Grand Rapids vs Kalamazoo: Certified Nursing Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare certified nursing assistant salaries between Grand Rapids, MI and Kalamazoo, MI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Grand Rapids, MI | Kalamazoo, MI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $40,832 | $42,068▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $19.63 | $20.22▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,904▲ | $37,957 |
| 25th Percentile | $40,268▲ | $39,213 |
| 75th Percentile | $46,594 | $49,778▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $48,170 | $54,773▲ |
| Total Employed | 5,870▲ | 1,260 |
Verdict
Kalamazoo, MI offers better overall compensation for certified nursing assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Grand Rapids.
The salary gap between Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo is $1,236 (3.03%). Kalamazoo's median is -6.53% compared to the US national median of $45,007.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Grand Rapids spans $9,266,Kalamazoo spans $16,816. Kalamazoo has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced certified nursing assistants.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Kalamazoo ($44,357 effective) pays 3.79% more than Grand Rapids ($42,735 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Grand Rapids if…
- ✓Larger job market (5,870 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle
Choose Kalamazoo if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($42,068/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($54,773)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $44,357)
- ✓You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, certified nursing assistant salaries in Grand Rapids grew 31.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 26.6% growth in Kalamazoo over the same period.
Grand Rapids, MI
$29,060 (2019) → $38,340 (2025)
Kalamazoo, MI
$31,200 (2019) → $39,500 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Grand Rapids, MI
Kalamazoo, MI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays certified nursing assistants more: Grand Rapids or Kalamazoo?
What is the hourly rate difference between Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo?
Should I relocate from Grand Rapids to Kalamazoo as a certified nursing assistant?
What do entry-level certified nursing assistants earn in Grand Rapids vs Kalamazoo?
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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