Entry-Level Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in North Little Rock, AR: $30,398 (2026)
Quick Answer:New certified nursing assistants entering the North Little Rock, AR job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $30,398 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-1131, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out North Little Rock's local price level (BEA RPP 86.9 — 13% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $34,980 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($37,113) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates entering the healthcare field as certified nursing assistants (CNAs) in North Little Rock, Arkansas, the starting salaries can set realistic expectations. In 2026, entry-level positions are projected to offer annual pay starting at around $30,398, which represents a considerable gap from the city median annual salary of $37,113. However, this initial pay should be viewed as a stepping stone within a broader career trajectory. Over the first few years in the profession, newcomers can anticipate gradual salary increases, reaching approximately $33,002 at the 25th percentile and potentially breaking into the median range as they gain experience. Given the projected growth rate of 6.50% annually, North Little Rock offers a stable job market for recent graduates looking to embark on their caregiving journey.
About the North Little Rock Market
Salary estimated from Arkansas average ($30,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in North Little Rock
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 North Little Rock
Entry-level certified nursing assistants in North Little Rock, AR typically start between $30,398 and $33,002 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $16,501 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $37,113 — 17.54% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nursing program cost in Arkansas of $1,000 represents just 3.29% of the starting certified nursing assistant pay ($30,398/year) in North Little Rock. 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 North Little Rock
- 1Research the North Little Rock market: entry-level certified nursing assistant pay ranges from $30,398 to $33,002, 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 AR often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in North Little Rock, 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 North Little Rock for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5North Little Rock's below-average 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 North Little Rock is $16,501 ( 54.28%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $30,398, experienced hygienists can earn up to $46,899.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$18,468
2025 BLS Actual
$28,543
2026 Current Est.
$30,398
2019–2027 Growth
+75.3%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in North Little Rock (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $18,468 | Actual |
| 2020 | $19,132 | Actual |
| 2021 | $20,083 | Actual |
| 2022 | $23,573 | Actual |
| 2023 | $25,246 | Actual |
| 2024 | $20,597 | Actual |
| 2025 | $28,543 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30,398 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32,374 | Projected |
Entry-level certified nursing assistant compensation (10th percentile) in North Little Rock, AR grew 54.6% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $18,468 in 2019 to $28,543 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $32,374. New graduates entering the North Little Rock job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the North Little Rock 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 North Little Rock
Employers in North Little Rock looking for new CNAs primarily include skilled nursing facilities, which often provide comprehensive paid training programs designed to facilitate the transition into the workforce. Hospitals and healthcare systems might favor candidates with prior experience but maintain apprenticeship pipelines to nurture upcoming talent. Home health agencies also represent a significant opportunity, particularly for those interested in more flexible scheduling options. To maximize starting pay in Arkansas, new graduates should ensure they obtain state CNA certification, which typically entails at least 75 hours of training and passing a state examination. Opportunities for continuing education, such as obtaining CPR/BLS certification or pursuing specialized training as a medication aide or dementia care provider, can also enhance salary prospects. Given the recent turnover in the CNA workforce driven by the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent staffing shortages, aspiring professionals can expect a steady salary growth in the initial years as they work towards bridging opportunities into LPN or RN roles.
More salary data for North Little Rock, AR:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 North Little Rock. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for North Little Rock 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