Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Mitchell, SD

The Salary Picture: Where Mitchell Stands

As a career analyst who’s spent years tracking healthcare wages across South Dakota, I can tell you that Mitchell’s numbers tell a specific story. It’s a stable, affordable market, but you’re not going to get rich here. Let’s break down the $34,633/year median salary for a Nursing Assistant (CNA) in the Mitchell metro.

The first thing to understand is the cost structure. That median salary breaks down to an hourly rate of $16.65/hour. For context, that’s slightly below the national average of $35,760/year, but the gap is smaller than you might think when you factor in the cost of living.

Here’s a realistic look at how experience translates to pay in this market:

Experience Level	Approximate Years	Expected Salary Range	Notes
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$28,000 - $31,000	Starting positions at nursing homes or hospital per-diem. Often includes shift differentials.
Mid-Level	2-5 years	$32,000 - $37,000	Solid roles at Avera or Davess, with benefits and more predictable schedules.
Senior	5-10 years	$36,000 - $41,000	Often includes training or charge-aide responsibilities. May require additional certifications.
Expert/Specialty	10+ years	$41,000+	Rare in Mitchell; typically requires moving into management or a very specific clinical niche.

Insider Tip: The jump from entry to mid-level is the most significant. After your first two years, actively seek roles at the hospital (Avera) or the larger nursing homes. They often have more structured pay scales and better benefits than the smaller assisted living facilities.

How Mitchell Compares to Other SD Cities:

• Sioux Falls: Median around $38,500. More jobs (240+), but competition is fierce and rent is 30% higher.
• Rapid City: Median around $35,200. Similar COL to Mitchell, but more tourist-season fluctuations.
• Aberdeen: Median around $33,800. Slightly lower pay, but even lower housing costs.
• Watertown: Median around $34,100. Very comparable to Mitchell.

Mitchell sits in a sweet spot: it’s not the lowest-paying market, but it’s one of the most affordable in the state. The Jobs in Metro: 31 figure is key. This isn't a boomtown; it's a steady market. There are always openings, but you won’t see a flood of new positions every month.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get brutally practical. Your gross annual salary is $34,633. After federal and state taxes (South Dakota has no state income tax), and assuming a single filer with standard deductions, your take-home pay will be approximately $28,800/year, or about $2,400/month.

Now, let’s build a monthly budget for a CNA living in Mitchell:

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Rent (1BR Apt)	$760	The city-wide average. Could be $650 in an older building or $900+ in a new complex.
Utilities (Elec, Gas, Water)	$150	Varies by season (higher in SD winters).
Groceries	$250	Reasonable for one person; shop at Mitchell Superstore or No Frills.
Car Payment/Insurance	$300	Assuming a modest used car. Insurance is relatively low in SD.
Gas	$100	City driving; most commutes are under 15 minutes.
Health Insurance	$150	This is a major variable. Employer plans can range from $50-$300/month.
Phone/Internet	$100	Standard package.
Miscellaneous	$200	Toiletries, clothing, entertainment, emergencies.
Total Expenses	~$2,010
Remaining/Savings	~$390	This is your buffer. It's tight, but manageable.

Can you afford to buy a home? It’s challenging but not impossible on a single CNA income. The median home price in Mitchell is around $220,000. With a 20% down payment ($44,000), a 30-year mortgage at a 6.5% rate would be roughly $1,100/month, plus taxes and insurance. This pushes housing costs to over 45% of your take-home pay, which is above the recommended 30% threshold. It’s more feasible with a dual-income household or after significant career advancement (moving into a supervisory role, which is rare for a CNA in this small market).

Where the Jobs Are: Mitchell's Major Employers

Mitchell’s healthcare ecosystem is anchored by a few key players. The 4% 10-year job growth indicates stability, not rapid expansion. You’ll find opportunities with these employers:

1. Avera Queen of Peace Hospital: The largest employer in the city. They hire CNAs for their medical-surgical floors, emergency department, and long-term care unit. They offer the best benefits package (health, retirement, tuition assistance). Hiring trends are stable; they typically post openings every few months. Insider Tip: Apply directly on their website and also drop off a paper application at the HR office. The nursing recruiters here are local and appreciate the personal touch.
2. Davess Nursing Home & Rehabilitation: A major long-term care facility. This is a classic CNA employer with consistent demand for day, evening, and weekend shifts. They often have sign-on bonuses for weekend warriors.
3. The Firehouse Healthcare Campus: This facility includes a nursing home and assisted living. It's known for a close-knit team atmosphere. They hire frequently and are more likely to consider applicants with less experience if you show a strong work ethic.
4. Mitchell Senior Living & The Olive Branch (Assisted Living): These smaller facilities offer a different pace. The resident-to-aide ratio is often better, but pay might be at the lower end of the scale. Great for CNAs who prefer a quieter setting over hospital acuity.
5. Home Health Agencies (e.g., Avera@Home, local independents): These roles involve visiting clients in their homes. They require more independence and reliable transportation. Pay can be slightly higher due to mileage reimbursements, but hours may be less consistent.
6. Local Schools & Daycares: A niche market, but some CNAs find work as paraprofessionals or in health offices, especially if they have pediatric experience. This is a less common path but worth exploring.

Hiring Trend Insight: Most hiring happens in waves. The first quarter (Jan-Mar) sees post-holiday turnover. The summer months (Jun-Aug) often see an uptick as students leave, and the late year (Oct-Nov) has openings before winter. Always check employer websites and local job boards like the SD Works site.

Getting Licensed in South Dakota

The process in South Dakota is straightforward but requires attention to detail. Here’s the step-by-step:

1. Complete a State-Approved Training Program: You must complete a minimum of 75 hours of training, which includes at least 16 hours of supervised clinical practice. In Mitchell, the primary provider is Mitchell Technical College (MTC). Their program is well-regarded and costs approximately $1,200-$1,500 (check for current tuition). Some nursing homes also offer in-house training programs, often with a work commitment.
2. Pass the Competency Exam: After training, you must pass the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) exam. This is a two-part test: a written/oral portion and a skills evaluation. The total cost for the exam is about $115 (state fees).
3. Submit Application to the SD Department of Health: Once you pass the exam, you’ll apply for your name to be added to the South Dakota Nurse Aide Registry. There is a small processing fee (around $25).
4. Background Check: A criminal background check is required. This can take 2-4 weeks and costs about $40.

Total Estimated Cost & Timeline: Expect to spend $1,400 - $1,800 and 2-3 months from the start of training to being a licensed CNA on the registry. Mitchell Technical College’s program is a 8-week course. Insider Tip: If you’re already in a related healthcare role (like a home health aide), ask about the "bridge" program to expedite your certification.

Best Neighborhoods for Nursing Assistant (CNA)s

Mitchell is a compact, driving city. Commute times are rarely an issue, but lifestyle and budget vary by area. Here are the top neighborhoods for a CNA:

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Estimated 1BR Rent	Why It's a Good Fit
Downtown / Historic District	Walkable, near restaurants and the Corn Palace. Close to Avera Hospital (5-min drive).	$700 - $950	Ideal for those who want a social life without a car-dependent lifestyle. Older buildings with character.
East Mitchell (near Highway 81)	Quiet, residential, mostly single-family homes. ~10-min drive to most employers.	$650 - $800	Best for budget-conscious CNAs. Look for basement apartments or smaller duplexes. Safe and family-friendly.
Westside / Near Davess Nursing Home	Established neighborhood, mix of older and newer homes. Very short commute to Davess.	$700 - $850	Perfect if you land a job at Davess or The Firehouse. You could bike to work in summer.
North Mitchell (near MTC)	Modern, suburban feel. Newer apartment complexes. ~12-min drive to hospital.	$800 - $950	Good for new graduates who want modern amenities and don't mind a slightly longer commute.
South Mitchell (near Walmart)	Commercial corridor with some residential pockets. Very convenient for shopping.	$750 - $875	Practical choice. Easy access to grocery stores and essentials, with a moderate commute to all employers.

Personal Insight: The area around East 8th Avenue and North Main Street often has hidden gems—affordable apartments in well-maintained buildings. Drive through on a Sunday afternoon; you’ll often see "For Rent" signs not listed online.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In a small market like Mitchell, the classic "CNA to LPN to RN" ladder is the primary growth path. However, direct CNA career advancement is limited.

Specialty Premiums & Advancements:

• Hospital vs. Nursing Home: Hospital CNAs at Avera often earn $1-$2/hour more than those in nursing homes due to shift differentials (evenings/nights/weekends) and a more complex patient mix.
• Certifications: While not common, obtaining a Restorative Aide or Medication Aide certification can provide a small pay bump ($0.50-$1.50/hour) and more responsibility. Mitchell Technical College offers these courses.
• Management: The only true advancement is to become a Charge Aide or Unit Coordinator, which supervises other CNAs. These positions are rare and usually go to internal candidates with 5+ years of experience.
• The 10-Year Outlook: The 4% job growth keeps pace with population. The real opportunity is in specialization. If you gain experience in a high-demand area like dementia care or rehabilitation, you become more valuable and can command higher pay. However, the most significant salary jump will come from leaving the CNA role entirely. Many Mitchell CNAs use employer tuition benefits (especially from Avera) to become LPNs or RNs within 5-10 years.

The Verdict: Is Mitchell Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Extremely low cost of living (Index of 89.5). Your dollar goes far.	Limited job market (only 31 jobs in the metro). Less competition but fewer openings.
Stable, predictable job market with major employers like Avera.	Lower salary ceiling compared to Sioux Falls or national averages.
Short, traffic-free commutes. You can be anywhere in town in under 15 minutes.	Limited specialty roles. Hard to find niche CNA positions (e.g., rehab, hospice).
Tight-knit healthcare community. You’ll work with the same people across different facilities.	Social scene is small. Fewer entertainment options than larger cities.
Safe, family-friendly environment. Easy pace of life.	Growth requires further education. To move up financially, you’ll likely need to become an LPN/RN.

Final Recommendation:
Mitchell is an excellent choice for a CNA who prioritizes affordability and work-life balance over high income. It’s perfect for a single person or a young family looking to build savings on a modest salary. If you’re a new graduate, it’s a great place to get solid experience without the pressure of a competitive metro area.

However, if your goal is to maximize your CNA earnings quickly or specialize in a niche field, you’ll hit a ceiling here. The 4% growth means you won’t be fighting for a job, but you’ll also have fewer choices. For the right person—someone who values community, low stress, and the ability to afford a home on a modest income—Mitchell offers a compelling, realistic career foundation.

FAQs

Q: Is it hard to find a job as a new CNA in Mitchell?
A: It depends on timing. There are only 31 jobs in the metro, so you can't be too picky. Your best bet is to apply widely (all major employers) and be flexible with shifts. New graduates often find work at nursing homes like Davess or The Firehouse first, then move to the hospital after a year of experience.

Q: Do I need my own car?
A: Absolutely. Public transportation is very limited (a small bus system with limited routes/ hours). Most employers are spread out, and while the city is small, walking between them isn't practical, especially in winter.

Q: What's the patient-to-aide ratio like?
A: It varies. In nursing homes, it's typically 1:10-15, which is standard. At Avera Hospital, it can be 1:5-8 on a med-surg floor, but you'll have an RN to report to. It's generally less hectic than in larger cities.

Q: Are there opportunities for overtime?
A: Yes, especially at Avera and the larger nursing homes. Overtime is common during flu season (winter) and when staff are out sick. It's a good way to boost your income above the $34,633 median.

Q: How's the winter commute?
A: You'll need a reliable car with good tires. Roads are plowed quickly, but you should budget for snow tires. Most commutes are under 10 minutes, so you're not on the road long. Employers are generally understanding if you're a few minutes late in a blizzard.