Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Gadsden, AL: $32,419 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time certified nursing assistant in Gadsden, AL earns a median $32,419/year (≈ $15.59/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Once you factor in Gadsden's price level (14% below national, BEA RPP 85.7), that paycheck buys what $37,849 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 9.1% below the Alabama state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In Gadsden, Alabama, the certified nursing assistant salary is projected to be $32,419 in 2026, marking a significant increase from previous years—a reflection of the post-COVID wage reset seen across many sectors. The salary range for certified nursing assistants in the area stretches from $30,768 at the 10th percentile to $39,927 at the 90th percentile, indicating that while most CNAs can expect salaries near the median, there is also potential for higher earnings based on experience and shift preferences. These figures are sourced from 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, and illustrate the current compensation landscape for CNAs in Gadsden, which sits notably below the national median salary of $45,007. This disparity highlights the ongoing challenges in attracting and retaining qualified nursing staff in the region.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $30,768 | $14.79 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $30,992 | $14.90 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $32,419 | $15.59 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $37,616 | $18.08 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $39,927 | $19.20 |
Median Salary Position
27.97% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Gadsden
In Gadsden, AL, the certified nursing assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $9,159 (2026 est.). At $32,419, the local median is 27.97% below the national median of $45,007.
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At 40 hours/week in Gadsden: You'd be in the entry-level range
How Gadsden Certified Nursing Assistant Pay Compares
Gadsden median: $32,419/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Gadsden Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama Average | $35,664 | -9.10% less |
| National Average | $45,007 | -27.97% less |
Certified Nursing Assistants in Gadsden, AL earn a median of $32,419 per year (2026 est.), which is 27.97% lower than the national median of $45,007 and 9.10% below the Alabama state average of $35,664.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Gadsden has a cost of living 14.35% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Gadsden, AL has a cost-of-living index of 85.653 (below the national average of 100). A certified nursing assistant earning $32,419 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $37,849 in an average-cost city — an effective 16.75% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$23,400
2025 BLS Actual
$30,440
2026 Current Est.
$32,419
2019–2027 Growth
+47.5%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Gadsden (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $23,400 | Actual |
| 2020 | $24,520 | Actual |
| 2021 | $22,440 | Actual |
| 2022 | $25,980 | Actual |
| 2023 | $28,170 | Actual |
| 2024 | $29,570 | Actual |
| 2025 | $30,440 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $32,419 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $34,526 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Gadsden metropolitan area, the median certified nursing assistant salary grew 30.1% from $23,400 (2019) to $30,440 (2025). At a 6.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $34,526 by 2027 — a total increase of $11,126 (47.55%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Gadsden 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $30,768 – $30,992 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $30,992 – $32,419 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $32,419 – $37,616 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $37,616 – $39,927 |
CNA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual certified nursing assistant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Certified Nursing Assistant Job Market in Gadsden
The local job market for certified nursing assistants in Gadsden features around 540 professionals currently employed in this vital role, which contributes to the area's healthcare infrastructure. With a cost-of-living index of 85.653, the take-home purchasing power for CNAs is more favorable compared to many other regions, even as salaries remain lower than the national average. Skilled nursing facilities and hospitals tend to offer the highest wages, especially for CNAs willing to work night shifts or weekends, where premium pay can add an extra $2 to $4 per hour. Factors such as staffing shortages and experience level can notably affect pay rates as well, with some facilities offering stipends for certified medication assistants. To maximize their earnings, prospective CNAs in Gadsden should consider pursuing certifications that enhance their skills and open opportunities for advancement, as many find rewarding pathways to nursing roles and increased salaries through effective career planning.
More salary data for Gadsden, AL:
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
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 BLS reported a median annual salary of $30,440 for certified nursing assistantsin the Gadsden metropolitan area. A 6.50% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
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