Entry-Level Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Minot, ND: $37,413 (2026)
Quick Answer:New certified nursing assistants entering the Minot, ND job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $37,413 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-1131, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Minot's local price level (BEA RPP 87.0 — 13% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $42,990 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($38,873) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the certified nursing assistant (CNA) field in Minot, North Dakota, can expect starting salaries around $37,413, according to estimates based on 2025 BLS data. This entry-level pay is notably below the city’s median annual salary of $38,873, which indicates that as new CNAs progress in their careers and gain experience, there's a solid potential for salary growth. It is common for early-career CNAs to move from this initial employment level toward more competitive pay rates, as they may earn up to $49,480 within a few years. Given the ongoing demand for healthcare workers following workforce disruptions related to the COVID-19 pandemic, Minot presents a relatively favorable market for new nursing assistant graduates, allowing them to build upon their starting positions into more advanced roles.
Career Earnings Timeline in Minot
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 Minot
Entry-level certified nursing assistants in Minot, ND typically start between $37,413 and $37,413 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $13,175 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $38,873 — 13.63% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nursing program cost in North Dakota of $1,500 represents just 4.01% of the starting certified nursing assistant pay ($37,413/year) in Minot. 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 Minot
- 1Research the Minot market: entry-level certified nursing assistant pay ranges from $37,413 to $37,413, 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 Minot, 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 Minot for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Minot'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 Minot is $13,175 ( 35.22%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $37,413, experienced hygienists can earn up to $50,588.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$22,730
2025 BLS Actual
$35,130
2026 Current Est.
$37,413
2019–2027 Growth
+75.3%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Minot (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22,730 | Actual |
| 2020 | $23,548 | Actual |
| 2021 | $24,717 | Actual |
| 2022 | $29,013 | Actual |
| 2023 | $31,073 | Actual |
| 2024 | $31,830 | Actual |
| 2025 | $35,130 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $37,413 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $39,845 | Projected |
Entry-level certified nursing assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Minot, ND grew 54.6% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $22,730 in 2019 to $35,130 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $39,845. New graduates entering the Minot job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Minot 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 Minot
Employers in Minot who are open to hiring new CNAs include skilled nursing facilities, which often have robust training programs tailored for recent graduates. Local hospital systems may prefer applicants with some experience but also provide apprenticeship opportunities for those willing to learn on the job. Home health agencies often seek candidates who can offer flexible schedules, making them a viable option for new graduates starting their careers. To enhance their starting certified nursing assistant pay in ND, individuals should obtain state CNA certification, which involves completing a minimum of 75 hours of training and passing a state exam, along with certifications in CPR/BLS and optional specializations like medication aide or dementia care. Entering the job market now can be advantageous, especially since many nursing facilities have seen wages rise significantly in recent years due to staffing shortages. Aspirants should realistically expect gradual salary increases over their first three years, as they gain experience and potentially position themselves for further career advancement into LPN or RN roles.
More salary data for Minot, 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 Minot. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 2-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