Entry-Level Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Norfolk, NE: $33,779 (2026)
Quick Answer:New certified nursing assistants entering the Norfolk, NE job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $33,779 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-1131, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Norfolk's local price level (BEA RPP 91.5 — 8% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $36,917 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($38,353) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Starting a career as a certified nursing assistant in Norfolk, NE, presents new graduates with a starting certified nursing assistant salary of around $33,779 in 2026. While this initial pay may seem on the lower end compared to the city’s median annual salary of $38,353, it lays a solid foundation for future earnings. As CNAs gain experience, they can reasonably expect their salaries to rise to approximately $35,438 within the first couple of years, moving steadily towards the median as they build their skills and qualifications. Given the projected growth rate of 6.50% annually, the Norfolk job market appears to offer potential for newcomers, making it an attractive option for recent graduates entering the healthcare field.
About the Norfolk Market
Salary estimated from Nebraska average ($34,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Norfolk
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 Norfolk
Entry-level certified nursing assistants in Norfolk, NE typically start between $33,779 and $35,438 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $10,862 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $38,353 — 14.78% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nursing program cost in Nebraska of $1,500 represents just 4.44% of the starting certified nursing assistant pay ($33,779/year) in Norfolk. 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 Norfolk
- 1Research the Norfolk market: entry-level certified nursing assistant pay ranges from $33,779 to $35,438, 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 NE often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Norfolk, 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 Norfolk for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Norfolk'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 Norfolk is $10,862 ( 32.16%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $33,779, experienced hygienists can earn up to $44,641.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$20,522
2025 BLS Actual
$31,717
2026 Current Est.
$33,779
2019–2027 Growth
+75.3%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Norfolk (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20,522 | Actual |
| 2020 | $21,260 | Actual |
| 2021 | $22,316 | Actual |
| 2022 | $26,194 | Actual |
| 2023 | $28,054 | Actual |
| 2024 | $25,239 | Actual |
| 2025 | $31,717 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $33,779 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $35,974 | Projected |
Entry-level certified nursing assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Norfolk, NE grew 54.6% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $20,522 in 2019 to $31,717 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $35,974. New graduates entering the Norfolk job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Norfolk 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 Norfolk
In Norfolk, various employers actively seek to hire new graduate CNAs, particularly skilled nursing facilities that often include paid training programs, allowing entry-level workers to gain hands-on experience right away. Hospitals may prioritize experienced candidates but have been known to implement apprenticeship programs for promising new graduates. Home health agencies also have a demand for flexible candidates looking to balance work with their other commitments. New CNAs can increase their earning potential by obtaining additional credentials, such as CPR/BLS certification or even diving into specialized areas like dementia care. Within the first 1 to 3 years in this role, those who adapt quickly and consider bridge pathways to LPN or RN roles will find that salary growth is realistic, thanks to the recent rise in wages driven by the need for staffing in long-term care facilities that saw increases of up to 40% since 2020. Thus, entering the CNA workforce in Norfolk can not only provide immediate employment but also a viable path for career advancement.
More salary data for Norfolk, NE:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for certified nursing assistants in Norfolk in 2026?
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What do new certified nursing assistants make right out of school in Norfolk?
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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 Norfolk. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Norfolk 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