Entry-Level Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Rochester, MN: $40,832 (2026)
Quick Answer:New certified nursing assistants entering the Rochester, MN job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $40,832 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-1131, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Rochester's local price level (BEA RPP 90.8 — 9% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $44,959 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($49,885) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
In Rochester, Minnesota, new graduates entering the field as certified nursing assistants can expect starting salaries around $40,832, which marks a significant distance from the city's median annual salary of $49,885. Fresh CNAs should prepare for a gradual salary increase as they gain experience, with the potential to reach approximately $42,557 within the first few years. Rochester's healthcare market remains robust, making it a favorable environment for new CNAs seeking employment opportunities. Given the rising demand for healthcare services and the expected 6.50% annual growth rate in this sector, new graduates are likely to find solid entry-level positions with room for advancement and the potential to increase earnings swiftly.
Career Earnings Timeline in Rochester
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 Rochester
Entry-level certified nursing assistants in Rochester, MN typically start between $40,832 and $42,557 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $16,486 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $49,885 — 10.84% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nursing program cost in Minnesota of $2,200 represents just 5.39% of the starting certified nursing assistant pay ($40,832/year) in Rochester. 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 Rochester
- 1Research the Rochester market: entry-level certified nursing assistant pay ranges from $40,832 to $42,557, 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 Rochester, 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 Rochester for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Rochester'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 Rochester is $16,486 ( 40.38%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $40,832, experienced hygienists can earn up to $57,318.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$27,300
2025 BLS Actual
$38,340
2026 Current Est.
$40,832
2019–2027 Growth
+59.3%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Rochester (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $27,300 | Actual |
| 2020 | $28,070 | Actual |
| 2021 | $30,520 | Actual |
| 2022 | $33,270 | Actual |
| 2023 | $37,820 | Actual |
| 2024 | $38,090 | Actual |
| 2025 | $38,340 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $40,832 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $43,486 | Projected |
Entry-level certified nursing assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Rochester, MN grew 40.4% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $27,300 in 2019 to $38,340 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $43,486. New graduates entering the Rochester job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Rochester 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 Rochester
Analyzing the local job market reveals that several employers actively hire recent certified nursing assistant graduates in Rochester. Skilled nursing facilities are particularly notable, often providing paid training programs to attract new talent. Hospital systems, on the other hand, may focus on experienced CNAs but can offer apprenticeship programs that can serve as a viable entry point for those just starting their careers. For those interested in home health care, agencies are seeking candidates willing to maintain flexible schedules. To enhance earning potential, completing state CNA certification, obtaining CPR/BLS certifications, and considering additional credentials like medication aide qualifications can be beneficial. In these initial years, career progression frequently leads CNAs toward bridging programs for LPN or RN qualifications, especially as the healthcare industry continues to feel the effects of turnover and staffing shortages post-COVID. Overall, entry-level certified nursing assistants in Rochester can expect realistic growth as they take on roles that not only pay competitive salaries but also position them for future advancement.
More salary data for Rochester, MN:
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 Rochester. 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