Here is a comprehensive career guide for Nursing Assistant (CNAs) considering Brookings, South Dakota.

The Brookings CNA Guide: A Local’s Practical Analysis

As someone who’s watched Brookings evolve from a college town to a regional healthcare hub, I’ve seen plenty of nursing assistants come through. This isn’t a glossy brochure; it’s a breakdown of what you can actually earn, afford, and expect here. Brookings offers a stable, lower-cost lifestyle, but it’s not for everyone. Let’s get into the numbers and the neighborhood realities.

The Salary Picture: Where Brookings Stands

First, the hard data. The median salary for a Nursing Assistant in Brookings is $34,633/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $16.65/hour. This is slightly below the national average of $35,760/year, which is typical for the Upper Midwest. The job market here is small but steady, with approximately 47 jobs available in the metro area at any given time. The 10-year job growth projection is 4%, indicating slow, stable expansion rather than boom times.

Here’s how experience typically translates to pay in our local market:

Experience Level	Typical Brookings Salary Range	Notes
Entry-Level	$14.50 - $16.00/hr	New grads or those with less than 1 year of experience. Often start in long-term care.
Mid-Career	$16.00 - $17.50/hr	2-5 years of experience. Certification is key here for higher pay.
Senior	$17.50 - $19.00/hr	5+ years, often with specialty training (e.g., hospice, dementia care).
Expert	$19.00+/hr	Rare in Brookings. Typically requires moving into a lead CNA or staff educator role.

Local Insight: Brookings salaries are compressed. You won’t see the wild swings you might in a big city. The premium for experience is real but modest. The real differentiator here is shift differentials—nights and weekends can add $1.50-$2.00/hour, which significantly boosts annual earnings.

Compared to other South Dakota cities, Brookings is predictable. Sioux Falls and Rapid City have higher costs of living and slightly higher wages, but the gap is small. Aberdeen and Watertown are more comparable to Brookings in both pay and lifestyle.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

The Brookings advantage is the cost of living, which sits at an index of 89.5 (US avg = 100). Your dollar stretches further here. The average 1-bedroom apartment rent is $789/month.

Let’s break down a monthly budget for a CNA earning the median salary of $34,633/year (gross). After federal and state taxes (South Dakota has no state income tax), your net take-home is roughly $2,200/month.

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes & Local Tips
Rent (1BR)	$789	You can find cheaper in older buildings or shared housing.
Utilities	$150	Includes electric, gas, water, and trash. Winter heating bills can spike.
Groceries	$300	Shop at Hy-Vee or Brookings Co-op for deals. Avoid the campus-area convenience stores.
Car Payment/Insurance	$350	Public transit is limited; a car is a necessity. Insurance rates are moderate.
Fuel	$120	Most commutes are under 15 minutes.
Health Insurance	$100	If not covered by employer (varies widely).
Miscellaneous	$200	Toiletries, phone, occasional eating out, savings.
Total	$2,009	Leaves a $191 buffer for savings, debt, or emergencies.

Can they afford to buy a home? It’s tight but possible with discipline. The median home price in Brookings is around $250,000. On a $34,633 salary, a mortgage would consume a large portion of your income, likely exceeding the recommended 30% of gross. Most CNAs in Brookings rent, especially those new to the city. Homeownership becomes more feasible if you have dual income or move into a senior CNA role ($19+/hr).

Where the Jobs Are: Brookings's Major Employers

Brookings’ healthcare scene is centered around a few key players. Hiring trends are stable but competitive; you need a clean record and good references.

1. Brookings Health System (BHS): The largest employer. Runs the hospital, specialty clinics, and a large long-term care facility (The Neighborhoods at Brookview). They hire frequently for CNAs in both hospital and LTC settings. Insider Tip: BHS prefers candidates who have completed their clinicals there. Apply for the "CNA Pool" position to get your foot in the door for various units.
2. Avera McKennan Brookings Clinic: A major outpatient clinic that sometimes hires CNAs for patient intake and basic vitals. Less physically demanding than hospital work.
3. Sioux Falls VA Health Care System (Brookings CBOC): The Community-Based Outpatient Clinic. Federal jobs offer great benefits but are highly competitive. Requires strict adherence to federal hiring processes.
4. Assisted Living Facilities: Places like Heritage Creek and Park Place are consistently hiring. The pace is different—more social, less acute care. Good for CNAs who prefer a less chaotic environment.
5. Home Health Agencies: Companies like Interim HealthCare and Help at Home serve Brookings. Offers flexibility but less job security. Pay can be slightly higher per hour but without benefits.
6. South Dakota State University (SDSU): The campus health services office occasionally hires CNAs for student health. A quiet, daytime-only job.
7. Private Practices: A few local family medicine or specialty practices (e.g., Brookings ENT, Dermatology) may need a CNA for front-desk or basic clinical support. Smaller operations, so openings are rare.

Hiring Trend Note: The 4% growth is driven by an aging population. Demand is highest in long-term care and home health. Hospital jobs are stable but turnover is low; openings are often filled internally.

Getting Licensed in SD

South Dakota’s requirements are straightforward but regulated by the South Dakota Board of Nursing.

• Training: Complete a state-approved CNA training program (minimum 75 hours, including 16 hours of clinicals). Costs range from $500 to $1,000. Many community colleges (like Southeast Tech in Sioux Falls) offer programs, and some employers (like BHS) offer tuition reimbursement if you commit to working for them.
• Exam: After training, you must pass the Competency Evaluation (written and skills test) administered by Headmaster/South Dakota Health Care Association (SDHCA). Exam fee is approximately $125.
• Background Check: Required. Costs about $50. Must be clear of disqualifying offenses.
• Timeline: From start to license, expect 2-4 months. Training programs can be completed in 4-8 weeks. Scheduling the state exam can add another 2-4 weeks of waiting.
• Maintenance: South Dakota requires 16 hours of continuing education every 2 years to keep your CNA active. Many employers provide this in-house.

Insider Tip: If you’re already a CNA in another state, South Dakota has reciprocity. You’ll need to apply for endorsement, which is typically faster than starting over. Contact the SD Board of Nursing directly for the most current forms.

Best Neighborhoods for Nursing Assistant (CNA)s

Brookings is compact, but neighborhoods differ. Here’s a practical guide for CNAs.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	1BR Rent Estimate	Best For...
Downtown	Walkable, older homes, some apartments. Easy walk to cafes, but street parking can be tight.	$750 - $850	CNAs who want to be near the action and don’t mind older charm. Commute to BHS is 5-10 mins.
North Brookings	Quieter, residential, more single-family homes. Longer walk to amenities.	$700 - $800	Those seeking space and quiet. Commute to BHS is 10-15 mins.
South-East (near SDSU)	Busy, student-heavy. Many shared houses and newer apartment complexes.	$600 - $750	Younger CNAs, those who want nightlife options. Commute to BHS is 10 mins.
West Brookings	Family-oriented, established neighborhoods. Several major employers (BHS, clinics) are on the west side.	$800 - $900	Ideal for a quick commute. Best for those with a car.
Campus Area	Very dense, mostly student housing. Not ideal for a quiet lifestyle.	$500 - $700 (shared)	Only recommended for those attending SDSU or needing ultra-low rent via roommates.

Commute Reality: Brookings traffic is minimal. No matter where you live, you’re never more than a 15-minute drive from your employer. Biking is viable in good weather, and the city bus system (the "Brookings Transit") is free and runs to key areas, including the hospital.

The Long Game: Career Growth

With a 4% job growth rate, advancement in Brookings requires proactive planning.

• Specialty Premiums: The highest pay bumps come from certifications. Medication Aide certification (passing meds in LTC) can add $1-$2/hour. Hospice CNA training or Dementia Care specialization makes you valuable in long-term care.
• Advancement Paths:
  1. Lead CNA: Supervising a unit. Requires 2+ years of experience and strong leadership skills.
  2. Nursing School: Many CNAs in Brookings use the job to fund prerequisites for an LPN or RN program at Southeast Technical College or through SDSU’s nursing program. This is the most common and lucrative path.
  3. Healthcare Administration: Moving into unit secretary or scheduling roles, though these often require more administrative skills.
  4. Home Health Entrepreneur: Some experienced CNAs leave agencies to start their own private-duty service, serving Brookings’ aging population.
• 10-Year Outlook: The 4% growth means jobs will be there, but competition will increase as more CNAs enter the workforce. To stand out, focus on a specialty (geriatrics, rehab) or gain leadership experience. The trend is toward more home-based care, which offers flexibility but less job security.

The Verdict: Is Brookings Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Low Cost of Living: Your $34,633 salary goes much further than in Sioux Falls or nationally.	Limited Job Market: Only 47 jobs. You can’t hop between employers easily.
Stable, Tight-Knit Community: Employers know you; networking is personal.	Weather: Harsh, long winters with snow and cold can be challenging.
Predictable Pace: Less chaotic than large cities.	Social Scene: Quiet, especially outside the college year. Can feel isolated if you’re not into outdoor activities.
Easy Commute: 15 minutes maximum. More time for life.	Career Ceiling: To earn significantly more than the median, you must leave Brookings for a larger city or get an RN license.
Gateway to Nature: Close to lakes, parks, and trails for stress relief.	Limited Public Transit: A car is a necessity.

Final Recommendation: Brookings is an excellent choice for a CNA who values stability, affordability, and a quiet lifestyle. It’s ideal for those looking to save money while gaining solid experience, especially if they plan to eventually pursue nursing school. It is not recommended for someone seeking high-energy nightlife, rapid career advancement without further education, or a diverse, large-city feel.

FAQs

1. Can I live in Brookings without a car?
It’s very difficult. The city bus (Brookings Transit) is free and covers main routes, but service is limited in evenings and weekends. Most CNAs work irregular shifts (e.g., 7am-3pm, 3pm-11pm). A car is essential for reliability.

2. How competitive is it to get a CNA job at Brookings Health System?
Moderately competitive. They receive many applications. Having a clean background check, good references from your clinicals, and being willing to work any shift (especially nights/weekends) will significantly boost your chances. The "CNA Pool" position is the best entry point.

3. Is the cost of living really that low compared to the salary?
Yes. With rent at $789/month and a 16.65/hour wage ($34,633/year), the ratio is manageable. Brookings’ cost of living index of 89.5 means you’re spending about 10% less than the U.S. average for housing, goods, and services. This is the city’s primary advantage for CNAs.

4. What’s the biggest challenge for new CNAs in Brookings?
The winter. The first few months of snow, ice, and cold (often below zero) are a shock. You’ll need a reliable car with good tires and a winter coat. Also, the social adjustment from a larger city can be tough—building a friend group takes time.

5. Are there opportunities for overtime?
Yes, especially at Brookings Health System and long-term care facilities. Seasonal surges (e.g., flu season, winter) often create overtime opportunities. This can be a key way to supplement your $34,633 base income.

Data Sources: Salaries and job growth are based on local Brookings metro area data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and South Dakota Department of Labor & Regulation. Cost of living and rent data are from local market analysis (Zillow, Numbeo) and SD housing reports. Licensing information is from the South Dakota Board of Nursing.