Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Madison, AL: $34,790 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time certified nursing assistant in Madison, AL earns a median $34,790/year (≈ $16.73/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Once you factor in Madison's price level (12% below national, BEA RPP 87.9), that paycheck buys what $39,579 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.5% below the Alabama state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For those considering a career as a certified nursing assistant (CNA) in Madison, AL, the projected median annual salary of $34,790 presents a solid opportunity in this region, especially when viewed alongside the national median of $45,007. This compensation reflects a salary range stretching from $28,615 at the 10th percentile to $42,667 at the 90th percentile. The estimates derived from 2025 BLS data project not only the financial outlook for CNAs but also highlight an essential pathway for many in this field; transitioning from CNA roles to licensed practical nurse (LPN) positions can significantly enhance earning potential and career advancement prospects. As local employers continue to seek skilled nursing assistants, the competitive landscape in Madison provides a favorable environment for aspiring health care workers.
About the Madison Market
Salary estimated from Alabama average ($30,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $28,615 | $13.76 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $30,919 | $14.87 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $34,790 | $16.73 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $38,952 | $18.72 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $42,667 | $20.51 |
Median Salary Position
22.7% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Madison
In Madison, AL, the certified nursing assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $14,052 (2026 est.). At $34,790, the local median is 22.7% below the national median of $45,007.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Madison: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Madison Certified Nursing Assistant Pay Compares
Madison median: $34,790/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Madison Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama Average | $35,682 | -2.50% less |
| National Average | $45,007 | -22.70% less |
Certified Nursing Assistants in Madison, AL earn a median of $34,790 per year (2026 est.), which is 22.70% lower than the national median of $45,007 and 2.50% below the Alabama state average of $35,682.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Madison 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.
Madison, AL has a cost-of-living index of 87.9 (below the national average of 100). A certified nursing assistant earning $34,790 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $39,579 in an average-cost city — an effective 13.77% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$22,927
2025 BLS Actual
$32,667
2026 Current Est.
$34,790
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Madison (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22,927 | Actual |
| 2020 | $23,847 | Actual |
| 2021 | $23,430 | Actual |
| 2022 | $27,642 | Actual |
| 2023 | $29,529 | Actual |
| 2024 | $25,711 | Actual |
| 2025 | $32,667 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $34,790 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $37,052 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Madison metropolitan area, the median certified nursing assistant salary grew 42.5% from $22,927 (2019) to $32,667 (2025). At a 6.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $37,052 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,125 (61.61%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Madison 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) | $28,615 – $30,919 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $30,919 – $34,790 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $34,790 – $38,952 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $38,952 – $42,667 |
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 Madison
The job market for certified nursing assistants in Madison currently employs nine individuals in this critical role, despite an overall cost of living index of 87.9, which underscores the lower living expenses compared to the national average. This means that while salaries may reflect local economic conditions, the take-home pay can stretch further for residents. Among various care settings, skilled nursing facilities and hospitals tend to offer the highest compensation, influenced by factors like shift differentials and the urgent demand for staffing due to post-COVID turnover. Moreover, CNAs who seek extra income may benefit from weekend premiums, with pay increases between $1 and $3 per hour, and nighttime shifts can net an additional $2 to $4 per hour. As the workforce continues to evolve, those interested in maximizing their earnings in Madison may consider obtaining additional certifications or working during high-need hours to take advantage of available wage incentives.
More salary data for Madison, 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 $32,667 for certified nursing assistantsin the Madison 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 Madison 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