Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Pierre, SD

The Salary Picture: Where Pierre Stands

Pierre isn't where you come to get rich as a CNA, but it's a place where a single income can stretch surprisingly far. The financial reality is straightforward: the Median Salary: $34,633/year is the anchor. That translates to an Hourly Rate: $16.65/hour, which is roughly in line with the National Average: $35,760/year. You’re not falling behind the rest of the country, but you’re also not ahead of it. The key is the cost of living, which works in your favor here.

Let’s break it down by experience. In a small market like Pierre, experience pays, but the jumps aren't as dramatic as in a major metro area. The state’s healthcare system values loyalty and tenure, especially with its primary employers.

Experience Level	Typical Annual Salary (Pierre, SD)	What It Means for You
Entry-Level	$29,000 - $32,000	Starting out at a nursing home or hospital, you'll be on the lower end. Focus on getting your foot in the door at a stable employer like the state hospital.
Mid-Career (2-5 yrs)	$33,000 - $37,000	This is the median range. You're certified, reliable, and have experience with patient transfers, vitals, and daily care. You're a solid asset.
Senior (5-10 yrs)	$36,000 - $40,000	With specialized experience (e.g., dementia care, hospice, or a specific unit at Avera St. Luke's), you can negotiate toward the top of the local range.
Expert/Lead CNA	$40,000+	These roles are rare. Think shift lead at a large facility or a CNA with a unique certification (like wound care assistant) that the state hospital desperately needs.

How Pierre Compares to Other SD Cities:

• Sioux Falls: CNAs there earn closer to the National Average, with more opportunities for overtime and shift differentials at the large hospital systems. However, 1BR rent is closer to $900/month.
• Rapid City: Salaries are similar to Pierre, but the tourism and seasonal economy can create more variable demand. Rent is also higher.
• Aberdeen: Salaries are slightly lower, but the cost of living is comparable. Pierre’s status as the state capital gives it a slight edge in stable, government-related healthcare jobs.

Insider Tip: In Pierre, a CNA’s value is measured in reliability, not just certification. The small pool of workers means that being on time, covering shifts when needed, and building rapport with nurses and patients can get you noticed faster than in a big city. This can lead to better assignments and more consistent hours.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get real about the numbers. The Median Salary: $34,633/year is your gross income. After federal and state taxes (South Dakota has no state income tax), take-home pay is roughly $2,700/month. Now, factor in the local cost of living.

Monthly Budget Breakdown for a CNA in Pierre:

• Gross Monthly Income: ~$2,886
• Estimated Take-Home (after taxes): $2,700
• Rent (1BR, average): $760 (this can range from ~$650 to $900 depending on the neighborhood)
• Utilities (electric, gas, internet): $200
• Car Payment/Insurance/Fuel: $400 (Pierre is car-dependent; public transit is limited)
• Groceries: $350
• Health Insurance (if not covered by employer): $150 (varies by plan)
• Miscellaneous/Debt/Savings: $540

Can you afford to buy a home? It’s a stretch on a single CNA income. The median home price in Pierre is around $260,000. A 20% down payment is $52,000. With a $34,633 salary, lenders will be cautious. A single CNA could theoretically qualify for a small FHA loan with a lower down payment, but the monthly mortgage (including taxes and insurance) would likely be $1,400-$1,600, which is over 50% of your take-home pay. This is not financially advisable. Homeownership in Pierre is more feasible for dual-income households or for CNAs who have advanced into higher-paying roles like LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse).

Insider Tip: Many long-term residents, including healthcare workers, live in single-family homes that have been in their families for generations, or they’ve moved slightly outside the city limits (to places like Fort Pierre or Hayes) where property is cheaper. Renting is the standard for newcomers and young professionals.

Where the Jobs Are: Pierre's Major Employers

Pierre is a government and healthcare town. The job market for CNAs is stable but small. The Jobs in Metro: 28 figure from the BLS reflects the total number of openings at any given time, not the total number of CNAs employed. Turnover is low, so openings are often due to retirement or relocation.

1. Avera St. Luke's Hospital: The city's primary hospital. They hire CNAs for med-surg, emergency room, and sometimes outpatient clinics. Hiring Trend: Consistent. They prefer candidates with acute care experience. Benefits are solid, and there's a clear path to internal training programs for other roles.

2. The South Dakota Human Services Center (State Hospital): A massive employer located on the north side of town. This is a psychiatric and residential treatment facility. Hiring Trend: Very stable, state government jobs with good pensions. They often have the most openings because the work is demanding. It’s an excellent place to gain experience in behavioral health, which is a valuable specialty.

3. Pioneer Memorial Nursing Home & Rehabilitation Center: Located in nearby Viborg (about 20 minutes away), but many Pierre residents commute there. It’s a critical care facility for the region. Hiring Trend: Consistent need for CNAs in long-term care. The pace is different from a hospital—more about building routine and relationships with residents.

4. Assisted Living Facilities (e.g., Good Samaritan Society - Pierre, The Meadows): These facilities offer a lower-acuity setting than a hospital or state hospital. Hiring Trend: Growing. As the population ages, demand for assisted living aides is increasing. The work is focused on daily living assistance and social engagement.

5. Home Health Agencies (e.g., Avera@Home, local independents): This is a growing sector. CNAs work in patients' homes, providing personal care. Hiring Trend: Increasing demand for in-home care, allowing for more flexible schedules but less team support.

6. Fort Pierre Facilities: Don't forget our neighbor across the Missouri River. The Community Memorial Hospital & Clinic in Fort Pierre often hires CNAs and offers a slightly different community feel.

Insider Tip: The South Dakota Human Services Center is the "hidden gem" for job stability. While the work is challenging, the state benefits, regular hours, and pension are unmatched in the private sector. Many nurses and CNAs build their entire careers there.

Getting Licensed in SD

South Dakota’s licensing is straightforward but has specific steps. The process is managed by the South Dakota Board of Nursing. You cannot work as a CNA without being listed on the state registry.

1. Complete a State-Approved Training Program: You must complete a minimum of 75 hours of training (classroom and clinical) from an approved provider. In Pierre, the primary provider is the South Dakota Human Services Center Training Academy. They offer regular courses. Other options may exist in larger cities like Sioux Falls, but commuting for training isn't practical for most.

   • Cost: Training programs typically cost $400 - $800. Some employers, like the State Hospital, may offer tuition reimbursement or training as part of hiring.

2. Pass the Competency Exam: After training, you must pass the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP), which includes a written (or oral) exam and a skills evaluation.

   • Cost: The exam fee is approximately $120 - $150.

3. Apply for State Registry: Submit your training certificate and exam results to the SD Board of Nursing for listing on the official Nurse Aide Registry.

   • Cost: There is usually a small processing fee, around $25-$50.

Total Estimated Cost to Get Licensed: $545 - $1,400. This is a significant investment, but many employers will hire you as a "CNA-in-Training" and cover the costs if you commit to working for them for a set period (e.g., one year).

Timeline to Get Started:

• Training: 4-6 weeks (if taking a full-time course).
• Scheduling Exam: 1-2 weeks after training.
• Registry Processing: 2-4 weeks after passing the exam.
• Total: Expect 2 to 3 months from start to being on the registry and ready to work.

Insider Tip: If you're moving from another state, check if South Dakota has reciprocity. The Board of Nursing website has a clear process for out-of-state CNAs. You may need to show proof of your current certification and potentially take the SD-specific portions of the exam.

Best Neighborhoods for Nursing Assistant (CNA)s

Pierre isn't a city of sprawling, distinct neighborhoods. It's a compact capital where commute times are short regardless of where you live. Your choice is more about lifestyle and budget.

Neighborhood/Area	Vibe & Commute	Estimated 1BR Rent (Monthly)	Best For
Central Pierre / Downtown	Historic, walkable to the Capitol, shops, and restaurants. Short commute to Avera St. Luke's (5-10 mins). Older buildings, some apartments above storefronts.	$700 - $950	Those who want to be in the heart of the action, enjoy walking, and don't need a lot of space.
North End (Near State Hospital)	Quiet, residential, and close to your largest potential employer. Mostly single-family homes, some duplexes. You'll see the same faces at the grocery store.	$650 - $850	Practical, budget-conscious CNAs who prioritize a short commute and a quiet home life.
East Side / Near the Capitol Complex	Newer developments, modern apartments, and condos. Well-maintained, safe, and convenient to everything. A bit more expensive.	$800 - $1,100	CNAs with a higher budget who value newer amenities and a polished environment.
West Side / Near the River	Mix of older homes and some apartments. Offers closer access to the Missouri River recreation areas. A bit more spread out.	$700 - $900	Those who enjoy outdoor activities (fishing, boating) and want a slightly more suburban feel.
Fort Pierre (Across the River)	A separate, smaller town with its own community feel. More affordable housing (single-family homes for rent). 5-minute commute to Pierre via the bridge.	$600 - $800 (for a house)	CNAs looking for more space, a quieter small-town atmosphere, and lower housing costs.

Insider Tip: Parking in downtown Pierre is generally easy and often free after hours. For a CNA working 12-hour shifts, this is a non-issue. If you have a reliable car, you can live anywhere and not worry about a long commute. The real decision is whether you want the bustle of downtown or the quiet of the suburbs.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Staying as a CNA in Pierre for the long haul is possible, but career growth often means moving beyond the role. The 10-Year Job Growth: 4% is modest, reflecting a stable but not expanding market. To increase your income and responsibilities, consider these paths:

Specialty Premiums (as a CNA):

• Behavioral Health (State Hospital): Experience here is a premium skill. It can lead to higher pay in specialized units or even roles in other facilities that need psych-capable aides.
• Geriatrics/Dementia Care: With an aging population, expertise in dementia care is highly valued in nursing homes and assisted living.
• Hospice Care: Requires emotional fortitude but offers a deeply meaningful specialty. Home health agencies often seek CNAs with this experience.

Advancement Paths (Beyond CNA):

1. Medication Aide (CMA): In SD, CNAs can take an additional course to become Certified Medication Aides. This allows you to administer certain medications under nurse supervision and typically comes with a $1-$3/hour pay raise. This is the most common and direct advancement.
2. Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN): This is the next logical step. You’ll need to complete a 12-18 month LPN program (offered at Southeast Tech in Sioux Falls, with some online/hybrid options). As an LPN, your salary could jump to $45,000 - $55,000 in Pierre.
3. Registered Nurse (RN): Requires an Associate Degree (ADN) or Bachelor of Science (BSN). This is a longer path (2-4 years) but opens doors to management, specialized units, and salaries well over $70,000.
4. Administrative Roles: With enough experience, you could move into a CNA coordinator or staff development role within a large facility like the State Hospital, focusing on training and scheduling.

10-Year Outlook: The need for foundational patient care (CNA level) will remain steady due to the aging population. However, the push will be toward continuity of care and aging in place. CNAs with skills in home health, dementia care, and medication administration will be the most secure. The path to higher earnings in Pierre is through gaining certifications (CMA) or advancing your nursing license (LPN/RN).

Insider Tip: The South Dakota Human Services Center is a great place to "grow up" professionally. They often have tuition assistance programs for employees pursuing LPN or RN degrees. It’s a common career path: start as a CNA at the State Hospital, have your education paid for, and transition into an LPN role there.

The Verdict: Is Pierre Right for You?

Pierre is a specific choice. It’s not for everyone, but for the right person, it can be an excellent place to build a life and a career.

Pros	Cons
Low Cost of Living: Your $34,633 salary stretches much further here than in most of the country.	Limited Job Market: With only 28 jobs in the metro, you may have to wait for an opening. Career hopping isn't an option.
Stable, Government-Anchorred Jobs: The State Hospital and Avera offer exceptional job security and benefits.	Geographic & Social Isolation: It's 3 hours to Sioux Falls. The social scene is quiet; it's a "home and family" town.
Short Commutes & Easy Living: You can be at work in minutes. Stress from traffic and the pace of life is minimal.	Modest Salary Growth: The 10-year job growth of 4% and limited higher-paying roles mean financial growth is slow unless you advance your license.
Strong Community & Safety: It's a safe, friendly place where people know each other. Great for raising a family.	Harsh Winters & Isolation: Winters are long, cold, and windy. The city can feel empty and closed-in during bad weather.
Gateway to Adventure: The Missouri River, state parks, and hunting/fishing are right outside your door.	Limited Diversity & Cultural Offerings: As a small, homogeneous city, the cultural and culinary scene is limited compared to larger metros.

Final Recommendation:
Pierre is an excellent choice for a CNA who values stability, affordable living, and a quiet, community-focused lifestyle over rapid career advancement or a bustling urban environment. It is ideal for someone who is either just starting out and needs a low-cost place to gain experience, or for a seasoned CNA looking for a stable, predictable job with great benefits. It is not recommended for someone who needs a wide variety of job options, seeks a vibrant nightlife and cultural scene, or is looking to maximize their earning potential in the short term without pursuing further education.

FAQs

1. Can I live in Pierre on a CNA salary by myself?
Yes, absolutely. With a Median Salary of $34,633 and affordable rent around $760/month, a single CNA can live comfortably and even save money. The key is budgeting for a car and utilities, which are your other major expenses.

2. Is it hard to find a job as a new CNA in Pierre?
It can be competitive because the openings are limited (28 jobs in the metro). Your best bet is to get your training at the South Dakota Human Services Center, as they often hire directly from their own program. Being flexible with shifts (evenings, weekends) will make you a more attractive candidate.

3. What's the weather like for commuting?
Winters can be tough. You will need a reliable, front-wheel or all-wheel-drive vehicle. Snow is common from November to March, and wind is a constant factor. However, commutes are so short (under 15 minutes for most) that even bad weather doesn't add much time to your day.

4. Are there opportunities for overtime?
Overtime is not as prevalent as in larger hospital systems. The State Hospital and A