Entry-Level Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Medford, OR: $46,306 (2026)
Quick Answer:New certified nursing assistants entering the Medford, OR job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $46,306 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-1131, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Medford's local price level (BEA RPP 101.4 — 1% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $45,652 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($51,003) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
In Medford, Oregon, new graduates entering the workforce as certified nursing assistants can expect a starting salary around $46,306 in 2026. This figure represents a solid entry point, although it is slightly below the city's overall median salary of $51,003. However, early-career CNAs have a promising trajectory; they can realistically aim for the 25th percentile salary of $50,492 within a few years. As wages in the nursing field continue to rise, driven by the ongoing demand for qualified healthcare professionals, Medford offers a favorable job market. The local growth rate of 6.50% suggests that opportunities will likely expand, making it an appealing option for those just starting their careers in patient support roles.
Career Earnings Timeline in Medford
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 Medford
Entry-level certified nursing assistants in Medford, OR typically start between $46,306 and $50,492 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $16,934 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $51,003 — 13.32% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nursing program cost in Oregon of $2,500 represents just 5.40% of the starting certified nursing assistant pay ($46,306/year) in Medford. 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 Medford
- 1Research the Medford market: entry-level certified nursing assistant pay ranges from $46,306 to $50,492, 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 OR often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Medford, 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 Medford for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Medford'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 Medford is $16,934 ( 36.57%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $46,306, experienced hygienists can earn up to $63,240.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$28,060
2025 BLS Actual
$43,480
2026 Current Est.
$46,306
2019–2027 Growth
+75.8%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Medford (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28,060 | Actual |
| 2020 | $31,790 | Actual |
| 2021 | $28,820 | Actual |
| 2022 | $32,590 | Actual |
| 2023 | $37,010 | Actual |
| 2024 | $40,740 | Actual |
| 2025 | $43,480 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $46,306 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $49,316 | Projected |
Entry-level certified nursing assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Medford, OR grew 55.0% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $28,060 in 2019 to $43,480 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $49,316. New graduates entering the Medford job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Medford 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 Medford
Several employers in Medford actively seek out new graduate certified nursing assistants, particularly skilled nursing facilities that often provide paid training programs for incoming staff. While hospitals typically favor experienced CNAs, many have developed apprenticeship programs to nurture new talent. Home health agencies look for candidates who can adapt to flexible schedules, catering to diverse patient needs. To enhance their starting pay, new CNAs should focus on obtaining relevant certifications such as CPR/BLS, which strengthens their qualifications. In the first three years on the job, realistic salary growth can be expected as many facilities increase wages in response to staffing challenges that surged during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. This environment allows for a smooth transition into higher positions such as licensed practical nurse (LPN) or registered nurse (RN), ultimately paving the way for a rewarding career in healthcare.
More salary data for Medford, OR:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for certified nursing assistants in Medford in 2026?
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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 Medford. 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