Arlington vs San Antonio: Certified Nursing Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare certified nursing assistant salaries between Arlington, TX and San Antonio, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Arlington, TX | San Antonio, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $40,206▲ | $39,192 |
| Hourly Rate | $19.33▲ | $18.84 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $30,069 | $32,802▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $33,775 | $37,733▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $45,878▲ | $45,848 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $51,349▲ | $49,107 |
| Total Employed | 83 | 7,080▲ |
Verdict
Arlington, TX offers better overall compensation for certified nursing assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to San Antonio.
The salary gap between Arlington and San Antonio is $1,014 (2.59%). Arlington's median is -10.67% compared to the US national median of $45,007.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Arlington spans $21,280,San Antonio spans $16,305. Arlington 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, Arlington ($41,881 effective) pays 1.22% more than San Antonio ($41,378 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Arlington if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($40,206/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($51,349)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $41,881)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Choose San Antonio if…
- ✓Larger job market (7,080 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, certified nursing assistant salaries in Arlington grew 12.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 37.4% growth in San Antonio over the same period.
Arlington, TX
$33,580 (2024) → $37,752 (2025)
San Antonio, TX
$26,790 (2019) → $36,800 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Arlington, TX
San Antonio, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays certified nursing assistants more: Arlington or San Antonio?
What is the hourly rate difference between Arlington and San Antonio?
Should I relocate from Arlington to San Antonio as a certified nursing assistant?
What do entry-level certified nursing assistants earn in Arlington vs San Antonio?
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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