Salt Lake City vs St. George: Certified Nursing Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare certified nursing assistant salaries between Salt Lake City, UT and St. George, UT. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Salt Lake City, UT | St. George, UT |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $43,143 | $43,154▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $20.75 | $20.75 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,180▲ | $37,893 |
| 25th Percentile | $41,205▲ | $39,224 |
| 75th Percentile | $49,182▲ | $46,349 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $51,834▲ | $51,067 |
| Total Employed | 5,160▲ | 1,090 |
Verdict
Salt Lake City, UT offers better overall compensation for certified nursing assistants, winning 2 out of 4 metrics compared to St. George.
The salary gap between Salt Lake City and St. George is $11 (0.03%). St. George's median is -4.12% compared to the US national median of $45,007.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Salt Lake City spans $13,654,St. George spans $13,174. Salt Lake City 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, St. George ($44,342 effective) pays 3.67% more than Salt Lake City ($42,772 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Salt Lake City if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($51,834)
- ✓Larger job market (5,160 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Utah area and lifestyle
Choose St. George if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($43,154/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $44,342)
- ✓You prefer the Utah area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, certified nursing assistant salaries in Salt Lake City grew 35.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 47.3% growth in St. George over the same period.
Salt Lake City, UT
$29,870 (2019) → $40,510 (2025)
St. George, UT
$27,510 (2019) → $40,520 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Salt Lake City, UT
St. George, UT
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays certified nursing assistants more: Salt Lake City or St. George?
What is the hourly rate difference between Salt Lake City and St. George?
Should I relocate from Salt Lake City to St. George as a certified nursing assistant?
What do entry-level certified nursing assistants earn in Salt Lake City vs St. George?
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