Jefferson City vs Springfield: Certified Nursing Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare certified nursing assistant salaries between Jefferson City, MO and Springfield, MO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Jefferson City, MO | Springfield, MO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $38,425 | $38,532▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $18.48 | $18.52▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $32,014 | $33,271▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $37,669▲ | $37,275 |
| 75th Percentile | $40,726▲ | $39,884 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $45,614▲ | $44,964 |
| Total Employed | 630 | 3,150▲ |
Verdict
Springfield, MO offers better overall compensation for certified nursing assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Jefferson City.
The salary gap between Jefferson City and Springfield is $107 (0.28%). Springfield's median is -14.39% compared to the US national median of $45,007.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Jefferson City spans $13,600,Springfield spans $11,693. Jefferson 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, Jefferson City ($43,677 effective) pays 0.41% more than Springfield ($43,497 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Jefferson City if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($45,614)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $43,677)
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Choose Springfield if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($38,532/year)
- ✓Larger job market (3,150 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, certified nursing assistant salaries in Jefferson City grew 39.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 43.9% growth in Springfield over the same period.
Jefferson City, MO
$25,920 (2019) → $36,080 (2025)
Springfield, MO
$25,140 (2019) → $36,180 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Jefferson City, MO
Springfield, MO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays certified nursing assistants more: Jefferson City or Springfield?
What is the hourly rate difference between Jefferson City and Springfield?
Should I relocate from Jefferson City to Springfield as a certified nursing assistant?
What do entry-level certified nursing assistants earn in Jefferson City vs Springfield?
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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