Eden Prairie vs St. Cloud: Certified Nursing Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare certified nursing assistant salaries between Eden Prairie, MN and St. Cloud, MN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Eden Prairie, MN | St. Cloud, MN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $50,052▲ | $42,738 |
| Hourly Rate | $24.06▲ | $20.54 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,124 | $40,300▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $43,738▲ | $40,481 |
| 75th Percentile | $55,314▲ | $49,288 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $59,982▲ | $59,299 |
| Total Employed | 11 | 1,580▲ |
Verdict
Eden Prairie, MN offers better overall compensation for certified nursing assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to St. Cloud.
The salary gap between Eden Prairie and St. Cloud is $7,314 (17.11%). Eden Prairie's median is +11.21% compared to the US national median of $45,007.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Eden Prairie spans $19,858,St. Cloud spans $18,999. Eden Prairie 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, Eden Prairie ($50,814 effective) pays 4.19% more than St. Cloud ($48,770 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Eden Prairie if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($50,052/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($59,982)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $50,814)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Choose St. Cloud if…
- ✓Larger job market (1,580 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, certified nursing assistant salaries in Eden Prairie grew 17.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 12.4% growth in St. Cloud over the same period.
Eden Prairie, MN
$39,881 (2024) → $46,997 (2025)
St. Cloud, MN
$35,700 (2019) → $40,130 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Eden Prairie, MN
St. Cloud, MN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays certified nursing assistants more: Eden Prairie or St. Cloud?
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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