Medication Aide salary in South Dakota
A strong career option in South Dakota — with programs that take 2 to 8 weeks to complete.
Median pay · May 2025
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
$38,800/ yr
$3,233 / mo · $18.65 / hr
↓ $3,460 below the national median ($42,260)
Pay by experience
Entry
$31,117
Median
$38,800
Experienced
$46,114
Demand
Stable
Program length
2 to 8 weeks
Projected growth
+2.3%
Annual openings
204,100
Market trajectory
BLS national wage benchmarks
How South Dakota compares to the national wage trend
South Dakota median
$38,800
2025 national
$42,260
2024 national
$39,530
↑ +6.9% change in national average wages for this field over the last year.
Job demand & outlook
+2.3% projected growth through 2034
204,100 average annual openings nationwide for Medication Aides.
Source: BLS Employment Projections
Where this career can take you
A clear progression path, with real salary growth at each step
- Medication Aide (entry-level)$31,117
- Medication Aide (mid-career)$38,800
- Medication Aide (experienced)$46,114
Is this career change worth it?
A simple look at what it costs vs what you gain
What it typically costs
- Average training cost$2,516
- Time to complete2 to 8 weeks
- Credential earnedState Certificate
What you get back
- Starting salary$31,117
- Median salary$38,800
- Experienced salary$46,114
Many career changers recoup their certification cost within the first few months of working in their new role.
How to become a Medication Aide in South Dakota
A clear path from where you are to where you want to be
Find a Medication Aide program in South Dakota
Browse certified training programs. Most Medication Aide tracks complete in 2 to 8 weeks and average $2,516 in tuition.
Earn your State Certificate
Complete coursework, finish required clinical or lab hours, and pass the exam required for a State Certificate in South Dakota.
Get hired in South Dakota
With roughly 204,100 Medication Aide openings each year nationwide, graduates often find employment within 30–90 days in South Dakota.
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Frequently asked questions
The median salary for a Medication Aide in South Dakota is $38,800 per year, which is $18.65 per hour. Entry level positions typically start around $31,117 while experienced Medication Aides can earn up to $46,114 annually.
Next step
Find Medication Aide Classes Near You
Enter your ZIP code to see accredited Medication Aide classes in your area.