Entry-Level Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Austintown, OH: $32,953 (2026)
Quick Answer:New certified nursing assistants entering the Austintown, OH job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $32,953 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-1131, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Austintown's local price level (BEA RPP 90.7 — 9% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $36,332 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($39,552) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Certified nursing assistants taking their first steps into the workforce in Austintown, Ohio, can expect an entry-level salary around $32,953 in 2026. With a citywide median of $39,552, new grads start significantly below the average for experienced professionals, highlighting the financial realities of the initial few years in the field. However, this gap can gradually close as early-career CNAs progress, potentially moving towards the 25th percentile of $35,382 and eventually reaching the median after gaining some experience. This makes Austintown an appealing market for those recently certified, especially as the local job market is witnessing substantial growth in demand for healthcare workers. New hires can find opportunities in various healthcare settings, which are currently looking to fill roles left by turnover in the post-pandemic environment.
About the Austintown Market
Salary estimated from Ohio average ($36,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Austintown
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 Austintown
Entry-level certified nursing assistants in Austintown, OH typically start between $32,953 and $35,382 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $13,608 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $39,552 — 12.12% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nursing program cost in Ohio of $2,000 represents just 6.07% of the starting certified nursing assistant pay ($32,953/year) in Austintown. 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 Austintown
- 1Research the Austintown market: entry-level certified nursing assistant pay ranges from $32,953 to $35,382, 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 OH often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Austintown, 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 Austintown for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Austintown'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 Austintown is $13,608 ( 41.30%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $32,953, experienced hygienists can earn up to $46,561.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$20,020
2025 BLS Actual
$30,942
2026 Current Est.
$32,953
2019–2027 Growth
+75.3%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Austintown (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20,020 | Actual |
| 2020 | $20,740 | Actual |
| 2021 | $21,771 | Actual |
| 2022 | $25,554 | Actual |
| 2023 | $27,368 | Actual |
| 2024 | $25,531 | Actual |
| 2025 | $30,942 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $32,953 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $35,095 | Projected |
Entry-level certified nursing assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Austintown, OH grew 54.6% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $20,020 in 2019 to $30,942 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $35,095. New graduates entering the Austintown job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Austintown 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 Austintown
In Austintown, several key employers actively recruit new certified nursing assistants, making it essential for recent graduates to focus their job search on skilled nursing facilities, which often provide paid training programs. While hospitals typically favor experienced CNAs, they may offer apprenticeship programs that can bridge the gap for new grads. Home health agencies are also a viable option, particularly for those needing flexible scheduling. To boost earning potential in Ohio, attaining additional credentials such as CPR/BLS certification and optional specialties like a Certified Medication Aide (CMA) can significantly enhance one's profile. The first few years should include not only building practical experience but also exploring pathways to advance, such as transitioning to LPN or RN roles. With the CNA workforce under strain from high turnover rates, there are promising opportunities for salary growth as the market continues to demand skilled workers. Entry-level professionals should anticipate gradual salary increases as they gain practical skill and consider supplemental training to fast-track their careers.
More salary data for Austintown, OH:
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 Austintown. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Austintown 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