Entry-Level Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Kenosha, WI: $41,013 (2026)
Quick Answer:New certified nursing assistants entering the Kenosha, WI job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $41,013 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-1131, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Kenosha's local price level (BEA RPP 101.1 — 1% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $40,560 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($49,224) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, a newly certified nursing assistant entering the workforce in Kenosha, Wisconsin, can expect an entry-level salary starting at approximately $41,013. This figure represents a significant initial step in a promising career path, especially considering the median annual salary of $49,224 for CNAs in the city. Over the first few years, new graduates have the potential to see their compensation rise steadily. By gaining experience and advancing to the 25th percentile, salaries could reach around $42,238, bringing them closer to the overall median. This relatively favorable salary landscape indicates that Kenosha remains a solid market for new CNAs, providing a stepping stone for individuals looking to establish themselves in the healthcare field.
Career Earnings Timeline in Kenosha
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 Kenosha
Entry-level certified nursing assistants in Kenosha, WI typically start between $41,013 and $42,238 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $12,567 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $49,224 — 9.37% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nursing program cost in Wisconsin of $1,800 represents just 4.39% of the starting certified nursing assistant pay ($41,013/year) in Kenosha. 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 Kenosha
- 1Research the Kenosha market: entry-level certified nursing assistant pay ranges from $41,013 to $42,238, 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 WI often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Kenosha, 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 Kenosha for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Kenosha'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 Kenosha is $12,567 ( 30.64%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $41,013, experienced hygienists can earn up to $53,580.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$24,917
2025 BLS Actual
$38,510
2026 Current Est.
$41,013
2019–2027 Growth
+75.3%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Kenosha (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $24,917 | Actual |
| 2020 | $25,813 | Actual |
| 2021 | $27,095 | Actual |
| 2022 | $31,804 | Actual |
| 2023 | $34,062 | Actual |
| 2024 | $37,930 | Actual |
| 2025 | $38,510 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $41,013 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $43,679 | Projected |
Entry-level certified nursing assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Kenosha, WI grew 54.6% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $24,917 in 2019 to $38,510 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $43,679. New graduates entering the Kenosha job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Kenosha 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 Kenosha
Employers in Kenosha actively seek out new graduates, especially skilled nursing facilities, which are the primary hirers of CNAs. Many of these facilities offer paid training programs tailored for entry-level CNAs. While larger hospital systems typically favor candidates with some experience, they often provide apprenticeship pathways that allow new hires to develop their skills on the job. For those looking for flexibility, home health agencies are also worthy consideration. To enhance starting pay, obtaining state certification, which includes a minimum of 75 hours of training and passing a state exam, is essential. Additional credentials like CPR/BLS certifications and specialized training in areas such as dementia care can further improve earning potential. Given the high turnover rates post-COVID, recent changes have led to increased wages, making it a strong time for new CNAs. In the first few years, salary expectations may see gradual increases through experience, promising a pathway to advance into licensed practical nurse (LPN) or registered nurse (RN) positions.
More salary data for Kenosha, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Kenosha. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 2-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