Entry-Level Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in St. Louis Park, MN: $39,585 (2026)
Quick Answer:New certified nursing assistants entering the St. Louis Park, MN job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $39,585 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-1131, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out St. Louis Park's local price level (BEA RPP 98.5 — 1% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $40,188 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($47,625) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For those seeking entry-level positions in the nursing field, the anticipated starting certified nursing assistant salary in St. Louis Park, MN, for 2026 is projected at approximately $39,585. This figure signifies the initial pay that new graduates can expect as they embark on their careers, which is noticeably lower than the city median of $47,625. However, with time and experience, newcomers can expect to see their salaries grow significantly, particularly as they move toward the 25th percentile at about $42,386. The upward trend in wages for certified nursing assistants has been bolstered by a strong demand for healthcare services, making St. Louis Park a favorable market for those entering this profession right now.
About the St. Louis Park Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($40,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in St. Louis Park
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 St. Louis Park
Entry-level certified nursing assistants in St. Louis Park, MN typically start between $39,585 and $42,386 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $17,816 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $47,625 — 5.82% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nursing program cost in Minnesota of $2,200 represents just 5.56% of the starting certified nursing assistant pay ($39,585/year) in St. Louis Park. 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 St. Louis Park
- 1Research the St. Louis Park market: entry-level certified nursing assistant pay ranges from $39,585 to $42,386, 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 St. Louis Park, 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 St. Louis Park for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5St. Louis Park'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 St. Louis Park is $17,816 ( 45.01%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $39,585, experienced hygienists can earn up to $57,401.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$24,049
2025 BLS Actual
$37,169
2026 Current Est.
$39,585
2019–2027 Growth
+75.3%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in St. Louis Park (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $24,049 | Actual |
| 2020 | $24,914 | Actual |
| 2021 | $26,152 | Actual |
| 2022 | $30,697 | Actual |
| 2023 | $32,876 | Actual |
| 2024 | $31,188 | Actual |
| 2025 | $37,169 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $39,585 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $42,158 | Projected |
Entry-level certified nursing assistant compensation (10th percentile) in St. Louis Park, MN grew 54.6% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $24,049 in 2019 to $37,169 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $42,158. New graduates entering the St. Louis Park job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the St. Louis Park 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 St. Louis Park
Employers in St. Louis Park looking to hire new graduates include skilled nursing facilities that often provide paid training programs specifically designed for entry-level CNAs. Hospital systems frequently prefer candidates with some experience, but many also offer apprenticeship opportunities for new graduates, allowing them to gain valuable experience. Additionally, home health agencies seek new graduates willing to work flexible schedules. To enhance their earning potential, aspiring CNAs may consider obtaining extra credentials such as CPR/BLS certification or a medication aide certification. The last few years have seen a considerable uptick in wages due to staff shortages, particularly in the context of the post-COVID employment landscape. Realistically, new CNAs can aim for steady salary increases within their first three years, especially if they explore career paths that lead them toward becoming licensed practical nurses (LPNs) or registered nurses (RNs).
More salary data for St. Louis Park, 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 St. Louis Park. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for St. Louis Park 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