Entry-Level Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Madison, WI: $42,036 (2026)
Quick Answer:New certified nursing assistants entering the Madison, WI job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $42,036 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-1131, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Madison's local price level (BEA RPP 97.3 — 3% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $43,208 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($48,202) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
For those entering the workforce as certified nursing assistants, Madison, WI, presents a promising opportunity with an entry-level starting certified nursing assistant salary projected at $42,036 in 2026. This figure reflects a common entry point, especially for new grads just beginning their careers. Compared to the city's median annual salary of $48,202, there is a noticeable gap, which allows room for growth as CNAs gain experience in their roles. Over the first few years, those starting at the lower end can expect their earnings to rise with increased responsibilities and sector demand, reinforcing Madison's potential as a supportive market for early-career professionals.
Career Earnings Timeline in Madison
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 Madison
Entry-level certified nursing assistants in Madison, WI typically start between $42,036 and $42,845 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $17,593 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $48,202 — 7.1% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nursing program cost in Wisconsin of $1,800 represents just 4.28% of the starting certified nursing assistant pay ($42,036/year) in Madison. 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 Madison
- 1Research the Madison market: entry-level certified nursing assistant pay ranges from $42,036 to $42,845, 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 Madison, 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 Madison for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Madison'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 Madison is $17,593 ( 41.85%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $42,036, experienced hygienists can earn up to $59,629.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$26,500
2025 BLS Actual
$39,470
2026 Current Est.
$42,036
2019–2027 Growth
+68.9%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Madison (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26,500 | Actual |
| 2020 | $29,540 | Actual |
| 2021 | $30,010 | Actual |
| 2022 | $31,130 | Actual |
| 2023 | $35,740 | Actual |
| 2024 | $38,290 | Actual |
| 2025 | $39,470 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $42,036 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $44,768 | Projected |
Entry-level certified nursing assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Madison, WI grew 48.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $26,500 in 2019 to $39,470 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $44,768. New graduates entering the Madison job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Madison 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 Madison
Employers across Madison actively seek new graduates, particularly in skilled nursing facilities where many offer training programs designed to onboard entry-level CNAs. While hospitals tend to favor candidates with experience, they can provide apprenticeship pathways that facilitate learning on the job. Home health agencies also offer flexible schedules that attract newly certified CNAs. Credentials such as CPR/BLS certification and specialized training in dementia care can further improve starting pay in Wisconsin. Given the extraordinary turnover in the nursing assistant workforce exacerbated by the post-COVID staffing crisis, those starting their careers may experience realistic salary growth against the backdrop of a competitive market poised for expansion, with many using their CNA experience as a stepping stone to pursue licensed practical nurse (LPN) or registered nurse (RN) paths.
More salary data for Madison, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for certified nursing assistants in Madison in 2026?
How fast do certified nursing assistant salaries grow in Madison?
Is nursing school worth it in Madison?
What do new certified nursing assistants make right out of school in Madison?
How do I become a certified nursing assistant in Wisconsin?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Wisconsin
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 Madison. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-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