Entry-Level Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Long Beach, NY: $37,104 (2026)
Quick Answer:New certified nursing assistants entering the Long Beach, NY job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $37,104 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-1131, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Long Beach's local price level (BEA RPP 115.9 — 16% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $32,014 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($45,403) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the starting certified nursing assistant salary in Long Beach, NY, presents a practical starting point for new graduates looking to enter the workforce. With entry-level positions offering an estimated $37,104 annually, these roles may initially feel well below the city median of $45,403. However, as new CNAs gain experience and skills, there is potential for salary progression, with early-career professionals reaching estimates of $39,940 after a few years, eventually leading toward the median salary. For recent graduates, Long Beach remains a viable market, especially considering the 6.50% annual growth in this profession, which creates favorable conditions to advance in their careers.
About the Long Beach Market
Salary estimated from New York average ($44,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Long Beach
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 Long Beach
Entry-level certified nursing assistants in Long Beach, NY typically start between $37,104 and $39,940 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $15,153 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $45,403 — 0.88% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nursing program cost in New York of $3,500 represents just 9.43% of the starting certified nursing assistant pay ($37,104/year) in Long Beach. 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 Long Beach
- 1Research the Long Beach market: entry-level certified nursing assistant pay ranges from $37,104 to $39,940, 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 NY often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Long Beach, 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 Long Beach for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Factor in Long Beach's above-average cost of living (index: 115.9) when evaluating offers — a slightly lower salary in a nearby affordable area may provide better purchasing power.
Certified Nursing Assistant Compensation Range
The certified nursing assistant wage spread in Long Beach is $15,153 ( 40.84%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $37,104, experienced hygienists can earn up to $52,257.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$22,542
2025 BLS Actual
$34,839
2026 Current Est.
$37,104
2019–2027 Growth
+75.3%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Long Beach (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22,542 | Actual |
| 2020 | $23,353 | Actual |
| 2021 | $24,513 | Actual |
| 2022 | $28,772 | Actual |
| 2023 | $30,815 | Actual |
| 2024 | $40,610 | Actual |
| 2025 | $34,839 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $37,104 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $39,515 | Projected |
Entry-level certified nursing assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Long Beach, NY grew 54.6% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $22,542 in 2019 to $34,839 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $39,515. New graduates entering the Long Beach job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Long Beach 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 Long Beach
Employers in Long Beach actively recruit new graduates for certified nursing assistant roles, with skilled nursing facilities being the primary source of entry-level opportunities, often providing paid training programs to attract fresh talent. While hospitals typically prefer hiring experienced personnel, they do offer apprenticeship paths aimed at developing new CNAs. For those interested in home care, flexibility is a key attribute coveted by agencies. To enhance starting pay in NY, credentials like state CNA certification, CPR/BLS, and optional specialties such as dementia care or hospice training can be beneficial. The market context reveals that post-COVID staffing shortages have prompted wage increases of 20-40% in many nursing facilities, making the transition to roles such as LPN or RN a feasible next step for CNAs in their first few years. Realistically, new CNAs in Long Beach should anticipate gradual salary increases, aligning with industry growth trends while solidifying their career pathways.
More salary data for Long Beach, NY:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for certified nursing assistants in Long Beach in 2026?
How fast do certified nursing assistant salaries grow in Long Beach?
Is nursing school worth it in Long Beach?
What do new certified nursing assistants make right out of school in Long Beach?
How do I become a certified nursing assistant in New York?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in New York
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 Long Beach. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Long Beach 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