Entry-Level Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Nampa, ID: $33,122 (2026)
Quick Answer:New certified nursing assistants entering the Nampa, ID job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $33,122 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-1131, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Nampa's local price level (BEA RPP 95.3 — 5% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $34,756 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($42,475) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Navigating the entry-level certified nursing assistant salary landscape in Nampa, Idaho, yields intriguing insights for new graduates. With a starting salary projected at $33,122 in 2026, new CNAs can realistically expect to step into the workforce at a rate well below the city’s median annual salary of $42,475. This gap suggests that early career earnings will rate significantly less than the median, but as newly minted professionals accumulate experience, they could see their income grow toward $36,554 within the first few years. Given the area’s projected growth trajectory of 6.50% annually, Nampa currently presents a favorable market for aspiring certified nursing assistants, particularly for those eager to build a foundation in a diverse and evolving healthcare environment.
About the Nampa Market
Salary estimated from Idaho average ($34,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Nampa
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 Nampa
Entry-level certified nursing assistants in Nampa, ID typically start between $33,122 and $36,554 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $18,459 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $42,475 — 5.63% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nursing program cost in Idaho of $1,500 represents just 4.53% of the starting certified nursing assistant pay ($33,122/year) in Nampa. 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 Nampa
- 1Research the Nampa market: entry-level certified nursing assistant pay ranges from $33,122 to $36,554, 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 Nampa, 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 Nampa for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Nampa'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 Nampa is $18,459 ( 55.73%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $33,122, experienced hygienists can earn up to $51,581.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$20,122
2025 BLS Actual
$31,100
2026 Current Est.
$33,122
2019–2027 Growth
+75.3%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Nampa (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20,122 | Actual |
| 2020 | $20,846 | Actual |
| 2021 | $21,882 | Actual |
| 2022 | $25,685 | Actual |
| 2023 | $27,508 | Actual |
| 2024 | $25,696 | Actual |
| 2025 | $31,100 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $33,122 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $35,274 | Projected |
Entry-level certified nursing assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Nampa, ID grew 54.6% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $20,122 in 2019 to $31,100 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $35,274. New graduates entering the Nampa job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Nampa 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 Nampa
Exploring the employment avenues available for new certified nursing assistants reveals that skilled nursing facilities dominate the hiring landscape in Nampa. These establishments often offer paid training programs, making them the go-to choice for fresh graduates. Meanwhile, local hospital systems, while primarily seeking experienced CNAs, have been establishing apprenticeship pipelines aimed at integrating new graduates into the workforce. Home health agencies are also on the lookout for flexible-scheduled candidates ready to provide care in diverse environments. Earning state CNA certification is a vital first step, but pursuing additional credentials—such as CPR/BLS or specialized training for roles like medication aide—can significantly enhance one’s earning potential. In a market still rebounding from COVID-19-driven turnover, first-year pay might remain consistent, with the potential for growth as demand for nursing staff increases due to the staffing crisis; many entry-level CNAs may subsequently bridge into LPN or RN roles to further their careers at higher pay scales.
More salary data for Nampa, ID:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for certified nursing assistants in Nampa in 2026?
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Is nursing school worth it in Nampa?
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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 Nampa. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Nampa 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