Ellicott City vs Salisbury: Certified Nursing Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare certified nursing assistant salaries between Ellicott City, MD and Salisbury, MD. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Ellicott City, MD | Salisbury, MD |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $49,403▲ | $41,258 |
| Hourly Rate | $23.75▲ | $19.83 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,023▲ | $37,637 |
| 25th Percentile | $42,697▲ | $39,703 |
| 75th Percentile | $54,104▲ | $49,341 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $58,573▲ | $49,341 |
| Total Employed | 15 | 830▲ |
Verdict
Ellicott City, MD offers better overall compensation for certified nursing assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Salisbury.
The salary gap between Ellicott City and Salisbury is $8,145 (19.74%). Ellicott City's median is +9.77% compared to the US national median of $45,007.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Ellicott City spans $19,550,Salisbury spans $11,704. Ellicott City 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, Ellicott City ($45,199 effective) pays 4.75% more than Salisbury ($43,149 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Ellicott City if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($49,403/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($58,573)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $45,199)
- ✓You prefer the Maryland area and lifestyle
Choose Salisbury if…
- ✓Larger job market (830 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Maryland area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, certified nursing assistant salaries in Ellicott City grew 8.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 32.3% growth in Salisbury over the same period.
Ellicott City, MD
$42,810 (2024) → $46,388 (2025)
Salisbury, MD
$29,280 (2019) → $38,740 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Ellicott City, MD
Salisbury, MD
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays certified nursing assistants more: Ellicott City or Salisbury?
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Related Comparisons
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