Entry-Level Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Williamsburg, VA: $33,390 (2026)
Quick Answer:New certified nursing assistants entering the Williamsburg, VA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $33,390 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-1131, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Williamsburg's local price level (BEA RPP 103.2 — 3% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $32,355 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($40,310) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Getting started as a certified nursing assistant in Williamsburg, Virginia means shaping expectations around the various salary scales available to entry-level candidates. In 2026, new graduates can anticipate a starting salary around $33,390, which sits below the projected median annual salary for the area of $40,310. This gap indicates that while initial positions may be less lucrative, there is a solid growth trajectory whereby individuals can move from entry-level numbers through to the 25th percentile at $35,582 and towards the median within 3-5 years. Overall, as the healthcare sector continues to recover and expand, Williamsburg presents a favorable job market for new CNAs looking to establish their careers.
About the Williamsburg Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($35,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Williamsburg
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 Williamsburg
Entry-level certified nursing assistants in Williamsburg, VA typically start between $33,390 and $35,582 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $14,693 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $40,310 — 10.44% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nursing program cost in Virginia of $2,200 represents just 6.59% of the starting certified nursing assistant pay ($33,390/year) in Williamsburg. 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 Williamsburg
- 1Research the Williamsburg market: entry-level certified nursing assistant pay ranges from $33,390 to $35,582, 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 VA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Williamsburg, 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 Williamsburg for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Williamsburg'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 Williamsburg is $14,693 ( 44.00%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $33,390, experienced hygienists can earn up to $48,083.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$20,286
2025 BLS Actual
$31,352
2026 Current Est.
$33,390
2019–2027 Growth
+75.3%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Williamsburg (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20,286 | Actual |
| 2020 | $21,015 | Actual |
| 2021 | $22,059 | Actual |
| 2022 | $25,893 | Actual |
| 2023 | $27,731 | Actual |
| 2024 | $28,002 | Actual |
| 2025 | $31,352 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $33,390 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $35,560 | Projected |
Entry-level certified nursing assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Williamsburg, VA grew 54.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $20,286 in 2019 to $31,352 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $35,560. New graduates entering the Williamsburg job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Williamsburg 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 Williamsburg
Many employers in Williamsburg actively recruit entry-level certified nursing assistants, particularly skilled nursing facilities, which often have paid training programs. While hospitals may prefer candidates with experience, they tend to offer apprenticeship opportunities that can benefit new CNAs. With flexible work schedules being essential, many home health agencies also seek specific candidates. Obtaining credentials such as state CNA certification, CPR/BLS, and optional medication aide (CMA) training can enhance starting pay. Additionally, during their first one to three years, CNAs may find due to the rising wages driven by post-COVID labor shortages, salary growth might be more pronounced than in previous years. Many positions allow for a natural progression into LPN or RN roles, signaling a clear career path that new graduates can aspire to.
More salary data for Williamsburg, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for certified nursing assistants in Williamsburg in 2026?
How fast do certified nursing assistant salaries grow in Williamsburg?
Is nursing school worth it in Williamsburg?
What do new certified nursing assistants make right out of school in Williamsburg?
How do I become a certified nursing assistant in Virginia?
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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 Williamsburg. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Williamsburg 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