Entry-Level Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Stevens Point, WI: $39,310 (2026)
Quick Answer:New certified nursing assistants entering the Stevens Point, WI job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $39,310 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-1131, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Stevens Point's local price level (BEA RPP 93.4 — 7% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $42,088 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($45,704) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) field in Stevens Point, Wisconsin can expect an entry-level salary starting around $39,310. While this figure is on the lower end of the pay scale, it sets the stage for potential raises as CNAs gain experience and skills. The median annual salary for CNAs in the city is projected to be $45,704, highlighting a salary gap that underscores the growth opportunities available within the profession. Within the first three to five years, new graduates may see their wages advance toward the P25 threshold of $41,652, as they move along the career pathway. Overall, Stevens Point presents a relatively favorable job market for new CNAs eager to begin their careers, especially considering the ongoing demand due to workforce shortages in the healthcare sector.
About the Stevens Point Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($38,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Stevens Point
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 Stevens Point
Entry-level certified nursing assistants in Stevens Point, WI typically start between $39,310 and $41,652 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $15,599 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $45,704 — 1.55% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nursing program cost in Wisconsin of $1,800 represents just 4.58% of the starting certified nursing assistant pay ($39,310/year) in Stevens Point. 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 Stevens Point
- 1Research the Stevens Point market: entry-level certified nursing assistant pay ranges from $39,310 to $41,652, 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 Stevens Point, 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 Stevens Point for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Stevens Point'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 Stevens Point is $15,599 ( 39.68%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $39,310, experienced hygienists can earn up to $54,909.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$23,882
2025 BLS Actual
$36,911
2026 Current Est.
$39,310
2019–2027 Growth
+75.3%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Stevens Point (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $23,882 | Actual |
| 2020 | $24,741 | Actual |
| 2021 | $25,970 | Actual |
| 2022 | $30,484 | Actual |
| 2023 | $32,648 | Actual |
| 2024 | $29,062 | Actual |
| 2025 | $36,911 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $39,310 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $41,865 | Projected |
Entry-level certified nursing assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Stevens Point, WI grew 54.6% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $23,882 in 2019 to $36,911 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $41,865. New graduates entering the Stevens Point job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Stevens Point 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 Stevens Point
Several types of employers in Stevens Point actively seek out new grad certified nursing assistants, making the entry-level job market promising for recent graduates. Skilled nursing facilities typically hire the largest number of entry-level CNAs and often offer paid training programs as part of their onboarding process. Hospital systems may prefer candidates with experience but can provide apprenticeship programs for those willing to learn on the job, while home health agencies look for individuals who can offer flexible schedules. To enhance starting pay in Wisconsin, obtaining CNA credentials, CPR/BLS certification, or pursuing additional training as a medication aide can be beneficial. With a significant turnover in the CNA workforce following COVID-19, early career CNAs can strategically position themselves for quicker advancement, particularly as wages in nursing homes have surged by as much as 40% from 2020-2024. Given the necessary 75 hours of federally mandated training for CNAs, new hires can expect gradual salary growth as they advance in their roles, laying the foundation for future transitions into LPN or RN programs.
More salary data for Stevens Point, 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 Stevens Point. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Stevens Point 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