Entry-Level Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Concord, NC: $33,179 (2026)
Quick Answer:New certified nursing assistants entering the Concord, NC job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $33,179 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-1131, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Concord's local price level (BEA RPP 93.6 — 6% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $35,448 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($42,680) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the starting certified nursing assistant salary in Concord, NC, presents new graduates with a realistic entry point beneath the city median salary of $42,680. Newly minted CNAs can expect to begin their careers at around $33,179, which is significantly lower than the overall median. However, within the first few years, there’s upward mobility as entry-level CNAs may advance to $36,620 and eventually achieve the median pay. Given a projected annual growth rate of 6.50%, Concord stands as a promising market for new graduates to establish their careers, particularly during a time when demand for healthcare workers is high due to shifts in staffing dynamics following the COVID-19 pandemic.
About the Concord Market
Salary estimated from North Carolina average ($33,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Concord
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 Concord
Entry-level certified nursing assistants in Concord, NC typically start between $33,179 and $36,620 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $20,190 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $42,680 — 5.17% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nursing program cost in North Carolina of $1,500 represents just 4.52% of the starting certified nursing assistant pay ($33,179/year) in Concord. 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 Concord
- 1Research the Concord market: entry-level certified nursing assistant pay ranges from $33,179 to $36,620, 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 NC often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Concord, 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 Concord for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Concord'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 Concord is $20,190 ( 60.85%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $33,179, experienced hygienists can earn up to $53,369.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$20,157
2025 BLS Actual
$31,154
2026 Current Est.
$33,179
2019–2027 Growth
+75.3%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Concord (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20,157 | Actual |
| 2020 | $20,883 | Actual |
| 2021 | $21,920 | Actual |
| 2022 | $25,729 | Actual |
| 2023 | $27,556 | Actual |
| 2024 | $24,368 | Actual |
| 2025 | $31,154 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $33,179 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $35,336 | Projected |
Entry-level certified nursing assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Concord, NC grew 54.6% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $20,157 in 2019 to $31,154 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $35,336. New graduates entering the Concord job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Concord 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 Concord
Employment opportunities for entry-level CNAs in Concord will likely come from skilled nursing facilities, which frequently offer paid training programs. While hospitals may prefer candidates with more experience, they often implement apprenticeship pathways that can lead to significant career growth. For those seeking to enhance their competitiveness, obtaining CPR/BLS certification, or pursuing additional credentials such as dementia care or hospice aide certifications, can help in securing higher initial pay. As the landscape stabilizes, recent CNAs should plan to gain experience over the first 1-3 years, with realistic salary growth reflecting staffing needs and the industry’s recovery. This period often lays the groundwork for a transition toward LPN or RN roles, capitalizing on the urgent demand for healthcare professionals.
More salary data for Concord, NC:
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 Concord. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Concord 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