Jackson vs Meridian: Certified Nursing Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare certified nursing assistant salaries between Jackson, MS and Meridian, MS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Jackson, MS | Meridian, MS |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $34,123 | $36,566▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $16.41 | $17.58▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $29,831 | $30,514▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $30,065 | $32,661▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $38,063 | $40,024▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $40,406 | $42,875▲ |
| Total Employed | 3,000▲ | 7 |
Verdict
Meridian, MS offers better overall compensation for certified nursing assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Jackson.
The salary gap between Jackson and Meridian is $2,443 (7.16%). Meridian's median is -18.75% compared to the US national median of $45,007.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Jackson spans $10,575,Meridian spans $12,361. Meridian 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, Meridian ($42,667 effective) pays 11.35% more than Jackson ($38,320 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Jackson if…
- ✓Larger job market (3,000 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle
Choose Meridian if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($36,566/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($42,875)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $42,667)
- ✓You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, certified nursing assistant salaries in Jackson grew 34.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 50.9% growth in Meridian over the same period.
Jackson, MS
$23,760 (2019) → $32,040 (2025)
Meridian, MS
$22,748 (2024) → $34,334 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Jackson, MS
Meridian, MS
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays certified nursing assistants more: Jackson or Meridian?
What is the hourly rate difference between Jackson and Meridian?
Should I relocate from Jackson to Meridian as a certified nursing assistant?
What do entry-level certified nursing assistants earn in Jackson vs Meridian?
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