Entry-Level Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Maryville, TN: $31,858 (2026)
Quick Answer:New certified nursing assistants entering the Maryville, TN job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $31,858 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-1131, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Maryville's local price level (BEA RPP 91.8 — 8% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $34,704 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($38,009) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Maryville, TN, the starting certified nursing assistant salary for 2026 is projected at $31,858, which sets the stage for new grads entering the workforce. This initial pay reflects a significant gap when compared to the city median of $38,009, meaning entry-level positions often require patience and dedication to progress within the field. As newcomers gain experience, they can expect to see their salaries rise towards the 25th percentile at $34,025 and ultimately approach the median within the first three to five years on the job. Currently, Maryville appears to be a favorable market for recent graduates, especially with the ongoing demand for CNAs driven by turnover in the healthcare sector.
About the Maryville Market
Salary estimated from Tennessee average ($32,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Maryville
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 Maryville
Entry-level certified nursing assistants in Maryville, TN typically start between $31,858 and $34,025 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $12,921 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $38,009 — 15.55% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nursing program cost in Tennessee of $1,500 represents just 4.71% of the starting certified nursing assistant pay ($31,858/year) in Maryville. 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 Maryville
- 1Research the Maryville market: entry-level certified nursing assistant pay ranges from $31,858 to $34,025, 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 TN often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Maryville, 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 Maryville for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Maryville'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 Maryville is $12,921 ( 40.56%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $31,858, experienced hygienists can earn up to $44,779.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$19,355
2025 BLS Actual
$29,914
2026 Current Est.
$31,858
2019–2027 Growth
+75.3%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Maryville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $19,355 | Actual |
| 2020 | $20,051 | Actual |
| 2021 | $21,047 | Actual |
| 2022 | $24,705 | Actual |
| 2023 | $26,459 | Actual |
| 2024 | $23,120 | Actual |
| 2025 | $29,914 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $31,858 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $33,929 | Projected |
Entry-level certified nursing assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Maryville, TN grew 54.6% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $19,355 in 2019 to $29,914 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $33,929. New graduates entering the Maryville job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Maryville 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 Maryville
Employers in Maryville offer varied opportunities for new graduates, focusing particularly on skilled nursing facilities that typically have paid training programs for newly certified nursing assistants. Hospitals often seek experienced CNAs, although many provide apprenticeship programs designed to ease trainees into the role. Home health agencies also recruit candidates who can adapt to flexible schedules. Enhancing credentials through state certification, CPR/BLS training, or optional certifications like dementia care can significantly improve starting pay in Tennessee. As entrants navigate their first couple of years in this profession, they will likely witness a remarkable increase in wages. Given the recent turnover trends post-COVID, many nursing facilities have seen wage increases of 20-40% since 2020, further improving the earning potential for dedicated new hires who are interested in transitioning toward LPN or RN roles.
More salary data for Maryville, TN:
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 Maryville. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Maryville 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