Entry-Level Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Kingman, AZ: $39,769 (2026)
Quick Answer:New certified nursing assistants entering the Kingman, AZ job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $39,769 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-1131, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Kingman's local price level (BEA RPP 98.5 — 1% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $40,375 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($45,810) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the certified nursing assistant field in Kingman, AZ can expect a starting salary of approximately $39,769 per year, which highlights a sizable gap compared to the city’s median annual salary for CNAs of $45,810. This entry-level figure places first-time CNAs on a path for growth, with the potential to earn around $41,004 at the 25th percentile within three to five years. As the job market for CNAs strengthens, especially in Kingman, those beginning their careers can take advantage of a projected growth rate of 6.50% annually. Entry-level positions are increasingly accessible as healthcare facilities seek to fill their staffing needs, making Kingman an attractive option for recent graduates looking to enter the profession.
About the Kingman Market
Salary estimated from Arizona average ($39,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Kingman
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 Kingman
Entry-level certified nursing assistants in Kingman, AZ typically start between $39,769 and $41,004 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $15,814 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $45,810 — 1.78% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nursing program cost in Arizona of $1,800 represents just 4.53% of the starting certified nursing assistant pay ($39,769/year) in Kingman. 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 Kingman
- 1Research the Kingman market: entry-level certified nursing assistant pay ranges from $39,769 to $41,004, 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 Kingman, 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 Kingman for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Kingman'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 Kingman is $15,814 ( 39.76%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $39,769, experienced hygienists can earn up to $55,583.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$24,161
2025 BLS Actual
$37,342
2026 Current Est.
$39,769
2019–2027 Growth
+75.3%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Kingman (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $24,161 | Actual |
| 2020 | $25,030 | Actual |
| 2021 | $26,274 | Actual |
| 2022 | $30,840 | Actual |
| 2023 | $33,029 | Actual |
| 2024 | $31,909 | Actual |
| 2025 | $37,342 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $39,769 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $42,354 | Projected |
Entry-level certified nursing assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Kingman, AZ grew 54.6% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $24,161 in 2019 to $37,342 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $42,354. New graduates entering the Kingman job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Kingman 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 Kingman
In Kingman, skilled nursing facilities are primary employers of newly certified nursing assistants, frequently offering paid training programs that allow fresh graduates to gain valuable experience while earning a paycheck. Hospital systems may prefer applicants with prior experience but often provide apprenticeships to nurture new talent. Home health agencies also seek candidates who can work flexible hours, a key consideration for those starting out. For CNAs aiming to enhance their starting certified nursing assistant salary in Kingman, obtaining state certification, which requires a minimum of 75 hours of training along with passing the state exam, is essential. Additional credentials like CPR/BLS, medication aide certification, and specialized training in dementia or hospice care can further increase earning potential. Given the recent surge in wages within the sector, particularly post-COVID, aspiring CNAs have a promising opportunity to advance their careers, often transitioning into LPN or RN roles as they build their experience within the first few years on the job.
More salary data for Kingman, AZ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for certified nursing assistants in Kingman in 2026?
How fast do certified nursing assistant salaries grow in Kingman?
Is nursing school worth it in Kingman?
What do new certified nursing assistants make right out of school in Kingman?
How do I become a certified nursing assistant in Arizona?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Arizona
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 Kingman. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Kingman 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