Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Chandler, AZ: $48,571 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time certified nursing assistant in Chandler, AZ earns a median $48,571/year (≈ $23.36/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Once you factor in Chandler's price level (1% below national, BEA RPP 98.5), that paycheck buys what $49,311 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.7% above the Arizona state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Chandler, Arizona, the projection for a certified nursing assistant salary in 2026 is set at $48,571, which represents a competitive figure compared to the national median of $45,007. The salary range for this role spans from $35,987 at the 10th percentile to $61,437 at the 90th percentile. These estimates are based on 2025 BLS data adjusted for the regional cost of living in Chandler, where demand for skilled nursing and hospital roles creates a diverse salary structure. Factors in the local healthcare market, including the choice between skilled nursing facilities and hospitals, further influence earnings potential, revealing nuanced pay dynamics for certified nursing assistants in this community.
About the Chandler Market
Salary estimated from Arizona average ($39,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $35,987 | $17.31 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40,543 | $19.49 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $48,571 | $23.36 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $55,228 | $26.55 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $61,437 | $29.53 |
Median Salary Position
7.92% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Chandler
In Chandler, AZ, the certified nursing assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $25,450 (2026 est.). At $48,571, the local median is 7.92% above the national median of $45,007.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Chandler: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Chandler Certified Nursing Assistant Pay Compares
Chandler median: $48,571/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Chandler Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona Average | $45,952 | +5.70% more |
| National Average | $45,007 | +7.92% more |
Certified Nursing Assistants in Chandler, AZ earn a median of $48,571 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.92% higher than the national median of $45,007 and 5.70% above the Arizona state average of $45,952.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Chandler 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.
Chandler, AZ has a cost-of-living index of 98.5 (below the national average of 100). A certified nursing assistant earning $48,571 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $49,311 in an average-cost city — an effective 1.52% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$32,009
2025 BLS Actual
$45,607
2026 Current Est.
$48,571
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Chandler (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32,009 | Actual |
| 2020 | $33,293 | Actual |
| 2021 | $32,711 | Actual |
| 2022 | $38,592 | Actual |
| 2023 | $41,225 | Actual |
| 2024 | $39,844 | Actual |
| 2025 | $45,607 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $48,571 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $51,729 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Chandler metropolitan area, the median certified nursing assistant salary grew 42.5% from $32,009 (2019) to $45,607 (2025). At a 6.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $51,729 by 2027 — a total increase of $19,720 (61.61%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Chandler 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) | $35,987 – $40,543 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $40,543 – $48,571 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $48,571 – $55,228 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $55,228 – $61,437 |
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 Chandler
The job market for certified nursing assistants in Chandler is solid, with 49 individuals currently employed in this occupation. The cost of living index in Chandler stands at 98.5, suggesting that the take-home purchasing power for CNAs is relatively favorable for the region. While skilled nursing facilities and home health agencies generally offer competitive rates, hospitals—especially in medical/surgical floors and intensive care units—tend to provide higher compensation due to increased acuity levels and required skills. Shift differentials play a significant role in pay variations; weekend shifts can provide additional earnings of $1-3 per hour, while night shifts can boost pay by $2-4 per hour. Given the recent hiring challenges in the sector, agencies may also provide premium pay rates, highlighting opportunities for those seeking to maximize their certified nursing assistant pay in Chandler, AZ. By focusing on secure roles in high-demand settings and pursuing certifications like CMA, CNAs can enhance their salary prospects and pave the way for career advancement into LPN or RN positions.
More salary data for Chandler, AZ:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can certified nursing assistants make $100K in Chandler?
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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 $45,607 for certified nursing assistantsin the Chandler 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 Chandler 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