Lake Havasu City vs Tucson: Certified Nursing Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare certified nursing assistant salaries between Lake Havasu City, AZ and Tucson, AZ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Lake Havasu City, AZ | Tucson, AZ |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $45,944▲ | $45,326 |
| Hourly Rate | $22.09▲ | $21.79 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,512▲ | $37,563 |
| 25th Percentile | $39,863 | $40,427▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $51,024▲ | $48,969 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $58,266 | $60,236▲ |
| Total Employed | 490 | 3,500▲ |
Verdict
Lake Havasu City and Tucson are closely matched on overall certified nursing assistant compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Lake Havasu City and Tucson is $618 (1.36%). Lake Havasu City's median is +2.08% compared to the US national median of $45,007.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Lake Havasu City spans $18,754,Tucson spans $22,673. Tucson 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, Lake Havasu City ($48,826 effective) pays 4.38% more than Tucson ($46,778 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Lake Havasu City if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($45,944/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $48,826)
- ✓You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle
Choose Tucson if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($60,236)
- ✓Larger job market (3,500 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, certified nursing assistant salaries in Lake Havasu City grew 47.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 38.7% growth in Tucson over the same period.
Lake Havasu City, AZ
$29,310 (2019) → $43,140 (2025)
Tucson, AZ
$30,690 (2019) → $42,560 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lake Havasu City, AZ
Tucson, AZ
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays certified nursing assistants more: Lake Havasu City or Tucson?
What is the hourly rate difference between Lake Havasu City and Tucson?
Should I relocate from Lake Havasu City to Tucson as a certified nursing assistant?
What do entry-level certified nursing assistants earn in Lake Havasu City vs Tucson?
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