Salt Lake City vs Tooele: Certified Nursing Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare certified nursing assistant salaries between Salt Lake City, UT and Tooele, UT. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Salt Lake City, UT | Tooele, UT |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $43,143▲ | $41,038 |
| Hourly Rate | $20.75▲ | $19.73 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,180▲ | $35,442 |
| 25th Percentile | $41,205▲ | $37,507 |
| 75th Percentile | $49,182▲ | $44,236 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $51,834▲ | $50,927 |
| Total Employed | 5,160▲ | 8 |
Verdict
Salt Lake City, UT offers better overall compensation for certified nursing assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Tooele.
The salary gap between Salt Lake City and Tooele is $2,105 (5.13%). Salt Lake City's median is -4.14% 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,Tooele spans $15,485. Tooele 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, Salt Lake City ($42,772 effective) pays 2.24% more than Tooele ($41,833 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…
- ✓Higher median salary ($43,143/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($51,834)
- ✓Larger job market (5,160 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $42,772)
- ✓You prefer the Utah area and lifestyle
Choose Tooele if…
- ✓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 17.6% growth in Tooele over the same period.
Salt Lake City, UT
$29,870 (2019) → $40,510 (2025)
Tooele, UT
$32,761 (2024) → $38,533 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Salt Lake City, UT
Tooele, UT
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays certified nursing assistants more: Salt Lake City or Tooele?
What is the hourly rate difference between Salt Lake City and Tooele?
Should I relocate from Salt Lake City to Tooele as a certified nursing assistant?
What do entry-level certified nursing assistants earn in Salt Lake City vs Tooele?
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