Entry-Level Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Bennington, VT: $37,884 (2026)
Quick Answer:New certified nursing assistants entering the Bennington, VT job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $37,884 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-1131, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Bennington's local price level (BEA RPP 103.5 — 4% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $36,603 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($44,636) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Bennington, Vermont, individuals entering the workforce as certified nursing assistants can expect a starting hourly wage that reflects the city's competitive job market. The entry-level salary is projected to be around $37,884 annually, which may feel modest compared to the overall median annual salary for CNAs in Bennington of $44,636. However, new graduates should recognize that there is a career growth trajectory, starting at this entry-level rate and moving up to approximately $40,063 at the 25th percentile, and eventually reaching the median within the first few years. With a projected growth rate of 6.50% annually, the job market for CNAs in Bennington appears promising, making it a suitable place for recent graduates looking to launch their careers in healthcare.
About the Bennington Market
Salary estimated from Vermont average ($38,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Bennington
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 Bennington
Entry-level certified nursing assistants in Bennington, VT typically start between $37,884 and $40,063 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $13,809 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $44,636 — 0.82% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nursing program cost in Vermont of $2,500 represents just 6.60% of the starting certified nursing assistant pay ($37,884/year) in Bennington. 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 Bennington
- 1Research the Bennington market: entry-level certified nursing assistant pay ranges from $37,884 to $40,063, 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 Bennington, 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 Bennington for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Bennington'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 Bennington is $13,809 ( 36.45%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $37,884, experienced hygienists can earn up to $51,693.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$23,016
2025 BLS Actual
$35,572
2026 Current Est.
$37,884
2019–2027 Growth
+75.3%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Bennington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $23,016 | Actual |
| 2020 | $23,844 | Actual |
| 2021 | $25,028 | Actual |
| 2022 | $29,378 | Actual |
| 2023 | $31,464 | Actual |
| 2024 | $31,624 | Actual |
| 2025 | $35,572 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $37,884 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $40,347 | Projected |
Entry-level certified nursing assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Bennington, VT grew 54.6% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $23,016 in 2019 to $35,572 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $40,347. New graduates entering the Bennington job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bennington 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 Bennington
Employers in Bennington actively recruit new CNAs, particularly at skilled nursing facilities that often provide paid training programs for those just entering the field. Hospitals generally prefer candidates with experience but may offer apprenticeship opportunities, while home health agencies seek flexible hour workers to accommodate client needs. Attaining state CNA certification, which includes a minimum of 75 hours of training along with passing the state exam, is essential for employment. Further credentials such as CPR/BLS certification or specialized training in areas like medication administration and dementia care can enhance starting pay. Given the post-COVID staffing challenges, the demand for CNAs has increased significantly, leading to salary growth expectations in the first few years on the job. Many CNAs aim to progress from their roles to bridge into licensed practical nurse (LPN) or registered nurse (RN) positions, enhancing career potential while also addressing urgent workforce shortages in healthcare.
More salary data for Bennington, VT:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for certified nursing assistants in Bennington in 2026?
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Is nursing school worth it in Bennington?
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How do I become a certified nursing assistant in Vermont?
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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 Bennington. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Bennington 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