Entry-Level Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Moore, OK: $31,157 (2026)
Quick Answer:New certified nursing assistants entering the Moore, OK job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $31,157 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-1131, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Moore's local price level (BEA RPP 88.9 — 11% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $35,047 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($40,009) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
New graduates entering the certified nursing assistant (CNA) field in Moore can expect to start their careers around a salary of $31,157, which positions them below the city’s median annual wage of $40,009 for all CNAs. This entry-level pay reflects the initial hurdles that newcomers often face. However, there is potential for growth in this profession; as early-career CNAs gain experience and skills, they can see their pay rise to approximately $34,366 within the first few years. With an industry growth rate of 6.50%, the market in Moore is relatively promising for new CNAs, particularly given the rising demand driven by the post-COVID staffing crisis in healthcare facilities.
About the Moore Market
Salary estimated from Oklahoma average ($31,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Moore
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 Moore
Entry-level certified nursing assistants in Moore, OK typically start between $31,157 and $34,366 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $17,385 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $40,009 — 11.1% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nursing program cost in Oklahoma of $1,200 represents just 3.85% of the starting certified nursing assistant pay ($31,157/year) in Moore. 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 Moore
- 1Research the Moore market: entry-level certified nursing assistant pay ranges from $31,157 to $34,366, 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 OK often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Moore, 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 Moore for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Moore'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 Moore is $17,385 ( 55.80%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $31,157, experienced hygienists can earn up to $48,542.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$18,929
2025 BLS Actual
$29,255
2026 Current Est.
$31,157
2019–2027 Growth
+75.3%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Moore (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $18,929 | Actual |
| 2020 | $19,610 | Actual |
| 2021 | $20,584 | Actual |
| 2022 | $24,161 | Actual |
| 2023 | $25,876 | Actual |
| 2024 | $21,211 | Actual |
| 2025 | $29,255 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $31,157 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $33,182 | Projected |
Entry-level certified nursing assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Moore, OK grew 54.6% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $18,929 in 2019 to $29,255 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $33,182. New graduates entering the Moore job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Moore 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 Moore
Employers in Moore actively recruit entry-level CNAs, with skilled nursing facilities being the primary source of employment opportunities. These facilities often provide paid training programs that cater to new graduates, while larger hospital systems may prefer experienced CNAs but also facilitate apprenticeship pathways. Home health agencies seek candidates who can offer flexible schedules to meet patient needs. To enhance earning potential in Oklahoma, obtaining state CNA certification, CPR/BLS qualifications, and additional credentials such as dementia care or hospice aide certifications can be beneficial. The workforce turnover experienced post-pandemic highlights the importance of gaining early experience while remaining open to future education, as many CNAs look towards bridging into LPN or RN roles. In this context, realistic salary growth within the first three years can lead to annual earnings that approach the city’s median, emphasizing the career's viability in the evolving healthcare landscape of Moore, OK.
More salary data for Moore, OK:
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 Moore. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Moore 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