Salisbury vs Wheaton: Certified Nursing Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare certified nursing assistant salaries between Salisbury, MD and Wheaton, MD. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Salisbury, MD | Wheaton, MD |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $41,258 | $49,186▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $19.83 | $23.64▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,637 | $38,499▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $39,703 | $42,245▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $49,341 | $54,678▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $49,341 | $59,669▲ |
| Total Employed | 830▲ | 11 |
Verdict
Wheaton, MD offers better overall compensation for certified nursing assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Salisbury.
The salary gap between Salisbury and Wheaton is $7,928 (19.22%). Wheaton's median is +9.29% compared to the US national median of $45,007.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Salisbury spans $11,704,Wheaton spans $21,170. Wheaton 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, Wheaton ($45,001 effective) pays 4.29% more than Salisbury ($43,149 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Salisbury if…
- ✓Larger job market (830 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Maryland area and lifestyle
Choose Wheaton if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($49,186/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($59,669)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $45,001)
- ✓You prefer the Maryland area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, certified nursing assistant salaries in Salisbury grew 32.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 8.4% growth in Wheaton over the same period.
Salisbury, MD
$29,280 (2019) → $38,740 (2025)
Wheaton, MD
$42,621 (2024) → $46,184 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Salisbury, MD
Wheaton, MD
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays certified nursing assistants more: Salisbury or Wheaton?
What is the hourly rate difference between Salisbury and Wheaton?
Should I relocate from Salisbury to Wheaton as a certified nursing assistant?
What do entry-level certified nursing assistants earn in Salisbury vs Wheaton?
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