant in Spearfish, SD earns a median $40,047/year (≈ $19.26/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Once you factor in Spearfish's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 92.8), that paycheck buys what $43,154 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.1% below the South Dakota state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, certified nursing assistants in Spearfish, South Dakota, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $40,047. This figure represents the new wage floor for the industry post-COVID, where the salary range spans from $32,790 at the 10th percentile to $45,053 at the 90th percentile. Such estimates are informed by 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional price variations, and indicate the local market reflects trends impacting the certified nursing assistant salary in Spearfish. As healthcare facilities continue to recover and adjust to previous labor shortages, the prospects for employment in this field remain promising, particularly in light of an anticipated growth rate of 6.50% over the next five years.
About the Spearfish Market
Salary estimated from South Dakota average ($33,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $32,790 | $15.76 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $37,551 | $18.05 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $40,047 | $19.26 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $42,782 | $20.57 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $45,053 | $21.66 |
Median Salary Position
11.02% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Spearfish
In Spearfish, SD, the certified nursing assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $12,263 (2026 est.). At $40,047, the local median is 11.02% below the national median of $45,007.
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At 40 hours/week in Spearfish: You'd be above the median
How Spearfish Certified Nursing Assistant Pay Compares
Spearfish median: $40,047/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Spearfish Pays |
|---|---|---|
| South Dakota Average | $41,759 | -4.10% less |
| National Average | $45,007 | -11.02% less |
Certified Nursing Assistants in Spearfish, SD earn a median of $40,047 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.02% lower than the national median of $45,007 and 4.10% below the South Dakota state average of $41,759.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Spearfish 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.
Spearfish, SD has a cost-of-living index of 92.8 (below the national average of 100). A certified nursing assistant earning $40,047 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $43,154 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.76% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$26,392
2025 BLS Actual
$37,603
2026 Current Est.
$40,047
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Spearfish (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26,392 | Actual |
| 2020 | $27,450 | Actual |
| 2021 | $26,970 | Actual |
| 2022 | $31,819 | Actual |
| 2023 | $33,990 | Actual |
| 2024 | $29,363 | Actual |
| 2025 | $37,603 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $40,047 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $42,650 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Spearfish metropolitan area, the median certified nursing assistant salary grew 42.5% from $26,392 (2019) to $37,603 (2025). At a 6.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $42,650 by 2027 — a total increase of $16,258 (61.60%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Spearfish 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) | $32,790 – $37,551 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $37,551 – $40,047 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $40,047 – $42,782 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $42,782 – $45,053 |
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 Spearfish
Employment opportunities for certified nursing assistants in Spearfish are currently modest, with only five professionals active in the area. The cost of living index of 92.8 suggests that while wages may seem lower compared to national averages, they may provide a decent standard of living locally. Facilities such as skilled nursing homes and assisted living communities often offer the most competitive pay, sometimes enhanced by shift differentials of up to $4 per hour for evening or weekend shifts. In addition, some employers provide premium pay rates during staffing shortages, creating opportunities for motivated CNAs to secure better compensation. Strategies such as pursuing Certified Medication Aide (CMA) certification or seeking weekend-only roles could further elevate earning potential in this region, making it essential for job seekers to actively explore all available avenues in Spearfish, SD.
More salary data for Spearfish, 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 $37,603 for certified nursing assistantsin the Spearfish 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 Spearfish 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