Maple Grove vs St. Cloud: Certified Nursing Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare certified nursing assistant salaries between Maple Grove, MN and St. Cloud, MN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Maple Grove, MN | St. Cloud, MN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $50,119▲ | $42,738 |
| Hourly Rate | $24.10▲ | $20.54 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,338▲ | $40,300 |
| 25th Percentile | $43,879▲ | $40,481 |
| 75th Percentile | $56,547▲ | $49,288 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $62,187▲ | $59,299 |
| Total Employed | 14 | 1,580▲ |
Verdict
Maple Grove, MN offers better overall compensation for certified nursing assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to St. Cloud.
The salary gap between Maple Grove and St. Cloud is $7,381 (17.27%). Maple Grove's median is +11.36% compared to the US national median of $45,007.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Maple Grove spans $21,849,St. Cloud spans $18,999. Maple Grove 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, Maple Grove ($50,882 effective) pays 4.33% more than St. Cloud ($48,770 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Maple Grove if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($50,119/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($62,187)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $50,882)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Choose St. Cloud if…
- ✓Larger job market (1,580 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, certified nursing assistant salaries in Maple Grove grew 17.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 12.4% growth in St. Cloud over the same period.
Maple Grove, MN
$39,934 (2024) → $47,060 (2025)
St. Cloud, MN
$35,700 (2019) → $40,130 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Maple Grove, MN
St. Cloud, MN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays certified nursing assistants more: Maple Grove or St. Cloud?
What is the hourly rate difference between Maple Grove and St. Cloud?
Should I relocate from Maple Grove to St. Cloud as a certified nursing assistant?
What do entry-level certified nursing assistants earn in Maple Grove vs St. Cloud?
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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