Entry-Level Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Vicksburg, MS: $31,557 (2026)
Quick Answer:New certified nursing assistants entering the Vicksburg, MS job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $31,557 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-1131, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Vicksburg's local price level (BEA RPP 85.7 — 14% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $36,823 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($37,033) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Vicksburg, Mississippi, new graduates stepping into the role of certified nursing assistant can expect a starting salary of around $31,557 in 2026. This figure is notably below the city’s median annual salary of $37,033, creating a gap that early-career professionals should keep in mind. However, the financial outlook improves with experience—the estimated growth trajectory indicates that over the first three to five years, salaries may rise from $31,557 at the P10 level to around $33,331 at the P25 level. Considering that the demand for healthcare workers persists, Vicksburg appears to be a favorable market for new grads to embark on their careers, particularly given the projected annual growth rate of 6.50% in this sector.
About the Vicksburg Market
Salary estimated from Mississippi average ($28,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Vicksburg
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 Vicksburg
Entry-level certified nursing assistants in Vicksburg, MS typically start between $31,557 and $33,331 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $10,200 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $37,033 — 17.72% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nursing program cost in Mississippi of $1,000 represents just 3.17% of the starting certified nursing assistant pay ($31,557/year) in Vicksburg. 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 Vicksburg
- 1Research the Vicksburg market: entry-level certified nursing assistant pay ranges from $31,557 to $33,331, 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 Vicksburg, 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 Vicksburg for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Vicksburg'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 Vicksburg is $10,200 ( 32.32%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $31,557, experienced hygienists can earn up to $41,757.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$19,172
2025 BLS Actual
$29,631
2026 Current Est.
$31,557
2019–2027 Growth
+75.3%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Vicksburg (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $19,172 | Actual |
| 2020 | $19,862 | Actual |
| 2021 | $20,848 | Actual |
| 2022 | $24,471 | Actual |
| 2023 | $26,209 | Actual |
| 2024 | $19,411 | Actual |
| 2025 | $29,631 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $31,557 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $33,608 | Projected |
Entry-level certified nursing assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Vicksburg, MS grew 54.6% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $19,172 in 2019 to $29,631 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $33,608. New graduates entering the Vicksburg job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Vicksburg 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 Vicksburg
Job opportunities for recent graduates in Vicksburg can be found predominantly at skilled nursing facilities, which frequently offer paid training programs to new CNAs. While hospital systems tend to prefer candidates with experience, they often provide apprenticeship pipelines that allow newcomers to gain valuable on-the-job experience. For those seeking more flexible work hours, home health agencies are also an option. To optimize entry-level pay in MS, attaining additional credentials such as CPR/BLS certification and possibly a Medication Aide certification can make a difference. As the nursing assistant profession undergoes changes due to post-COVID turnover, new CNAs should aim to build a foundation for future advancement into LPN or RN roles. With the nursing facility wages increasing significantly between 2020-2024, realistic salary growth for new graduates within their first three years may fluctuate between $33,331 to $40,407 as they gain more skills and responsibilities.
More salary data for Vicksburg, MS:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for certified nursing assistants in Vicksburg 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 Vicksburg. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Vicksburg 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