Entry-Level Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Boise, ID: $31,627 (2026)
Quick Answer:New certified nursing assistants entering the Boise, ID job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $31,627 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-1131, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Boise's local price level (BEA RPP 95.3 — 5% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $33,187 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($42,799) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Starting a career as a certified nursing assistant in Boise, ID, presents new graduates with a realistic entry point into the healthcare field. In 2026, those stepping into their first roles can expect to earn around $31,627, which is markedly lower than the city’s median annual salary of $42,799. This gap indicates that entry-level positions may require a commitment to skill development and experience before aligning more closely with local average wages. However, there is tangible growth potential as new CNAs gain experience; they can look forward to earning $35,693 at the 25th percentile and moving up toward the median salary over the next several years. Boise is currently favorable for entry-level positions, bolstered by a growing demand for healthcare workers and evolving workplace conditions following the recent staffing crises.
About the Boise Market
Salary estimated from Idaho average ($34,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Boise
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 Boise
Entry-level certified nursing assistants in Boise, ID typically start between $31,627 and $35,693 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $22,423 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $42,799 — 4.91% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nursing program cost in Idaho of $1,500 represents just 4.74% of the starting certified nursing assistant pay ($31,627/year) in Boise. 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 Boise
- 1Research the Boise market: entry-level certified nursing assistant pay ranges from $31,627 to $35,693, 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 ID often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Boise, 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 Boise for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Boise'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 Boise is $22,423 ( 70.90%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $31,627, experienced hygienists can earn up to $54,050.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$19,215
2025 BLS Actual
$29,697
2026 Current Est.
$31,627
2019–2027 Growth
+75.3%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Boise (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $19,215 | Actual |
| 2020 | $19,906 | Actual |
| 2021 | $20,895 | Actual |
| 2022 | $24,526 | Actual |
| 2023 | $26,267 | Actual |
| 2024 | $24,530 | Actual |
| 2025 | $29,697 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $31,627 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $33,683 | Projected |
Entry-level certified nursing assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Boise, ID grew 54.6% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $19,215 in 2019 to $29,697 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $33,683. New graduates entering the Boise job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Boise 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 Boise
Employers in Boise actively seek out new graduates for certified nursing assistant roles, particularly in skilled nursing facilities, where many offer paid training programs that provide an essential foundation for budding professionals. While hospitals may prioritize hiring those with experience, they often have apprenticeship pipelines designed for recent graduates. Home health agencies are also a strong option for CNAs seeking flexible schedules. To enhance starting pay in Idaho, obtaining additional credentials such as CPR/BLS certification or specialized training in dementia care can make a candidate more competitive. Given the current staffing shortages exacerbated by the post-COVID environment, CNAs can anticipate realistic starting salary growth in their first three years as they gain experience and potentially bridge into roles such as LPN or RN. Many states, including Idaho, require a minimum of 75 hours of training for CNAs, with many employers offering additional support for continuing education that can lead to increased responsibilities and higher pay.
More salary data for Boise, ID:
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 Boise. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Boise 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