Manhattan vs Salina: Certified Nursing Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare certified nursing assistant salaries between Manhattan, KS and Salina, KS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Manhattan, KS | Salina, KS |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $38,425 | $39,587▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $18.48 | $19.03▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $33,324 | $34,398▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $38,202▲ | $36,336 |
| 75th Percentile | $46,945▲ | $42,762 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $49,831▲ | $45,631 |
| Total Employed | 840▲ | 11 |
Verdict
Manhattan and Salina are closely matched on overall certified nursing assistant compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Manhattan and Salina is $1,162 (3.02%). Salina's median is -12.04% compared to the US national median of $45,007.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Manhattan spans $16,507,Salina spans $11,233. Manhattan 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, Salina ($43,550 effective) pays 2.19% more than Manhattan ($42,618 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Manhattan if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($49,831)
- ✓Larger job market (840 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle
Choose Salina if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($39,587/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $43,550)
- ✓You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, certified nursing assistant salaries in Manhattan grew 42.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 32.1% growth in Salina over the same period.
Manhattan, KS
$25,280 (2019) → $36,080 (2025)
Salina, KS
$28,147 (2024) → $37,171 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Manhattan, KS
Salina, KS
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays certified nursing assistants more: Manhattan or Salina?
What is the hourly rate difference between Manhattan and Salina?
Should I relocate from Manhattan to Salina as a certified nursing assistant?
What do entry-level certified nursing assistants earn in Manhattan vs Salina?
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