Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Apache Junction, AZ: $44,297 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time certified nursing assistant in Apache Junction, AZ earns a median $44,297/year (≈ $21.30/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Once you factor in Apache Junction's price level (1% below national, BEA RPP 98.5), that paycheck buys what $44,972 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.6% below the Arizona state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Apache Junction, Arizona, the anticipated compensation for certified nursing assistants reflects the unique dynamics of the local healthcare market. At an estimated median annual salary of $44,297 for 2026, CNAs may find their earnings to be slightly below the national median of $45,007. Salary ranges from $38,041 at the 10th percentile to $50,750 at the 90th percentile indicate the variety of opportunities available, though local wages may differ across employment settings such as skilled nursing facilities and hospitals. Data sourced from 2025 BLS figures adjusted for regional price parities demonstrate how local market conditions influence the earnings potential for those in this critical healthcare role.
About the Apache Junction Market
Salary estimated from Arizona average ($39,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,041 | $18.29 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40,465 | $19.46 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $44,297 | $21.30 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $47,661 | $22.92 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $50,750 | $24.40 |
Median Salary Position
1.58% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Apache Junction
In Apache Junction, AZ, the certified nursing assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $12,709 (2026 est.). At $44,297, the local median is 1.58% below the national median of $45,007.
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At 40 hours/week in Apache Junction: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Apache Junction Certified Nursing Assistant Pay Compares
Apache Junction median: $44,297/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Apache Junction Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona Average | $45,951 | -3.60% less |
| National Average | $45,007 | -1.58% less |
Certified Nursing Assistants in Apache Junction, AZ earn a median of $44,297 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.58% lower than the national median of $45,007 and 3.60% below the Arizona state average of $45,951.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Apache Junction has a cost of living 1.50% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Apache Junction, AZ has a cost-of-living index of 98.5 (below the national average of 100). A certified nursing assistant earning $44,297 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $44,972 in an average-cost city — an effective 1.52% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$29,192
2025 BLS Actual
$41,593
2026 Current Est.
$44,297
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Apache Junction (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29,192 | Actual |
| 2020 | $30,363 | Actual |
| 2021 | $29,832 | Actual |
| 2022 | $35,196 | Actual |
| 2023 | $37,597 | Actual |
| 2024 | $37,037 | Actual |
| 2025 | $41,593 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $44,297 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $47,176 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Apache Junction metropolitan area, the median certified nursing assistant salary grew 42.5% from $29,192 (2019) to $41,593 (2025). At a 6.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $47,176 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,984 (61.61%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Apache Junction 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) | $38,041 – $40,465 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $40,465 – $44,297 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $44,297 – $47,661 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $47,661 – $50,750 |
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 Apache Junction
Job prospects for certified nursing assistants in Apache Junction are relatively stable, with a recorded employment count of six individuals in this pivotal occupation. The cost of living index in Apache Junction stands at 98.5, suggesting that earnings here can stretch slightly further than in some higher-cost regions, offering some relief against inflationary pressures. Within the local job market, skilled nursing facilities and rehabilitation hospitals may offer the most competitive pay rates, especially during peak demand periods. Shift differentials can enhance earnings significantly, often providing an extra $2-4 per hour for night shifts and $1-3 for weekend work. Navigating roles that capitalize on these premiums, alongside opportunities to bridge into LPN or RN positions, will be essential strategies for maximizing a certified nursing assistant's pay in Apache Junction, AZ.
More salary data for Apache Junction, AZ:
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 $41,593 for certified nursing assistantsin the Apache Junction 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 Apache Junction 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