South Dakota ranks 33rd of 51 states and D.C. for nursing assistants pay, trailing top-paying Oregon ($48,390) by $10,320 — a 27% gap.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $29,960 to $45,070 — a $15,110 spread, 19% tighter than the national $18,750 range.
Nursing Assistants are more concentrated in South Dakota than the U.S. average — a location quotient of 1.60 means the occupation's share of local jobs is 1.60× the national share.
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $29,960 | $14.41 |
| 25th percentile | $35,010 | $16.83 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $38,070 | $18.30 |
| 75th percentile | $41,440 | $19.93 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $45,070 | $21.67 |
| Mean (average) | $38,070 | $18.30 |
How South Dakota Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. South Dakota |
|---|---|---|
| South Dakota (current) | $38,070 | n/a |
| Oregon | $48,390 | +27% |
| Washington | $48,260 | +27% |
| New York | $47,390 | +24% |
| District of Columbia | $46,860 | +23% |
| California | $46,420 | +22% |
| New Hampshire | $46,050 | +21% |
| Alaska | $45,840 | +20% |
| Maine | $45,640 | +20% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in South Dakota
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Sewing Machine Operators | $38,120 | 270 |
| Data Entry Keyers | $38,140 | N/A |
| Phlebotomists | $37,860 | 380 |
| Social and Human Service Assistants | $37,750 | 900 |
| Food Batchmakers | $38,490 | 640 |
| Audio and Video Technicians | $37,440 | 40 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Nursing Assistants salary in South Dakota?
The mean nursing assistants salary in South Dakota is $38,070 per year. The median (middle) salary is $38,070 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Nursing Assistants in South Dakota?
Entry-level nursing assistantss (10th percentile) in South Dakota typically earn around $29,960 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $35,010 per year.
What is the highest Nursing Assistants salary in South Dakota?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in South Dakota make approximately $45,070 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $41,440 per year.
How does the South Dakota Nursing Assistants salary compare to the national average?
The median nursing assistants salary in South Dakota is $38,070, which is -4% below national average of $39,530.