Entry-Level Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Bloomington, MN: $41,062 (2026)
Quick Answer:New certified nursing assistants entering the Bloomington, MN job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $41,062 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-1131, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Bloomington's local price level (BEA RPP 98.5 — 1% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $41,687 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($50,235) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For those newly certified as nursing assistants in Bloomington, MN, the reality of starting salaries in 2026 reflects both promise and challenges. Entry-level positions can expect to begin around $41,062, which is notably lower than the city median annual salary of $50,235. This gap highlights the typical trajectory many new graduates might experience as they gain experience; salary levels are projected to increase modestly from P10 to the first quartile at $43,392 within a few years. This income progression is reasonable given that Bloomington currently presents a supportive market for new graduates, especially as healthcare continues to rebound from the impacts of the pandemic. As entry-level certified nursing assistant roles become increasingly essential, aspirants might find themselves in a favorable position to negotiate improved salaries.
About the Bloomington Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($40,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Bloomington
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 Bloomington
Entry-level certified nursing assistants in Bloomington, MN typically start between $41,062 and $43,392 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $20,129 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $50,235 — 11.62% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nursing program cost in Minnesota of $2,200 represents just 5.36% of the starting certified nursing assistant pay ($41,062/year) in Bloomington. 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 Bloomington
- 1Research the Bloomington market: entry-level certified nursing assistant pay ranges from $41,062 to $43,392, 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 MN often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Bloomington, 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 Bloomington for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Bloomington'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 Bloomington is $20,129 ( 49.02%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $41,062, experienced hygienists can earn up to $61,191.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$24,947
2025 BLS Actual
$38,556
2026 Current Est.
$41,062
2019–2027 Growth
+75.3%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Bloomington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $24,947 | Actual |
| 2020 | $25,844 | Actual |
| 2021 | $27,128 | Actual |
| 2022 | $31,842 | Actual |
| 2023 | $34,103 | Actual |
| 2024 | $30,972 | Actual |
| 2025 | $38,556 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $41,062 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $43,731 | Projected |
Entry-level certified nursing assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Bloomington, MN grew 54.6% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $24,947 in 2019 to $38,556 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $43,731. New graduates entering the Bloomington job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bloomington 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 Bloomington
Looking at the hiring landscape for entry-level certified nursing assistants in Bloomington underscores the importance of selecting the right employer. Skilled nursing facilities are among the largest employers, often providing training within paid programs that welcome new candidates. Meanwhile, local hospital systems may prefer experienced CNAs but are beginning to develop apprenticeship pathways for those just starting. Home health agencies offer flexibility that can appeal to younger professionals seeking non-traditional hours. For those looking to enhance their new grad certified nursing assistant pay in MN, obtaining additional certifications can be beneficial, such as specialized training in CPR or optional medication administration. Observing market trends, the first couple of years may provide an upward salary movement fueled by rising demand; many CNAs choose to bridge into LPN or RN programs, thereby expanding their earning potential significantly over time. By taking proactive steps in upskilling, new entrants to the field can maximize their opportunities for growth in this evolving job market.
More salary data for Bloomington, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for certified nursing assistants in Bloomington in 2026?
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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 Bloomington. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Bloomington 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