Raleigh vs Winston-Salem: Certified Nursing Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare certified nursing assistant salaries between Raleigh, NC and Winston-Salem, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Raleigh, NC | Winston-Salem, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $42,291 | $42,538▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $20.33 | $20.45▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $32,653▲ | $31,465 |
| 25th Percentile | $39,213▲ | $35,468 |
| 75th Percentile | $48,362▲ | $48,259 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $50,843 | $53,849▲ |
| Total Employed | 6,420▲ | 59 |
Verdict
Winston-Salem, NC offers better overall compensation for certified nursing assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Raleigh.
The salary gap between Raleigh and Winston-Salem is $247 (0.58%). Winston-Salem's median is -5.49% compared to the US national median of $45,007.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Raleigh spans $18,190,Winston-Salem spans $22,384. Winston-Salem 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, Winston-Salem ($45,447 effective) pays 5.48% more than Raleigh ($43,085 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Raleigh if…
- ✓Larger job market (6,420 employed)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Winston-Salem if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($42,538/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($53,849)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $45,447)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, certified nursing assistant salaries in Raleigh grew 51.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 24.8% growth in Winston-Salem over the same period.
Raleigh, NC
$26,200 (2019) → $39,710 (2025)
Winston-Salem, NC
$32,012 (2024) → $39,942 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Raleigh, NC
Winston-Salem, NC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays certified nursing assistants more: Raleigh or Winston-Salem?
What is the hourly rate difference between Raleigh and Winston-Salem?
Should I relocate from Raleigh to Winston-Salem as a certified nursing assistant?
What do entry-level certified nursing assistants earn in Raleigh vs Winston-Salem?
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