Entry-Level Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Superior, WI: $38,650 (2026)
Quick Answer:New certified nursing assistants entering the Superior, WI job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $38,650 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-1131, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Superior's local price level (BEA RPP 93.4 — 7% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $41,381 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($45,439) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Superior, Wisconsin, individuals stepping into the role of a certified nursing assistant in 2026 can anticipate a starting salary of approximately $38,650. This entry-level pay significantly trails the city’s median annual salary of $45,439, revealing a gap that new graduates need to consider as they embark on their careers. However, within the first few years of service, CNAs can expect gradual salary advancement, as they move from entry-level positions to earning around $41,092 in the 25th percentile and potentially reaching the median as they gain experience. For new graduates, Superior presents a decent market; the combination of local healthcare demand and positive growth projections indicates promising employment opportunities for entry-level CNAs.
About the Superior Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($38,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Superior
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 Superior
Entry-level certified nursing assistants in Superior, WI typically start between $38,650 and $41,092 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $17,154 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $45,439 — 0.96% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nursing program cost in Wisconsin of $1,800 represents just 4.66% of the starting certified nursing assistant pay ($38,650/year) in Superior. 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 Superior
- 1Research the Superior market: entry-level certified nursing assistant pay ranges from $38,650 to $41,092, 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 Superior, 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 Superior for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Superior'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 Superior is $17,154 ( 44.38%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $38,650, experienced hygienists can earn up to $55,804.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$23,481
2025 BLS Actual
$36,291
2026 Current Est.
$38,650
2019–2027 Growth
+75.3%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Superior (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $23,481 | Actual |
| 2020 | $24,326 | Actual |
| 2021 | $25,534 | Actual |
| 2022 | $29,972 | Actual |
| 2023 | $32,099 | Actual |
| 2024 | $28,570 | Actual |
| 2025 | $36,291 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $38,650 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $41,162 | Projected |
Entry-level certified nursing assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Superior, WI grew 54.6% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $23,481 in 2019 to $36,291 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $41,162. New graduates entering the Superior job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Superior 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 Superior
In terms of employment prospects in Superior, skilled nursing facilities are typically the most proactive in hiring recent graduates, often offering paid training programs that allow new CNAs to acquire invaluable experience. Hospital systems, although they lean toward experienced candidates, are beginning to provide apprenticeship pipelines to attract newcomers in response to recent workforce shortages. Additionally, home health agencies are in need of CNAs willing to work flexible hours. New entrants can enhance their starting salaries by acquiring relevant credentials, such as state CNA certification, CPR/BLS training, or optional medication aide certifications. With the ongoing impact of post-COVID turnover, salary growth for CNAs in the first three years can be expected to be robust, reflecting industry trends where wages have surged by significant margins in response to staffing demands. Many CNAs view this role as a stepping stone, often transitioning to LPN or RN programs within a few years to secure more advanced positions and higher salaries.
More salary data for Superior, 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 Superior. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Superior 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