Entry-Level Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Pleasant Prairie, WI: $37,555 (2026)
Quick Answer:New certified nursing assistants entering the Pleasant Prairie, WI job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $37,555 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-1131, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Pleasant Prairie's local price level (BEA RPP 93.4 — 7% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $40,209 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($45,109) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the field of certified nursing assistants (CNA) in Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin can anticipate an entry-level salary around $37,555. This figure falls short of the city’s median annual wage of $45,109, delineating a clear gap that entry-level professionals will need to bridge as they gain experience. Over the first few years of their careers, CNAs may see their salaries advance as they progress from entry-level pay to approximately $39,992 at the 25th percentile, and potentially reach the median earnings with further experience and specialized certifications. For recent graduates, Pleasant Prairie presents a valuable market with competitive starting salaries projected for the nursing assistant profession.
About the Pleasant Prairie Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($38,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Pleasant Prairie
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 Pleasant Prairie
Entry-level certified nursing assistants in Pleasant Prairie, WI typically start between $37,555 and $39,992 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $16,489 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $45,109 — 0.23% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nursing program cost in Wisconsin of $1,800 represents just 4.79% of the starting certified nursing assistant pay ($37,555/year) in Pleasant Prairie. 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 Pleasant Prairie
- 1Research the Pleasant Prairie market: entry-level certified nursing assistant pay ranges from $37,555 to $39,992, 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 Pleasant Prairie, 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 Pleasant Prairie for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Pleasant Prairie's below-average 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 Pleasant Prairie is $16,489 ( 43.91%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $37,555, experienced hygienists can earn up to $54,044.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$22,816
2025 BLS Actual
$35,263
2026 Current Est.
$37,555
2019–2027 Growth
+75.3%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Pleasant Prairie (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22,816 | Actual |
| 2020 | $23,637 | Actual |
| 2021 | $24,811 | Actual |
| 2022 | $29,123 | Actual |
| 2023 | $31,190 | Actual |
| 2024 | $27,743 | Actual |
| 2025 | $35,263 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $37,555 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $39,996 | Projected |
Entry-level certified nursing assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Pleasant Prairie, WI grew 54.6% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $22,816 in 2019 to $35,263 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $39,996. New graduates entering the Pleasant Prairie job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Pleasant Prairie 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 Pleasant Prairie
Various employers in Pleasant Prairie actively recruit newly certified CNAs, particularly skilled nursing facilities that often provide paid training programs. While hospitals typically favor experienced candidates, many are beginning to offer apprenticeship pathways that enable new CNAs to join their teams. Home health agencies also present opportunities for those who prefer more flexible scheduling. For those aiming to enhance their starting certified nursing assistant pay in WI, obtaining additional credentials such as CPR certifications or medication aide training can be significantly beneficial. Given that many CNAs experienced turnover during the post-COVID recovery, new graduates might find an evolving work environment. With strategic planning, including considering shifts with differentials and pathways to becoming LPNs or RNs, earning potential could realistically increase during the first few years, making this career path an attractive option for new nursing professionals in Pleasant Prairie.
More salary data for Pleasant Prairie, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for certified nursing assistants in Pleasant Prairie in 2026?
How fast do certified nursing assistant salaries grow in Pleasant Prairie?
Is nursing school worth it in Pleasant Prairie?
What do new certified nursing assistants make right out of school in Pleasant Prairie?
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 Pleasant Prairie. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Pleasant Prairie 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