Entry-Level Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Wilmington, NC: $31,641 (2026)
Quick Answer:New certified nursing assistants entering the Wilmington, NC job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $31,641 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-1131, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Wilmington's local price level (BEA RPP 96.4 — 4% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $32,815 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($40,161) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
In Wilmington, NC, those embarking on a career as a certified nursing assistant can expect a starting salary around $31,641 in 2026. This places entry-level wages significantly below the city median of $40,161, highlighting the financial gap that new graduates may face when beginning their careers. However, the potential for growth in this field is promising—entry-level CNAs can realistically anticipate a gradual increase in their salaries over the first few years, as they gain experience and possibly progress to earning salaries closer to the median. With Wilmington showing a 6.50% annual growth rate for these positions, this market remains relatively strong for individuals entering the workforce.
Career Earnings Timeline in Wilmington
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 Wilmington
Entry-level certified nursing assistants in Wilmington, NC typically start between $31,641 and $35,443 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $18,521 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $40,161 — 10.77% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nursing program cost in North Carolina of $1,500 represents just 4.74% of the starting certified nursing assistant pay ($31,641/year) in Wilmington. 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 Wilmington
- 1Research the Wilmington market: entry-level certified nursing assistant pay ranges from $31,641 to $35,443, 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 Wilmington, 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 Wilmington for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Wilmington'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 Wilmington is $18,521 ( 58.53%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $31,641, experienced hygienists can earn up to $50,162.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$19,090
2025 BLS Actual
$29,710
2026 Current Est.
$31,641
2019–2027 Growth
+76.5%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Wilmington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $19,090 | Actual |
| 2020 | $19,640 | Actual |
| 2021 | $22,570 | Actual |
| 2022 | $23,270 | Actual |
| 2023 | $28,000 | Actual |
| 2024 | $29,960 | Actual |
| 2025 | $29,710 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $31,641 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $33,698 | Projected |
Entry-level certified nursing assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Wilmington, NC grew 55.6% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $19,090 in 2019 to $29,710 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $33,698. New graduates entering the Wilmington job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Wilmington 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 Wilmington
For new graduates seeking employment in Wilmington, various healthcare facilities are actively hiring. Skilled nursing facilities are often the most common employers, frequently offering paid training programs that can ease the transition from classroom to care setting. In contrast, hospitals may prefer to hire experienced CNAs but still provide apprenticeship opportunities for those looking to enter the field. Home health agencies are a good fit for individuals seeking more flexible scheduling. Additionally, possessing credentials such as state CNA certification, CPR/BLS training, or specialized certifications can enhance a new grad’s employability and starting pay. Considering the post-pandemic staffing shifts, those who can bridge into LPN or RN roles may find lucrative pathways ahead. As a first-year CNA, realistic salary expectations can involve gradual increases, reflecting the competitive nature of the healthcare landscape in Wilmington, NC.
More salary data for Wilmington, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for certified nursing assistants in Wilmington in 2026?
How fast do certified nursing assistant salaries grow in Wilmington?
Is nursing school worth it in Wilmington?
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How do I become a certified nursing assistant in North Carolina?
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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 Wilmington. 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