How much is the registered nurse vs nursing assistant (cna) pay gap in South Dakota?

The reported gap in South Dakota is about $39,260 a year, or roughly 101% more for registered nurses. Your actual pay depends on experience, specialty, shift, and employer — use the calculator to compare both for your situation.

Are these South Dakota figures exact?

They're the median wages actually reported for South Dakota — meaning half of nurses in the role earn more and half earn less. A median is a real measured midpoint, not a prediction of your offer: your pay moves with experience, specialty, shift, overtime, and employer.

Why are some figures verified and others estimates?

National pay for the main nursing roles — registered nurses, LPNs/LVNs, nurse practitioners, CRNAs, nurse midwives, and nursing assistants — comes from verified public wage data. State, city, and specialty figures that aren't reported on their own start from that national pay and are labeled "Estimated" or "Specialty estimate." We never show an estimate as a verified figure.

South Dakota · SD

Registered Nurse vs Nursing Assistant (CNA) salary in South Dakota

In South Dakota, registered nurses earn more — an estimated $78,060 a year versus $38,800 for nursing assistant (cna)s, a gap of about $39,260 (roughly 101% more). Both are estimates based on national pay for each role adjusted for South Dakota.

Registered Nurse — South Dakota

Verified public wage data

Median annual pay

$78,060

-20% vs national

Hourly

$37.53/hr

Median $78,060

$54,040Middle 50%: $65,070–$84,280$98,220

Typical range: $65,070–$84,280; What most nurses earn
High end: $98,220; Top earners
Entry level: $54,040; Newer nurses

Nursing Assistant (CNA) — South Dakota

Verified public wage data

Median annual pay

$38,800

-8% vs national

Hourly

$18.65/hr

Median $38,800

$31,110Middle 50%: $36,830–$43,940$46,100

Typical range: $36,830–$43,940; What most nurses earn
High end: $46,100; Top earners
Entry level: $31,110; Newer nurses

Why the gap in South Dakota

Registered nurses earn substantially more than certified nursing assistants because the RN is a licensed professional role requiring an ADN or BSN degree and passing the NCLEX-RN, while the CNA is an entry-level certificate role focused on assisting with basic patient care. The gap reflects differences in scope of practice, education, and clinical responsibility. The South Dakota figures apply the same local pay adjustment to both roles, so the gap here mirrors the national picture, shifted for South Dakota's cost of labor. Actual pay varies with experience, specialty, shift, and employer — compare the national Registered Nurse vs Nursing Assistant (CNA) comparison or personalize the calculator.

Registered Nurse vs Nursing Assistant (CNA) in South Dakota — FAQ

Do registered nurses or nursing assistant (cna)s earn more in South Dakota?: In South Dakota, registered nurses earn more — $78,060 a year versus $38,800 for nursing assistant (cna)s, a gap of about $39,260 (roughly 101% more). Both are median wages reported for South Dakota in official public wage data.
How much is the registered nurse vs nursing assistant (cna) pay gap in South Dakota?: The reported gap in South Dakota is about $39,260 a year, or roughly 101% more for registered nurses. Your actual pay depends on experience, specialty, shift, and employer — use the calculator to compare both for your situation.
Are these South Dakota figures exact?: They're the median wages actually reported for South Dakota — meaning half of nurses in the role earn more and half earn less. A median is a real measured midpoint, not a prediction of your offer: your pay moves with experience, specialty, shift, overtime, and employer.
Why are some figures verified and others estimates?: National pay for the main nursing roles — registered nurses, LPNs/LVNs, nurse practitioners, CRNAs, nurse midwives, and nursing assistants — comes from verified public wage data. State, city, and specialty figures that aren't reported on their own start from that national pay and are labeled "Estimated" or "Specialty estimate." We never show an estimate as a verified figure.

Source & confidence— A verified figure from official U.S. public wage data.

BLS OEWS (May 2025, state)

South Dakota figures are published directly by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics for South Dakota (May 2025). They are not estimated or adjusted.

Source year 2025. Last reviewed July 17, 2026. Full methodology

Estimated figures for South Dakota. Last reviewed July 17, 2026.