Entry-Level Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Murray, UT: $33,511 (2026)
Quick Answer:New certified nursing assistants entering the Murray, UT job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $33,511 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-1131, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Murray's local price level (BEA RPP 98.1 — 2% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $34,160 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($43,324) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Starting out as a certified nursing assistant in Murray, Utah, offers a promising yet varied financial outlook. For 2026, new graduates can expect their starting certified nursing assistant salary in Murray to be at the lower end of the scale, with a projected figure of $33,511. This entry-level pay contrasts with the city's median annual salary of $43,324, illustrating an initial gap that early-career CNAs must navigate. In the first few years, the trajectory from the entry-level salary is hopeful, with the chance to earn around $36,911 after gaining some experience. With the market for CNAs growing — driven partly by a post-COVID recovery — Murray presents a reasonable option for new graduates looking to establish themselves in the healthcare field.
About the Murray Market
Salary estimated from Utah average ($34,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Murray
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 Murray
Entry-level certified nursing assistants in Murray, UT typically start between $33,511 and $36,911 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $21,299 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $43,324 — 3.74% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nursing program cost in Utah of $1,800 represents just 5.37% of the starting certified nursing assistant pay ($33,511/year) in Murray. 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 Murray
- 1Research the Murray market: entry-level certified nursing assistant pay ranges from $33,511 to $36,911, 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 UT often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Murray, 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 Murray for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Murray'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 Murray is $21,299 ( 63.56%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $33,511, experienced hygienists can earn up to $54,810.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$20,359
2025 BLS Actual
$31,466
2026 Current Est.
$33,511
2019–2027 Growth
+75.3%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Murray (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20,359 | Actual |
| 2020 | $21,092 | Actual |
| 2021 | $22,139 | Actual |
| 2022 | $25,987 | Actual |
| 2023 | $27,832 | Actual |
| 2024 | $25,348 | Actual |
| 2025 | $31,466 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $33,511 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $35,690 | Projected |
Entry-level certified nursing assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Murray, UT grew 54.6% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $20,359 in 2019 to $31,466 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $35,690. New graduates entering the Murray job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Murray 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 Murray
Employers in Murray are actively seeking fresh talent, particularly within skilled nursing facilities, which often offer paid training programs for new CNAs. Hospital systems may prefer candidates with experience, but some provide apprenticeship pathways for recent graduates, creating opportunities to build skills and credentials. To enhance earning potential right out of school, obtaining state certification, which includes a minimum of 75 hours of training and passing a state exam, is essential. Many facilities are also looking for additional certifications such as CPR/BLS and dementia care. Given the volatility in the sector, particularly post-COVID, it’s crucial for new CNAs to embrace continuing education and be open to flexible schedules, especially in home health agencies. With starting positions, CNAs can typically expect salary growth as they transition to roles such as LPN or RN, especially in an environment where the CNA workforce has been significantly affected by turnover, leading to wages rising substantially in recent years.
More salary data for Murray, UT:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for certified nursing assistants in Murray in 2026?
How fast do certified nursing assistant salaries grow in Murray?
Is nursing school worth it in Murray?
What do new certified nursing assistants make right out of school in Murray?
How do I become a certified nursing assistant in Utah?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Utah
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 Murray. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Murray 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