Cleveland vs Dayton: Certified Nursing Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare certified nursing assistant salaries between Cleveland, OH and Dayton, OH. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Cleveland, OH | Dayton, OH |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $41,546 | $44,379▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $19.98 | $21.33▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,786 | $38,798▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $40,310▲ | $39,831 |
| 75th Percentile | $47,925▲ | $46,541 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $49,746▲ | $47,861 |
| Total Employed | 13,060▲ | 4,970 |
Verdict
Cleveland and Dayton are closely matched on overall certified nursing assistant compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Cleveland and Dayton is $2,833 (6.82%). Dayton's median is -1.40% compared to the US national median of $45,007.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Cleveland spans $11,960,Dayton spans $9,063. Cleveland 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, Dayton ($47,877 effective) pays 8.24% more than Cleveland ($44,234 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Cleveland if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($49,746)
- ✓Larger job market (13,060 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Choose Dayton if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($44,379/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $47,877)
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, certified nursing assistant salaries in Cleveland grew 33.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 49.4% growth in Dayton over the same period.
Cleveland, OH
$29,150 (2019) → $39,010 (2025)
Dayton, OH
$27,890 (2019) → $41,670 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cleveland, OH
Dayton, OH
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays certified nursing assistants more: Cleveland or Dayton?
What is the hourly rate difference between Cleveland and Dayton?
Should I relocate from Cleveland to Dayton as a certified nursing assistant?
What do entry-level certified nursing assistants earn in Cleveland vs Dayton?
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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