Entry-Level Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Hattiesburg, MS: $28,617 (2026)
Quick Answer:New certified nursing assistants entering the Hattiesburg, MS job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $28,617 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-1131, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Hattiesburg's local price level (BEA RPP 87.6 — 12% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $32,656 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($32,419) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
For those entering the field of certified nursing assistance in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, the starting pay is approximately $28,617, a figure that can be quite enlightening for new graduates. This entry-level salary represents a notable entry point compared to the city median of $32,419, illustrating a gap that new CNAs may work to bridge over their first few years in the profession. As entry-level positions often serve as stepping stones, many CNAs can grow their salaries significantly, reaching around $32,408 at the 25th percentile and potentially moving toward the median as they gain experience. Currently, Hattiesburg presents an encouraging job market for new graduates, with a projected annual growth rate of 6.50% over the next five years. This upward trajectory suggests robust opportunities and further potential for those embarking on careers in health care.
Career Earnings Timeline in Hattiesburg
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 Hattiesburg
Entry-level certified nursing assistants in Hattiesburg, MS typically start between $28,617 and $32,408 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $9,265 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $32,419 — 27.97% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nursing program cost in Mississippi of $1,000 represents just 3.49% of the starting certified nursing assistant pay ($28,617/year) in Hattiesburg. 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 Hattiesburg
- 1Research the Hattiesburg market: entry-level certified nursing assistant pay ranges from $28,617 to $32,408, 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 MS often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Hattiesburg, 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 Hattiesburg for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Hattiesburg'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 Hattiesburg is $9,265 ( 32.38%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $28,617, experienced hygienists can earn up to $37,882.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$17,740
2025 BLS Actual
$26,870
2026 Current Est.
$28,617
2019–2027 Growth
+71.8%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Hattiesburg (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $17,740 | Actual |
| 2020 | $18,770 | Actual |
| 2021 | $22,440 | Actual |
| 2022 | $21,240 | Actual |
| 2023 | $23,130 | Actual |
| 2024 | $24,290 | Actual |
| 2025 | $26,870 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28,617 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30,477 | Projected |
Entry-level certified nursing assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Hattiesburg, MS grew 51.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $17,740 in 2019 to $26,870 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $30,477. New graduates entering the Hattiesburg job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Hattiesburg 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 Hattiesburg
In Hattiesburg, various employers actively seek new graduates in this essential field, particularly skilled nursing facilities that offer paid training programs for certified nursing assistants. While hospital systems typically prefer candidates with experience, they provide pathways such as apprenticeship programs to help entry-level workers develop necessary skills. For those attracted to flexible work, home health agencies are also a viable option. To maximize starting pay in MS, completing state CNA certification—including a minimum of 75 hours of federally mandated training—along with acquiring CPR/BLS credentials can be beneficial. Additionally, new CNAs could consider supplementary certifications in areas like dementia or hospice care to enhance their qualifications. Given the significant turnover and elevated wages across nursing facilities in recent years, beginners can expect realistic growth in their pay, laying a solid foundation for future transition into roles such as LPN or RN, a common trajectory for many in the nursing field.
More salary data for Hattiesburg, MS:
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 Hattiesburg. 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