Entry-Level Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Duluth, MN: $38,532 (2026)
Quick Answer:New certified nursing assistants entering the Duluth, MN job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $38,532 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-1131, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Duluth's local price level (BEA RPP 88.8 — 11% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $43,408 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($47,126) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
For those starting out in the healthcare field, the entry-level certified nursing assistant salary in Duluth, Minnesota is projected to be around $38,532 in 2026. While this initial pay is below the city's overall median of $47,126, there is potential for salary growth as new graduates gain experience. Over the first few years, aspiring CNAs can expect to see their earnings rise from the entry-level range to approximately $40,534, eventually reaching closer to the median as they build their skills and reputation in the workforce. Given the strong demand for healthcare professionals, Duluth is currently a favorable job market for new certified nursing assistants looking to establish their careers.
Career Earnings Timeline in Duluth
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 Duluth
Entry-level certified nursing assistants in Duluth, MN typically start between $38,532 and $40,534 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $13,397 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $47,126 — 4.71% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nursing program cost in Minnesota of $2,200 represents just 5.71% of the starting certified nursing assistant pay ($38,532/year) in Duluth. 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 Duluth
- 1Research the Duluth market: entry-level certified nursing assistant pay ranges from $38,532 to $40,534, 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 Duluth, 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 Duluth for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Duluth'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 Duluth is $13,397 ( 34.77%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $38,532, experienced hygienists can earn up to $51,929.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$26,890
2025 BLS Actual
$36,180
2026 Current Est.
$38,532
2019–2027 Growth
+52.6%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Duluth (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26,890 | Actual |
| 2020 | $27,420 | Actual |
| 2021 | $28,350 | Actual |
| 2022 | $30,410 | Actual |
| 2023 | $36,240 | Actual |
| 2024 | $37,480 | Actual |
| 2025 | $36,180 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $38,532 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $41,036 | Projected |
Entry-level certified nursing assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Duluth, MN grew 34.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $26,890 in 2019 to $36,180 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $41,036. New graduates entering the Duluth job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Duluth 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 Duluth
In Duluth, various facilities are actively seeking newly licensed CNAs. Skilled nursing facilities often provide training programs that allow recent graduates to gain valuable experience while receiving pay during their training. On the other hand, hospital systems may prefer candidates with prior experience but often have apprenticeship pathways for new professionals looking to advance. Home health agencies are another option, where flexibility in scheduling can be a significant asset. To enhance starting pay, obtaining additional credentials like advanced CPR/BLS certifications or pursuing the optional medication aide (CMA) training could be beneficial. Fresh graduates can strategically position themselves for upward mobility within their first three years, especially given the significant wage hikes—between 20-40%—in nursing facilities following the post-COVID staffing crisis. Over time, many CNAs transition into licensed practical nurse (LPN) or registered nurse (RN) roles, which typically require a minimum of 75 hours of training, with many states needing more for certification.
More salary data for Duluth, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for certified nursing assistants in Duluth 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 Duluth. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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