Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Opelika, AL: $37,678 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time certified nursing assistant in Opelika, AL earns a median $37,678/year (≈ $18.12/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Once you factor in Opelika's price level (12% below national, BEA RPP 87.9), that paycheck buys what $42,865 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.6% above the Alabama state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Opelika, Alabama, the expected annual salary for a certified nursing assistant is $37,678 in 2026, reflecting a notable gap of around 16.28% when compared to the national median of $45,007. Local salaries range significantly from $32,585 at the 10th percentile to $45,523 at the 90th percentile, indicating a diverse job market for CNAs, particularly between skilled nursing facilities and hospital environments. These calculations are derived from state-level data and regional cost estimates, illustrating the financial landscape that may entice new candidates or current CNAs considering advancement. In this area, the choice between skilled nursing and hospital roles often dictates wage differences, with hospitals generally offering higher compensation due to increased demands and skill requirements.
About the Opelika Market
Salary estimated from Alabama average ($30,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $32,585 | $15.67 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $34,499 | $16.58 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $37,678 | $18.12 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $42,060 | $20.22 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $45,523 | $21.89 |
Median Salary Position
16.28% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Opelika
In Opelika, AL, the certified nursing assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $12,938 (2026 est.). At $37,678, the local median is 16.28% below the national median of $45,007.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Opelika: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Opelika Certified Nursing Assistant Pay Compares
Opelika median: $37,678/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Opelika Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama Average | $35,680 | +5.60% more |
| National Average | $45,007 | -16.28% less |
Certified Nursing Assistants in Opelika, AL earn a median of $37,678 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.28% lower than the national median of $45,007 and 5.60% above the Alabama state average of $35,680.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Opelika 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.
Opelika, AL has a cost-of-living index of 87.9 (below the national average of 100). A certified nursing assistant earning $37,678 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $42,865 in an average-cost city — an effective 13.77% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$24,830
2025 BLS Actual
$35,378
2026 Current Est.
$37,678
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Opelika (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $24,830 | Actual |
| 2020 | $25,826 | Actual |
| 2021 | $25,374 | Actual |
| 2022 | $29,937 | Actual |
| 2023 | $31,979 | Actual |
| 2024 | $25,469 | Actual |
| 2025 | $35,378 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $37,678 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $40,127 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Opelika metropolitan area, the median certified nursing assistant salary grew 42.5% from $24,830 (2019) to $35,378 (2025). At a 6.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $40,127 by 2027 — a total increase of $15,297 (61.61%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Opelika 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) | $32,585 – $34,499 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $34,499 – $37,678 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $37,678 – $42,060 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $42,060 – $45,523 |
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 Opelika
Within Opelika's job market, only seven certified nursing assistants are currently employed, which points to a tight but competitive environment. The local cost-of-living index of 87.9 indicates that even though salaries may appear lower than the national average, the purchasing power could still be favorable for residents. Among the various employers, skilled nursing facilities typically offer more competitive pay, while home health agencies and hospice services tend to lag behind. Factors influencing pay levels include shift differentials for nights and weekends, which can add between $1 and $4 per hour. To maximize earnings, aspiring CNAs should consider seeking certifications such as CMA or exploring weekend-only positions that provide premium pay. Establishing a steady path toward further education, like bridging into LPN or RN roles, can also enhance long-term salary possibilities in Opelika, AL.
More salary data for Opelika, 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 $35,378 for certified nursing assistantsin the Opelika 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 Opelika 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