Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Hoover, AL: $36,028 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time certified nursing assistant in Hoover, AL earns a median $36,028/year (≈ $17.32/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Once you factor in Hoover's price level (12% below national, BEA RPP 87.9), that paycheck buys what $40,987 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.0% above the Alabama state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the average certified nursing assistant salary in Hoover, Alabama, is projected to reach $36,028. This figure reflects a significant adjustment in wages post-COVID, positioning the local market below the national median, which is $45,007. Certified nursing assistants in Hoover can expect a salary range from $28,771 at the lower end (P10) to $44,421 at the higher end (P90). These estimates, derived from BLS state-level data and regional price adjustments, highlight the recalibrated earning potential for CNAs in the area. The evolving wage dynamics indicate a competitive but still growing environment in Hoover, emphasizing the importance of skill development and certifications to enhance one’s marketability.
About the Hoover Market
Salary estimated from Alabama average ($30,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $28,771 | $13.83 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $31,373 | $15.08 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $36,028 | $17.32 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $40,480 | $19.46 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $44,421 | $21.35 |
Median Salary Position
19.95% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Hoover
In Hoover, AL, the certified nursing assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $15,650 (2026 est.). At $36,028, the local median is 19.95% below the national median of $45,007.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Hoover: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Hoover Certified Nursing Assistant Pay Compares
Hoover median: $36,028/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Hoover Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama Average | $35,671 | +1.00% more |
| National Average | $45,007 | -19.95% less |
Certified Nursing Assistants in Hoover, AL earn a median of $36,028 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.95% lower than the national median of $45,007 and 1.00% above the Alabama state average of $35,671.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Hoover has a cost of living 12.10% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Hoover, AL has a cost-of-living index of 87.9 (below the national average of 100). A certified nursing assistant earning $36,028 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $40,987 in an average-cost city — an effective 13.76% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$23,743
2025 BLS Actual
$33,829
2026 Current Est.
$36,028
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Hoover (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $23,743 | Actual |
| 2020 | $24,695 | Actual |
| 2021 | $24,263 | Actual |
| 2022 | $28,626 | Actual |
| 2023 | $30,579 | Actual |
| 2024 | $26,625 | Actual |
| 2025 | $33,829 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $36,028 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $38,370 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Hoover metropolitan area, the median certified nursing assistant salary grew 42.5% from $23,743 (2019) to $33,829 (2025). At a 6.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $38,370 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,627 (61.61%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Hoover 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) | $28,771 – $31,373 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $31,373 – $36,028 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $36,028 – $40,480 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $40,480 – $44,421 |
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 Hoover
Employment opportunities for certified nursing assistants in Hoover remain relatively stable, with approximately 17 individuals currently in this role. The cost of living index in Hoover stands at 87.9, suggesting that salaries, although lower compared to national averages, afford decent purchasing power for residents. Among the local employers, skilled nursing facilities and rehabilitation hospitals often offer higher pay, particularly for shifts that require night or weekend work, which can boost earnings by $2-4 per hour for overnight shifts or $1-3 for weekend shifts. Strategies for CNAs in Hoover to maximize their earning potential include pursuing CMA certification stipends, seeking agency positions during staffing shortages, and aiming for roles in high-acuity settings. For those who are ambitious, the pathway to becoming an LPN or RN is a valuable option that can lead to substantially better compensation in the long term.
More salary data for Hoover, 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 $33,829 for certified nursing assistantsin the Hoover 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
Salary data for Hoover 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