South Dakota — The Mount Rushmore State
South Dakota has no state income tax, CNA programs starting at $374, and one of the fastest certification timelines in the country — as little as 2 weeks to complete training.
Program costs & details
South Dakota requires just 75 training hours — matching the federal minimum — making it one of the fastest and most affordable states to get certified. Programs are available in Sioux Falls, Rapid City, Watertown, Yankton, and through hybrid online formats. The total certification cost including exam and background check runs $600–$1,600 depending on program choice.
| School / Program | Location | Cost (approx.) | Duration | Format |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Western Dakota Tech (WDT) | Rapid City | ~$374 (lowest in state) | 2–4 weeks | In-person |
| Southeast Technical College | Sioux Falls | ~$800–$1,000 | 4–6 weeks | Hybrid — online theory + in-person clinicals |
| Avera CNA Online Training Solutions | Statewide (Avera-affiliated) | ~$900–$1,100 | 4–6 weeks | Hybrid — online + clinical placement |
| Monument Health CNA Program | Rapid City | ~$1,380 (reimbursable) | 4–6 weeks | In-person — reimbursed on hire at Monument |
| Employer-Sponsored Programs | Statewide | FREE (federal requirement) | Varies | On-the-job training at nursing homes & hospitals |
Budget for these additional costs on top of tuition: Headmaster LLP competency exam — $169.50 (covers both written and skills components), fingerprint background check — ~$50 through SD Division of Criminal Investigation. Total add-on: approximately $220. Western Dakota Tech at $374 + $220 = under $600 total — one of the most affordable full CNA certification paths in the country. Note: Monument Health reimburses the full $1,380 tuition cost when you accept employment with them — effectively free if you plan to work in the Rapid City area.
2026 salary data
South Dakota CNA pay is on the lower end nationally — but combine it with no state income tax and a genuinely low cost of living, and the purchasing power is stronger than the numbers suggest. Indeed reports $22.74/hr average from active job postings as of May 2026.
| City / Area | Avg Hourly | Avg Annual | Cost of Living Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sioux Falls | $18–$23/hr | ~$37,000–$48,000 | Largest city, Sanford & Avera hub — highest SD wages |
| Rapid City | $17–$22/hr | ~$35,000–$46,000 | Monument Health, Black Hills tourism economy |
| Aberdeen | $17–$21/hr | ~$35,000–$44,000 | Avera St. Luke's, lower COL than Sioux Falls |
| Watertown | $17–$21/hr | ~$35,000–$44,000 | Prairie Lakes Health, strong community demand |
| Brookings | $17–$21/hr | ~$35,000–$44,000 | Brookings Health System, SDSU community |
| Yankton | $17–$21/hr | ~$35,000–$44,000 | Avera Sacred Heart, small-town COL advantage |
| Rural / Tribal Communities | $18–$24/hr | ~$37,000–$50,000 | Indian Health Service — federal pay scale, strong benefits |
Sources: Indeed (May 2026), ZipRecruiter (March 2026), Salary.com. Actual pay varies by facility, shift, and experience. No state income tax increases real take-home pay.
Landing your first job
Financial aid & free options
Your next step
South Dakota's LPN programs run 11–12 months and the median LPN salary is $47,170/year — a meaningful pay jump from CNA. Both Sanford and Avera offer tuition assistance for CNAs pursuing their LPN.
75 hours minimum, 16 clinical. Headmaster exam ($169.50). 2–6 weeks. One of the fastest paths in the US.
Western Dakota Tech, Southeast Tech, Lake Area Technical College. ~11–12 months. Median SD LPN salary: $47,170/year.
ADN programs at Lake Area Tech, WDT, Southeast Tech. University of South Dakota and SDSU offer BSN. LPN-to-RN bridge available.
For moms in South Dakota
South Dakota is ready for you