Entry-Level Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Raleigh, NC: $32,653 (2026)
Quick Answer:New certified nursing assistants entering the Raleigh, NC job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $32,653 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-1131, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Raleigh's local price level (BEA RPP 98.2 — 2% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $33,266 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($42,291) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
New graduates seeking to enter the field of certified nursing assistants in Raleigh, North Carolina, may find themselves starting their careers at a projected salary of $32,653 in 2026. This starting certified nursing assistant salary in Raleigh is notably lower than the city's median annual pay of $42,291, marking a significant gap that entry-level professionals will need to navigate. However, with time and experience, entry-level CNAs can expect their earnings to grow; realistically, progression from the initial salary towards $39,213 and eventually the median can occur within the first three to five years. Raleigh's current job market presents a viable opportunity for new graduates, especially with a robust demand for nursing assistants driven by ongoing staffing needs in the healthcare sector.
Career Earnings Timeline in Raleigh
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 Raleigh
Entry-level certified nursing assistants in Raleigh, NC typically start between $32,653 and $39,213 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $18,190 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $42,291 — 6.03% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nursing program cost in North Carolina of $1,500 represents just 4.59% of the starting certified nursing assistant pay ($32,653/year) in Raleigh. 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 Raleigh
- 1Research the Raleigh market: entry-level certified nursing assistant pay ranges from $32,653 to $39,213, 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 Raleigh, 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 Raleigh for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Raleigh's moderate 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 Raleigh is $18,190 ( 55.71%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $32,653, experienced hygienists can earn up to $50,843.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$20,580
2025 BLS Actual
$30,660
2026 Current Est.
$32,653
2019–2027 Growth
+69.0%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Raleigh (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20,580 | Actual |
| 2020 | $22,040 | Actual |
| 2021 | $23,300 | Actual |
| 2022 | $25,490 | Actual |
| 2023 | $28,720 | Actual |
| 2024 | $30,030 | Actual |
| 2025 | $30,660 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $32,653 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $34,775 | Projected |
Entry-level certified nursing assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Raleigh, NC grew 49.0% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $20,580 in 2019 to $30,660 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $34,775. New graduates entering the Raleigh job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Raleigh 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 Raleigh
Several employers in Raleigh actively seek to hire new graduates into their CNA programs. Skilled nursing facilities often provide paid training opportunities that allow entry-level CNAs to gain valuable experience while earning an income. In contrast, hospital systems may favor experienced candidates but offer apprenticeship programs for those willing to gain credentials over time. Additionally, candidates who seek out positions with home health agencies might find more flexibility in scheduling, an attractive option for new grads. Pursuing certifications such as CPR/BLS, and, in some cases, optional medication aide (CMA) qualifications, can further enhance starting pay for new graduates in North Carolina. Given the turbulent job climate post-COVID, where many facilities experienced significant turnover, entry-level positions are projected to see gradual growth in salary, providing a pathway for bridging into LPN or RN roles. This trajectory is reflected in the industry's efforts to stabilize the workforce amidst rising wages that increased by 20-40% since 2020.
More salary data for Raleigh, 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 Raleigh. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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