Certified Nursing Assistant in South Dakota

Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for SD. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.

Median annual salary

$38,070

trending_down -3.7% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, South Dakota.

engineering

6,520

Jobs (SD)

monitoring Stable

+2.3%

10-yr job growth

payments

$170

Licensing fees

schedule

3-8 weeks

Time to complete

route How to become a certified nursing assistant in South Dakota

To become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in South Dakota, individuals must complete a 75-hour state-approved training program, which includes at least 16 hours of clinical experience. After training, applicants must pass the South Dakota Nurse Aide Competency Exam, consisting of a knowledge test and a skills evaluation. The licensing body is the South Dakota Board of Nursing, and there is no application fee for initial registration. South Dakota offers reciprocity for CNAs from other states, allowing them to work while their application is processed.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $29,960

25th percentile $35,010

50th (median) $38,070

75th percentile $41,440

90th (experienced) $45,070

Source: BLS OEWS 2024 for South Dakota. Metro-area wages may differ significantly from the state aggregate.

checklist South Dakota requirements

Licensing body	South Dakota Board of Nursing
State license	Required
Education	75-hour state-approved training program
Exam	South Dakota Nurse Aide Competency Exam (includes Knowledge Exam and Skills Evaluation) ($170)
Renewal	Every 2.0 years
Continuing education	24.0 hours per cycle
Notes	Minimum age is 16. Renewal requires having worked for pay as a CNA for at least 12 hours in the past 24 months and completing 12 hours of in-service education annually (24 hours total per renewal cycle). A criminal background check is required.

Source: South Dakota Board of Nursing

work_outline Job outlook

10-year growth

+2.3%

Average

Annual openings

204,100

Nationwide per year

Total employment

1,441,500

Nationwide

balance Is it worth it?

check_circleSouth Dakota license required — clearer credential signal to employers

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Frequently asked questions

How do I become a certified nursing assistant in South Dakota? expand_more

South Dakota requires certified nursing assistants to complete the required education (75-hour state-approved training program), and pass the South Dakota Nurse Aide Competency Exam (includes Knowledge Exam and Skills Evaluation).

Do I need a license to work as a certified nursing assistant in South Dakota? expand_more

South Dakota mandates state licensure for certified nursing assistants. South Dakota Board of Nursing oversees the process, which includes passing the South Dakota Nurse Aide Competency Exam (includes Knowledge Exam and Skills Evaluation).

What is the average certified nursing assistant salary in South Dakota? expand_more

South Dakota certified nursing assistants bring home a median salary of $38,070. That's roughly in line with the $39,530 national median. New certified nursing assistants start around $29,960; seasoned professionals can reach $45,070.

What are the fees to become a certified nursing assistant in South Dakota? expand_more

The full cost to enter the field runs about varies, factoring in exam fee ($170) and required training.

How quickly can I become a certified nursing assistant in South Dakota? expand_more

The typical timeline in South Dakota is 3-8 weeks. This includes completing education, gaining any required experience, and passing the licensing exam.

Does South Dakota require continuing education for certified nursing assistants? expand_more

To keep your license active, South Dakota mandates 24.0 CE hours every 2.0 years.