Entry-Level Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Laurel, MS: $31,156 (2026)
Quick Answer:New certified nursing assistants entering the Laurel, MS job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $31,156 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-1131, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Laurel's local price level (BEA RPP 85.7 — 14% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $36,355 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($35,672) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
New graduates entering the certified nursing assistant field in Laurel, MS can expect to start their careers with a salary around $31,156 per year. This figure is considerably lower than the city’s median annual salary for CNAs, which stands at $35,672, indicating a gap that demonstrates how experience can influence pay in this role. Entry-level positions typically start at the P10 level before advancing through the P25 tier, where salaries are projected at $32,657. Over the first three to five years in the workforce, new grads can realistically expect to reach the median salary, particularly in a market where growth is projected at 6.50% annually, influenced by both rising demand and recent shifts in employment dynamics.
About the Laurel Market
Salary estimated from Mississippi average ($28,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Laurel
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 Laurel
Entry-level certified nursing assistants in Laurel, MS typically start between $31,156 and $32,657 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $9,818 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $35,672 — 20.74% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nursing program cost in Mississippi of $1,000 represents just 3.21% of the starting certified nursing assistant pay ($31,156/year) in Laurel. 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 Laurel
- 1Research the Laurel market: entry-level certified nursing assistant pay ranges from $31,156 to $32,657, 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 Laurel, 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 Laurel for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Laurel'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 Laurel is $9,818 ( 31.51%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $31,156, experienced hygienists can earn up to $40,974.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$18,928
2025 BLS Actual
$29,254
2026 Current Est.
$31,156
2019–2027 Growth
+75.3%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Laurel (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $18,928 | Actual |
| 2020 | $19,609 | Actual |
| 2021 | $20,583 | Actual |
| 2022 | $24,160 | Actual |
| 2023 | $25,875 | Actual |
| 2024 | $19,169 | Actual |
| 2025 | $29,254 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $31,156 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $33,181 | Projected |
Entry-level certified nursing assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Laurel, MS grew 54.6% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $18,928 in 2019 to $29,254 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $33,181. New graduates entering the Laurel job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Laurel 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 Laurel
In Laurel, various employers actively seek newly certified nursing assistants. Skilled nursing facilities are often the primary employers, welcoming new CNAs into their ranks with paid training programs. While hospitals may prefer candidates with experience, they frequently offer pathways such as apprenticeship programs to cultivate talent. Home health agencies also present opportunities for CNAs looking for more flexible work hours. To enhance starting pay in Mississippi, obtaining state certification along with certifications in CPR/BLS or specialized areas like dementia care can be beneficial. New CNAs should consider a strategy focusing on gaining experience during the first few years while exploring potential bridge opportunities into LPN or RN roles, as many facilities are likely to support further education, especially amid a market where nursing facility wages have seen significant increases due to staffing demands. With realistic salary growth expectations, early-career CNAs can move from entry-level wages toward more competitive compensation as they advance in their roles.
More salary data for Laurel, MS:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for certified nursing assistants in Laurel 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 Laurel. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Laurel 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