Meridian vs Twin Falls: Certified Nursing Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare certified nursing assistant salaries between Meridian, ID and Twin Falls, ID. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Meridian, ID | Twin Falls, ID |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $41,444▲ | $41,184 |
| Hourly Rate | $19.93▲ | $19.80 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $33,961▲ | $16,433 |
| 25th Percentile | $36,912▲ | $33,526 |
| 75th Percentile | $45,751 | $48,862▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $52,494▲ | $50,513 |
| Total Employed | 30 | 540▲ |
Verdict
Meridian, ID offers better overall compensation for certified nursing assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Twin Falls.
The salary gap between Meridian and Twin Falls is $260 (0.63%). Meridian's median is -7.92% compared to the US national median of $45,007.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Meridian spans $18,533,Twin Falls spans $34,080. Twin Falls 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, Twin Falls ($44,713 effective) pays 2.82% more than Meridian ($43,488 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Meridian if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($41,444/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($52,494)
- ✓You prefer the Idaho area and lifestyle
Choose Twin Falls if…
- ✓Larger job market (540 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $44,713)
- ✓You prefer the Idaho area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, certified nursing assistant salaries in Meridian grew 19.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 47.1% growth in Twin Falls over the same period.
Meridian, ID
$32,523 (2024) → $38,915 (2025)
Twin Falls, ID
$26,280 (2019) → $38,670 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Meridian, ID
Twin Falls, ID
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays certified nursing assistants more: Meridian or Twin Falls?
What is the hourly rate difference between Meridian and Twin Falls?
Should I relocate from Meridian to Twin Falls as a certified nursing assistant?
What do entry-level certified nursing assistants earn in Meridian vs Twin Falls?
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