Allentown vs State College: Certified Nursing Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare certified nursing assistant salaries between Allentown, PA and State College, PA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Allentown, PA | State College, PA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $47,243▲ | $42,004 |
| Hourly Rate | $22.72▲ | $20.19 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,491▲ | $39,767 |
| 25th Percentile | $42,270▲ | $41,109 |
| 75th Percentile | $49,022▲ | $46,913 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $51,205▲ | $47,467 |
| Total Employed | 4,970▲ | 540 |
Verdict
Allentown, PA offers better overall compensation for certified nursing assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to State College.
The salary gap between Allentown and State College is $5,239 (12.47%). Allentown's median is +4.97% compared to the US national median of $45,007.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Allentown spans $10,714,State College spans $7,700. Allentown has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Allentown ($47,258 effective) pays 8.87% more than State College ($43,410 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Allentown if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($47,243/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($51,205)
- ✓Larger job market (4,970 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $47,258)
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Choose State College if…
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, certified nursing assistant salaries in Allentown grew 38.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 29.1% growth in State College over the same period.
Allentown, PA
$31,980 (2019) → $44,360 (2025)
State College, PA
$30,540 (2019) → $39,440 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Allentown, PA
State College, PA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays certified nursing assistants more: Allentown or State College?
What is the hourly rate difference between Allentown and State College?
Should I relocate from Allentown to State College as a certified nursing assistant?
What do entry-level certified nursing assistants earn in Allentown vs State College?
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Written by Emily Chen, BSN, RN
Career Analyst
Emily has over 10 years of experience in nursing. She focuses on workforce trends in nursing. Emily has worked in various healthcare settings, including hospitals and long-term care facilities.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 6.50% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Emily Chen, BSN, RN, a licensed certified nursing assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov