Entry-Level Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Moscow, ID: $32,166 (2026)
Quick Answer:New certified nursing assistants entering the Moscow, ID job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $32,166 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-1131, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Moscow's local price level (BEA RPP 95.3 — 5% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $33,752 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($40,258) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the certified nursing assistant (CNA) field in Moscow, Idaho can anticipate a starting annual pay close to $32,166, which reflects the 10th percentile of the expected salary range for entry-level positions. This is considerably lower than the projected median annual salary of $40,258 for all CNAs in the city, resulting in a notable gap of approximately $8,000. However, there's a promising growth trajectory for newcomers: as they gain experience, starting CNAs have the potential to see salaries rise to $34,872 at the 25th percentile within the first few years. Given Moscow's demand for healthcare professionals and the projected annual growth rate of 6.50% for this sector, the market remains relatively favorable for new graduates contemplating a career in nursing assistance.
About the Moscow Market
Salary estimated from Idaho average ($34,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Moscow
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 Moscow
Entry-level certified nursing assistants in Moscow, ID typically start between $32,166 and $34,872 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $17,213 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $40,258 — 10.55% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nursing program cost in Idaho of $1,500 represents just 4.66% of the starting certified nursing assistant pay ($32,166/year) in Moscow. 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 Moscow
- 1Research the Moscow market: entry-level certified nursing assistant pay ranges from $32,166 to $34,872, 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 Moscow, 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 Moscow for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Moscow'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 Moscow is $17,213 ( 53.51%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $32,166, experienced hygienists can earn up to $49,379.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$19,542
2025 BLS Actual
$30,203
2026 Current Est.
$32,166
2019–2027 Growth
+75.3%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Moscow (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $19,542 | Actual |
| 2020 | $20,245 | Actual |
| 2021 | $21,251 | Actual |
| 2022 | $24,944 | Actual |
| 2023 | $26,715 | Actual |
| 2024 | $24,947 | Actual |
| 2025 | $30,203 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $32,166 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $34,257 | Projected |
Entry-level certified nursing assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Moscow, ID grew 54.6% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $19,542 in 2019 to $30,203 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $34,257. New graduates entering the Moscow job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Moscow 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 Moscow
For aspiring CNAs in Moscow, understanding the local job market is essential to making informed career decisions. Skilled nursing facilities are among the primary employers, often offering paid training programs that can ease the transition into the field for those without extensive experience. On the other hand, hospital systems typically favor candidates with prior experience but may offer apprenticeship opportunities to help new CNAs grow within the organization. To enhance their starting certified nursing assistant salary in Moscow, candidates should obtain state CNA certification, complete CPR/BLS training, and consider additional credentials such as medication aide certification or specialized training in dementia care. Entering this profession now presents unique opportunities, as the workforce has seen significant turnover since the pandemic, leading to increased wages. Realistic salary expectations can see new CNAs in the city earning between $34,872 and $40,258 as they advance through their first few years, laying a solid foundation for future progression to LPN or RN pathways.
More salary data for Moscow, ID:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for certified nursing assistants in Moscow in 2026?
How fast do certified nursing assistant salaries grow in Moscow?
Is nursing school worth it in Moscow?
What do new certified nursing assistants make right out of school in Moscow?
How do I become a certified nursing assistant in Idaho?
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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 Moscow. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Moscow 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