Entry-Level Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Goodyear, AZ: $35,376 (2026)
Quick Answer:New certified nursing assistants entering the Goodyear, AZ job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $35,376 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-1131, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Goodyear's local price level (BEA RPP 98.5 — 1% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $35,915 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($45,774) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates in Goodyear, Arizona can expect an entry-level certified nursing assistant salary in the range of $35,376 to $39,116, with a realistic starting point likely closer to the lower end of this spectrum. This entry-level pay is lower than the city's median annual salary of $45,774, highlighting a significant gap that new CNAs will need to consider. However, those entering the workforce can anticipate a clear progression: from the entry point up to the 25th percentile over the first few years, as they gain experience and may also find opportunities for shift differentials or weekend premiums. With an estimated annual job growth rate of 6.50%, Goodyear presents a promising market for nursing assistants, indicating solid demand for entry-level roles despite the initial salary not fully reflecting the city's median.
About the Goodyear Market
Salary estimated from Arizona average ($39,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Goodyear
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Goodyear
Entry-level certified nursing assistants in Goodyear, AZ typically start between $35,376 and $39,116 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $22,731 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $45,774 — 1.7% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nursing program cost in Arizona of $1,800 represents just 5.09% of the starting certified nursing assistant pay ($35,376/year) in Goodyear. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on state nurse aide registry-approved CNA training programs meeting federal CMS requirements. Tuition varies widely between free employer-sponsored programs, community college courses, and private training schools.
CNA Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Goodyear
- 1Research the Goodyear market: entry-level certified nursing assistant pay ranges from $35,376 to $39,116, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the nursing field — employers in AZ often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Goodyear, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Goodyear for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Goodyear's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Certified Nursing Assistant Compensation Range
The certified nursing assistant wage spread in Goodyear is $22,731 ( 64.26%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $35,376, experienced hygienists can earn up to $58,107.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$21,492
2025 BLS Actual
$33,217
2026 Current Est.
$35,376
2019–2027 Growth
+75.3%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Goodyear (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21,492 | Actual |
| 2020 | $22,265 | Actual |
| 2021 | $23,371 | Actual |
| 2022 | $27,433 | Actual |
| 2023 | $29,381 | Actual |
| 2024 | $29,233 | Actual |
| 2025 | $33,217 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $35,376 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $37,676 | Projected |
Entry-level certified nursing assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Goodyear, AZ grew 54.6% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $21,492 in 2019 to $33,217 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $37,676. New graduates entering the Goodyear job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Goodyear metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 6.50% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your nursing Career in Goodyear
New graduates can seek employment at local skilled nursing facilities, which typically hire entry-level CNAs and often offer paid training programs to support their transition into the workforce. Although hospital systems might favor experienced workers, they do provide apprenticeship pipelines that could benefit new candidates. Home health agencies are another viable option, especially for those seeking more flexible work schedules. To strengthen their earning potential, new CNAs should consider obtaining certifications in CPR/BLS, as well as optional credentials like medication aide (CMA) or specialized certifications in areas such as dementia care. The CNA job market, particularly post-COVID, has also experienced significant shifts, with many nursing facilities adjusting their pay scales upwards to attract staff. Over the first few years, candidates can expect their salaries to grow gradually as they gain experience and potentially a path into licensed practical nurse (LPN) or registered nurse (RN) roles.
More salary data for Goodyear, AZ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for certified nursing assistants in Goodyear in 2026?
How fast do certified nursing assistant salaries grow in Goodyear?
Is nursing school worth it in Goodyear?
What do new certified nursing assistants make right out of school in Goodyear?
How do I become a certified nursing assistant in Arizona?
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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
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new nursing graduates. A 6.50% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Goodyear. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Goodyear is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.50%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for certified nursing assistants (SOC 31-1131).
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