Entry-Level Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Mandan, ND: $34,484 (2026)
Quick Answer:New certified nursing assistants entering the Mandan, ND job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $34,484 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-1131, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Mandan's local price level (BEA RPP 92.0 — 8% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $37,483 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($38,699) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Graduates entering the field of certified nursing assistance in Mandan, North Dakota, can expect a starting pay around $34,484, with some potential to grow shortly afterward. This entry-level salary is notably below the median annual salary of $38,699 for certified nursing assistants in the city, creating a gap that new professionals should consider in their financial planning. In their first few years, entry-level CNAs can anticipate gradual increases, moving up to $35,174 as they gain experience and possibly receiving additional raises as they approach the median. Given the current market conditions and a projected growth rate of 6.50%, Mandan offers a reasonable job market for new graduates in this profession.
About the Mandan Market
Salary estimated from North Dakota average ($36,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Mandan
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 Mandan
Entry-level certified nursing assistants in Mandan, ND typically start between $34,484 and $35,174 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $10,722 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $38,699 — 14.02% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nursing program cost in North Dakota of $1,500 represents just 4.35% of the starting certified nursing assistant pay ($34,484/year) in Mandan. 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 Mandan
- 1Research the Mandan market: entry-level certified nursing assistant pay ranges from $34,484 to $35,174, 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 ND often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Mandan, 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 Mandan for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Mandan'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 Mandan is $10,722 ( 31.09%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $34,484, experienced hygienists can earn up to $45,206.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$20,950
2025 BLS Actual
$32,379
2026 Current Est.
$34,484
2019–2027 Growth
+75.3%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Mandan (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20,950 | Actual |
| 2020 | $21,704 | Actual |
| 2021 | $22,782 | Actual |
| 2022 | $26,741 | Actual |
| 2023 | $28,639 | Actual |
| 2024 | $27,286 | Actual |
| 2025 | $32,379 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $34,484 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $36,725 | Projected |
Entry-level certified nursing assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Mandan, ND grew 54.6% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $20,950 in 2019 to $32,379 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $36,725. New graduates entering the Mandan job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Mandan 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 Mandan
In Mandan, the primary employers hiring newly certified nursing assistants are skilled nursing facilities, which actively recruit candidates for their paid training programs. Although hospital systems may prefer experienced CNAs, they are also developing apprenticeship pathways that can facilitate entry into the field. Home health agencies are another viable option, particularly for individuals who seek flexible scheduling. For new grads looking to enhance their earning potential in North Dakota, obtaining credentials such as CPR/BLS certification or pursuing specialized training like medication aide or dementia care certifications can prove beneficial. First-year CNAs should strategize pathways that allow for eventual advancement to LPN or RN roles, especially given that the labor market continues to adjust post-COVID. Realistic salary growth for those in their initial three years might see increases reflective of the wider staffing crisis, making it a promising time to enter the nursing field in Mandan.
More salary data for Mandan, ND:
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 Mandan. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Mandan 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