📊 BLS Official Data · May 2025 Release

Nursing Assistant Salary in South Dakota (2026)

South Dakota · 13.0% below national average · Very High Demand

Average
$31,111
per year
Median
$29,162
per year
Hourly
$14.96
per hour
🏛️ Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
📅 Dataset: OES May 2025
🔄 Published: May 2026
📍 Coverage: All 50 States + DC
📊
Salary Range & Percentiles
Pay distribution across experience levels
10th Percentile — Entry Level$23,388
25th Percentile — Junior$27,294
50th Percentile — Median$29,162
75th Percentile — Senior$36,083
90th Percentile — Top Earners$38,588
💡 Top-earning Nursing Assistants in South Dakota make up to $38,588 per year. The job market in South Dakota is rated moderate, with key industries including Agriculture, Finance, Tourism.
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Salary Growth Trend (2021–2026)
Six-year compensation trajectory
$26.2k
2021
$27.1k
2022
$28.1k
2023
$29.0k
2024
$30.1k
2025
$31.1k
2026
📈 Nursing Assistant salaries in South Dakota have followed the national trend with 3.5% annual growth. The strong demand in South Dakota's job market supports continued salary increases.
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Nursing Assistant Salary by City in South Dakota
Geographic salary comparison
CityAvg Salaryvs NationalDemand
Statewide Average $31,111 +0% Very High
🔍
Nursing Assistant Job Market in South Dakota
Key factors affecting compensation

South Dakota is home to a moderate job market for Nursing Assistants. The state's key industries — Agriculture, Finance, Tourism — generate significant demand for skilled professionals. At $31,111 per year, South Dakota's Nursing Assistant salaries are 13.0% lower than the national average.

The cost of living in South Dakota (index: 0.87) makes salaries stretch further than in higher-cost states. Entry-level professionals in South Dakota can expect to earn $23,388–$27,294, while experienced Nursing Assistants can command $36,083–$38,588.

Looking ahead, the Nursing Assistant profession in South Dakota is projected to grow at 3.5% annually. Major employers are actively hiring, and the state's investment in Agriculture continues to drive new opportunities for qualified candidates.

🏛️ U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OES) · May 2025
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Compare with Similar Jobs
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this salary
  • The average Nursing Assistant salary in South Dakota is $31,111 per year in 2026, which is 13.0% below the national average of $35,760.
  • Major metro areas typically pay Nursing Assistants the highest wages in South Dakota due to higher costs of living and competitive job markets.
  • South Dakota has a moderate job market with major industries in Agriculture, Finance, Tourism. Opportunities exist in for Nursing Assistant employment.
  • At $31,111/year, South Dakota Nursing Assistant salaries are 13.0% lower than the national average of $35,760/year.