Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in El Mirage, AZ: $44,546 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time certified nursing assistant in El Mirage, AZ earns a median $44,546/year (≈ $21.42/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Once you factor in El Mirage's price level (1% below national, BEA RPP 98.5), that paycheck buys what $45,224 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.0% below the Arizona state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In El Mirage, Arizona, the earnings for certified nursing assistants are projected to reach a median annual salary of $44,546 in 2026, slightly below the national level of $45,007. Local estimates reflect a salary range that starts at $35,180 for entry-level positions and peaks at $54,264 for more experienced or specialized roles. These figures are informed by 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional price variations. While many CNAs opt for employment in skilled nursing facilities and assisted living communities, hospitals typically offer higher compensation, especially in critical care environments. The differential in pay between these settings highlights the importance of understanding employer choices when considering a career as a nursing assistant in El Mirage.
About the El Mirage Market
Salary estimated from Arizona average ($39,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $35,180 | $16.91 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40,996 | $19.71 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $44,546 | $21.42 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $49,895 | $23.98 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $54,264 | $26.09 |
Median Salary Position
1.02% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in El Mirage
In El Mirage, AZ, the certified nursing assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $19,084 (2026 est.). At $44,546, the local median is 1.02% below the national median of $45,007.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in El Mirage: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How El Mirage Certified Nursing Assistant Pay Compares
El Mirage median: $44,546/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | El Mirage Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona Average | $45,923 | -3.00% less |
| National Average | $45,007 | -1.02% less |
Certified Nursing Assistants in El Mirage, AZ earn a median of $44,546 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.02% lower than the national median of $45,007 and 3.00% below the Arizona state average of $45,923.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
El Mirage 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.
El Mirage, AZ has a cost-of-living index of 98.5 (below the national average of 100). A certified nursing assistant earning $44,546 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $45,224 in an average-cost city — an effective 1.52% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$29,356
2025 BLS Actual
$41,827
2026 Current Est.
$44,546
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in El Mirage (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29,356 | Actual |
| 2020 | $30,534 | Actual |
| 2021 | $29,999 | Actual |
| 2022 | $35,394 | Actual |
| 2023 | $37,809 | Actual |
| 2024 | $37,246 | Actual |
| 2025 | $41,827 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $44,546 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $47,441 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the El Mirage metropolitan area, the median certified nursing assistant salary grew 42.5% from $29,356 (2019) to $41,827 (2025). At a 6.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $47,441 by 2027 — a total increase of $18,085 (61.61%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the El Mirage 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) | $35,180 – $40,996 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $40,996 – $44,546 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $44,546 – $49,895 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $49,895 – $54,264 |
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 El Mirage
With only eight certified nursing assistants currently employed in El Mirage, the job market remains relatively niche but targeted, creating a unique dynamic for job seekers. The cost of living in the area, which sits just below the national average with an index of 98.5, plays a significant role in determining take-home pay and purchasing power. For those aspiring to enhance their certified nursing assistant pay in El Mirage, it’s essential to consider opportunities in facilities that offer shift differentials, particularly during nights and weekends, which can add $1-$4 per hour. Additionally, CNAs who acquire CMA (Certified Medication Aide) certification or are willing to work weekend-only shifts may also find substantial premiums. To maximize earning potential, it's advisable to engage with various local healthcare providers, particularly those facing staffing shortages, as they may offer agency premiums or other incentives to attract qualified candidates.
More salary data for El Mirage, 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 $41,827 for certified nursing assistantsin the El Mirage 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 El Mirage 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