Joplin vs Springfield: Certified Nursing Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare certified nursing assistant salaries between Joplin, MO and Springfield, MO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Joplin, MO | Springfield, MO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $36,849 | $38,532▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $17.72 | $18.52▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $33,100 | $33,271▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $34,453 | $37,275▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $39,884 | $39,884 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $43,186 | $44,964▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,180 | 3,150▲ |
Verdict
Springfield, MO offers better overall compensation for certified nursing assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Joplin.
The salary gap between Joplin and Springfield is $1,683 (4.57%). 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 Joplin spans $10,086,Springfield spans $11,693. Springfield 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, Springfield ($43,497 effective) pays 1.18% more than Joplin ($42,989 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Joplin if…
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Choose Springfield if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($38,532/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($44,964)
- ✓Larger job market (3,150 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $43,497)
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, certified nursing assistant salaries in Joplin grew 43.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 43.9% growth in Springfield over the same period.
Joplin, MO
$24,130 (2019) → $34,600 (2025)
Springfield, MO
$25,140 (2019) → $36,180 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Joplin, MO
Springfield, MO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays certified nursing assistants more: Joplin or Springfield?
What is the hourly rate difference between Joplin and Springfield?
Should I relocate from Joplin to Springfield as a certified nursing assistant?
What do entry-level certified nursing assistants earn in Joplin vs Springfield?
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