Entry-Level Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Rogers, AR: $30,744 (2026)
Quick Answer:New certified nursing assistants entering the Rogers, AR job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $30,744 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-1131, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Rogers's local price level (BEA RPP 86.9 — 13% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $35,379 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($38,772) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates stepping into the role of a certified nursing assistant (CNA) in Rogers, Arkansas, can expect to start their careers with a starting certified nursing assistant salary of around $30,744, which positions them below the city median annual salary of $38,772. This gap suggests that entry-level positions will require patience and persistence, as new CNAs can earn between $30,744 and $47,532 as they gain experience. In the first three to five years, salaries are projected to progress from the entry-level at $30,744 to approximately $33,599, moving steadily toward the median as CNAs demonstrate their skills and reliability. With the healthcare sector's ongoing demand for CNAs, Rogers represents a favorable environment for new graduates looking to begin their careers in patient care.
About the Rogers Market
Salary estimated from Arkansas average ($30,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Rogers
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 Rogers
Entry-level certified nursing assistants in Rogers, AR typically start between $30,744 and $33,599 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $16,788 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $38,772 — 13.85% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nursing program cost in Arkansas of $1,000 represents just 3.25% of the starting certified nursing assistant pay ($30,744/year) in Rogers. 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 Rogers
- 1Research the Rogers market: entry-level certified nursing assistant pay ranges from $30,744 to $33,599, 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 Rogers, 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 Rogers for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Rogers'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 Rogers is $16,788 ( 54.61%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $30,744, experienced hygienists can earn up to $47,532.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$18,678
2025 BLS Actual
$28,868
2026 Current Est.
$30,744
2019–2027 Growth
+75.3%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Rogers (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $18,678 | Actual |
| 2020 | $19,350 | Actual |
| 2021 | $20,311 | Actual |
| 2022 | $23,841 | Actual |
| 2023 | $25,534 | Actual |
| 2024 | $20,563 | Actual |
| 2025 | $28,868 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30,744 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32,743 | Projected |
Entry-level certified nursing assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Rogers, AR grew 54.6% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $18,678 in 2019 to $28,868 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $32,743. New graduates entering the Rogers job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Rogers 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 Rogers
Employment opportunities for aspiring CNAs in Rogers are found primarily in skilled nursing facilities, which often provide paid training and are typically more welcoming to those fresh out of certification programs. In contrast, hospital systems may have a preference for experienced CNAs but can offer apprenticeship programs that allow new entrants to gain practical experience while still getting paid. To enhance their entry-level certified nursing assistant pay AR, early-career professionals should aim to obtain relevant credentials, including state CNA certification, CPR/BLS training, and optional certifications like medication aide or hospice aide, which can lead to increased earnings. The past few years have seen fluctuations in wages due to the workforce pressures from the post-COVID environment, with nursing facilities actively seeking staff and offering competitive pay. Therefore, realistic salary growth for new CNAs within their first three years in Rogers could range from modest increases, aligning with the ongoing staffing needs within the healthcare sector.
More salary data for Rogers, 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 Rogers. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Rogers 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