Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Alabama: $36,227 (2026)
Quick Answer:Across Alabama's 24 metropolitan areas, the average median certified nursing assistant pay sits at $36,227/year heading into 2026 — a figure projected from 2025 BLS OEWS wage data for SOC 31-1131. Because Alabama sits at BEA RPP 87.9 (12% below the U.S. baseline), that statewide median translates to roughly $41,214 in nationally-comparable purchasing power. Highest-paying metros: Decatur ($36,280), Auburn ($35,530), Birmingham ($35,470).
In Alabama, certified nursing assistants can expect an average median salary of $36,227 in 2026, which is significantly lower than the national median of $45,007, reflecting a -19.5% difference. The salary range across the state is marked by distinct disparities; Decatur offers the highest average salary at $38,638, while Dothan presents the lowest at $31,769, creating a variance of $6,869. This gap can be attributed to various factors, including the concentration of healthcare facilities, cost of living, and demand for CNAs in different regions. Alabama has specific state licensing requirements and scope of practice laws that govern the responsibilities of CNAs, which can influence salary levels. Demand is driven by an aging population and an increased need for healthcare services, contributing to a projected annual growth rate of 6.50% for nursing assistants in the job market. Notable cities for employment include Auburn at $37,839, Birmingham at $37,776, Opelika at $37,678, and Huntsville at $37,499, all indicating steady job prospects for those entering the field. As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, the need for qualified certified nursing assistants in Alabama is expected to grow.
Alabama Certified Nursing Assistant Salary Range
Overall salary range in Alabama: $25,209 (lowest entry-level) to $49,416 (highest top earner)
Alabama vs National Average
Alabama certified nursing assistants earn 19.51% less than the national median ($-8,780/year difference).
Alabama Certified Nursing Assistant Salary Distribution (2026)
Certified Nursing Assistant salaries in Alabama range from $30,638 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $42,038 (top earners, 90th percentile), with a median of $36,227. The Alabama median is $8,780 below the US national median of $45,007. The average hourly rate is $17.42/hr. Approximately 19,368 certified nursing assistants are employed across 24 cities.
2019 BLS Actual
$23,967
2025 BLS Actual
$34,016
2026 Current Est.
$36,227
2019–2027 Growth
+61.0%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Alabama (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $23,967 | Actual |
| 2020 | $24,643 | Actual |
| 2021 | $26,759 | Actual |
| 2022 | $27,968 | Actual |
| 2023 | $31,096 | Actual |
| 2024 | $32,644 | Actual |
| 2025 | $34,016 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $36,227 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $38,582 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Alabama metropolitan area, the median certified nursing assistant salary grew 41.9% from $23,967 (2019) to $34,016 (2025). At a 6.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $38,582 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,615 (60.98%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Alabama 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.
Top 5 Highest Paying Cities in Alabama
Lowest Paying Cities in Alabama
Best Value Cities for Certified Nursing Assistants in Alabama
When adjusted for local cost of living, these Alabama cities offer the most purchasing power for certified nursing assistants.
| City | Nominal Salary | CoL Index | Adjusted Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Decatur | $38,638 | 87.212 | $44,304 |
| Auburn | $37,839 | 87.933 | $43,032 |
| Opelika | $37,678 | 87.9 | $42,865 |
| Montgomery | $37,499 | 89.682 | $41,813 |
| Birmingham | $37,776 | 91.644 | $41,220 |
Adjusted salary = nominal salary × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average. Lower index = lower cost of living.
Salary by Experience Level in Alabama
| Experience Level | Estimated Annual |
|---|---|
| Entry Level (0-2 years) | $30,638 |
| Mid Career (3-7 years) | $36,227 |
| Experienced (7+ years) | $42,038 |
Estimates based on BLS percentile data averaged across Alabama metro areas. Individual pay varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
All 24 Cities in Alabama
| # | City | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Decatur | $38,638 |
| 2 | Auburn | $37,839 |
| 3 | Birmingham | $37,776 |
| 4 | Opelika | $37,678 |
| 5 | Huntsville | $37,499 |
| 6 | Montgomery | $37,499 |
| 7 | Daphne | $36,370 |
| 8 | Hoover | $36,028 |
| 9 | Phenix City | $35,112 |
| 10 | Tuscaloosa | $34,996 |
| 11 | Prattville | $34,921 |
| 12 | Northport | $34,844 |
| 13 | Madison | $34,790 |
| 14 | Alabaster | $34,575 |
| 15 | Enterprise | $34,520 |
| 16 | Homewood | $34,475 |
| 17 | Vestavia Hills | $34,257 |
| 18 | Albertville | $34,179 |
| 19 | Florence | $34,016 |
| 20 | Anniston | $33,995 |
| 21 | Pelham | $32,998 |
| 22 | Mobile | $32,887 |
| 23 | Gadsden | $32,419 |
| 24 | Dothan | $31,769 |
More Alabama Salary Data
Hourly Rates
Explore certified nursing assistant hourly pay in Alabama cities.
Senior / Experienced
Top earner salaries for experienced certified nursing assistants.
Explore More Certified Nursing Assistant Salary Data
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do certified nursing assistants make in Alabama in 2026?
What is the highest paying city for certified nursing assistants in Alabama?
How does Alabama certified nursing assistant pay compare to the national average?
What is the entry-level certified nursing assistant salary in Alabama?
How many certified nursing assistants are employed in Alabama?
Which Alabama city offers the best value for certified nursing assistants?
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
Statewide 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. A 6.50% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to each metro area's reported salary to estimate current 2026 certified nursing assistant compensation across Alabama. State averages are employment-weighted across 24 metro areas — larger metro areas with more certified nursing assistantscontribute proportionally more to the average, producing figures that better reflect typical compensation. Individual pay varies by city, employer, certifications, and experience.
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