Entry-Level Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Barre, VT: $36,200 (2026)
Quick Answer:New certified nursing assistants entering the Barre, VT job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $36,200 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-1131, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Barre's local price level (BEA RPP 103.5 — 4% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $34,976 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($43,978) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Barre, Vermont, those entering the workforce as certified nursing assistants can expect a starting salary around $36,200 in 2026, which places them below the city’s median annual salary of $43,978. New graduates can realistically anticipate gradual salary growth as they gain experience; with initial positions set at the 10th percentile, many can reach $38,654 within a few years. Therefore, while the entry-level pay may seem modest, the potential for increased earnings exists as they move from entry-level roles to the 25th percentile and beyond. Considering the projected 6.50% annual growth rate in this occupation, Barre demonstrates a robust market for new CNAs, especially as healthcare facilities seek to replenish staff in a post-COVID world.
About the Barre Market
Salary estimated from Vermont average ($38,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Barre
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 Barre
Entry-level certified nursing assistants in Barre, VT typically start between $36,200 and $38,654 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $13,381 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $43,978 — 2.29% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nursing program cost in Vermont of $2,500 represents just 6.91% of the starting certified nursing assistant pay ($36,200/year) in Barre. 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 Barre
- 1Research the Barre market: entry-level certified nursing assistant pay ranges from $36,200 to $38,654, 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 VT often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Barre, 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 Barre for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Barre'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 Barre is $13,381 ( 36.96%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $36,200, experienced hygienists can earn up to $49,581.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$21,993
2025 BLS Actual
$33,991
2026 Current Est.
$36,200
2019–2027 Growth
+75.3%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Barre (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21,993 | Actual |
| 2020 | $22,784 | Actual |
| 2021 | $23,916 | Actual |
| 2022 | $28,072 | Actual |
| 2023 | $30,065 | Actual |
| 2024 | $30,207 | Actual |
| 2025 | $33,991 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $36,200 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $38,553 | Projected |
Entry-level certified nursing assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Barre, VT grew 54.6% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $21,993 in 2019 to $33,991 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $38,553. New graduates entering the Barre job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Barre 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 Barre
Employers in Barre actively seek new graduates by offering positions in skilled nursing facilities, where paid training programs are common for certified nursing assistants. While hospitals tend to favor applicants with experience, they also provide apprenticeship opportunities for motivated newcomers. Additionally, home health agencies often require flexible candidates willing to adapt their schedules. To enhance starting pay in Vermont, obtaining state CNA certification along with CPR and basic life support training is essential. Those interested in advancing their careers can also consider optional certifications, such as a medication aide designation or specialized training in dementia care. Given that many CNAs frequently transition to LPN or RN roles, individuals entering this field should aim for continued education—particularly valuable as the demand for nursing staff remains high, following significant wage increases of 20-40% in many locations since 2020. In this market, growth within the first few years is realistic, with new hires potentially seeing their wages rise significantly as they gain experience and pursue additional qualifications.
More salary data for Barre, VT:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for certified nursing assistants in Barre 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 Barre. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Barre 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