Entry-Level Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in San Angelo, TX: $32,120 (2026)
Quick Answer:New certified nursing assistants entering the San Angelo, TX job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $32,120 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-1131, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out San Angelo's local price level (BEA RPP 92.5 — 8% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $34,742 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($37,690) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
In San Angelo, TX, those beginning their careers as certified nursing assistants can expect a starting salary reflecting the broader economic landscape of the area. With entry-level positions pegged at around $32,120 annually, new nursing assistants will find themselves earning below the city median of $37,690, indicating a gap that may evolve as they gain experience. As they progress in their early careers, salaries can rise to $33,132 at the 25th percentile, and those dedicated to developing their skills can expect to reach the median salary within three to five years. Currently, San Angelo presents a viable market for recent graduates seeking employment, as the demand for CNAs remains strong, bolstered by evolving healthcare needs.
Career Earnings Timeline in San Angelo
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 San Angelo
Entry-level certified nursing assistants in San Angelo, TX typically start between $32,120 and $33,132 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $15,262 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $37,690 — 16.26% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nursing program cost in Texas of $1,800 represents just 5.60% of the starting certified nursing assistant pay ($32,120/year) in San Angelo. 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 San Angelo
- 1Research the San Angelo market: entry-level certified nursing assistant pay ranges from $32,120 to $33,132, 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 TX often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in San Angelo, 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 San Angelo for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5San Angelo'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 San Angelo is $15,262 ( 47.52%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $32,120, experienced hygienists can earn up to $47,382.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$21,180
2025 BLS Actual
$30,160
2026 Current Est.
$32,120
2019–2027 Growth
+61.5%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in San Angelo (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21,180 | Actual |
| 2020 | $22,100 | Actual |
| 2021 | $22,400 | Actual |
| 2022 | $27,650 | Actual |
| 2023 | $28,840 | Actual |
| 2024 | $29,330 | Actual |
| 2025 | $30,160 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $32,120 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $34,208 | Projected |
Entry-level certified nursing assistant compensation (10th percentile) in San Angelo, TX grew 42.4% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $21,180 in 2019 to $30,160 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $34,208. New graduates entering the San Angelo job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the San Angelo 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 San Angelo
Several employers in San Angelo are keen on hiring newly certified nursing assistants, especially skilled nursing facilities that offer paid training programs ideal for those entering the field. Hospital systems typically prefer applicants with prior experience but often provide apprenticeship opportunities to help new graduates step into roles. Additionally, home health agencies value candidates with flexible schedules, expanding job prospects. To enhance starting pay in Texas, pursuing state CNA certification—entailing a minimum of 75 hours of training plus passing the state exam—is essential. Candidates can also benefit from obtaining CPR/BLS certifications, and optional credentialing in areas such as as medication assistance or specialty care. The first few years in this role feature a significant potential for salary growth, especially as prior staffing shortages have led to rising wages, positioning those on the path toward LPN or RN credentials for success in a recovering job market.
More salary data for San Angelo, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for certified nursing assistants in San Angelo 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 San Angelo. 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