Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Phoenix, AZ: $48,234 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time certified nursing assistant in Phoenix, AZ earns a median $48,234/year (≈ $23.19/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Once you factor in Phoenix's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.3), that paycheck buys what $46,686 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.0% above the Arizona state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, earning a median annual salary of $48,234 as a certified nursing assistant (CNA) in Phoenix, AZ, reflects a competitive edge compared to the national figure of $45,007. The salary range for this profession spans from $39,703 at the 10th percentile to $62,878 at the 90th percentile, according to estimates based on 2025 BLS OEWS data. This demonstrates a solid growth in compensation for CNAs, especially considering the ongoing trend of rising wages in the healthcare sector following pandemic-related staffing challenges. Those who pursue advanced roles, such as transitioning to licensed practical nurse (LPN) credentials, can expect even greater salary enhancements, making Phoenix a promising market for both career advancement and financial stability within the nursing support field.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,703 | $19.08 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $41,588 | $20.00 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $48,234 | $23.19 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $49,693 | $23.89 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $62,878 | $30.24 |
Median Salary Position
7.17% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Phoenix
In Phoenix, AZ, the certified nursing assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $23,175 (2026 est.). At $48,234, the local median is 7.17% above the national median of $45,007.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Phoenix: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Phoenix Certified Nursing Assistant Pay Compares
Phoenix median: $48,234/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Phoenix Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona Average | $45,937 | +5.00% more |
| National Average | $45,007 | +7.17% more |
Certified Nursing Assistants in Phoenix, AZ earn a median of $48,234 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.17% higher than the national median of $45,007 and 5.00% above the Arizona state average of $45,937.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Phoenix has a cost of living 3.32% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Phoenix, AZ has a cost-of-living index of 103.316 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $48,234 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $46,686 — a 3.21% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$33,240
2025 BLS Actual
$45,290
2026 Current Est.
$48,234
2019–2027 Growth
+54.5%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Phoenix (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33,240 | Actual |
| 2020 | $34,590 | Actual |
| 2021 | $36,770 | Actual |
| 2022 | $38,320 | Actual |
| 2023 | $40,610 | Actual |
| 2024 | $42,690 | Actual |
| 2025 | $45,290 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $48,234 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $51,369 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Phoenix metropolitan area, the median certified nursing assistant salary grew 36.3% from $33,240 (2019) to $45,290 (2025). At a 6.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $51,369 by 2027 — a total increase of $18,129 (54.54%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Phoenix 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) | $39,703 – $41,588 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $41,588 – $48,234 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $48,234 – $49,693 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $49,693 – $62,878 |
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 Phoenix
The local job market has a substantial workforce, employing approximately 13,550 certified nursing assistants in the Phoenix area. With a cost-of-living index of 103.316, it’s crucial for CNAs to understand how this affects their take-home pay. Certain employers, especially skilled nursing facilities and hospitals, tend to offer the highest wages, while home health agencies and assisted living communities often provide competitive compensation as well. The disparity in salaries can also be attributed to factors such as shift differentials, which can add $2 to $4 per hour for night shifts or weekends. Furthermore, those holding CMA certifications may receive additional stipends. To maximize their earning potential, CNAs in Phoenix should explore opportunities in high-need settings or positions that offer weekend-only schedules, as well as staying informed about staffing shortages that might allow for agency work with premium pay.
More salary data for Phoenix, 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 $45,290 for certified nursing assistantsin the Phoenix 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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