Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Scottsdale, AZ: $48,418 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time certified nursing assistant in Scottsdale, AZ earns a median $48,418/year (≈ $23.28/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Once you factor in Scottsdale's price level (1% below national, BEA RPP 98.5), that paycheck buys what $49,155 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.4% above the Arizona state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the certified nursing assistant salary in Scottsdale is projected to reach a median annual pay of $48,418, reflecting a competitive edge compared to the national median of $45,007. This figure is situated within a salary range from $37,066 at the 10th percentile to $61,162 at the 90th percentile, showcasing the potential for significant income growth in this sector. These estimates derive from 2025 BLS state-level data, adjusted for local economic conditions. With an expected growth rate of 6.50%, Scottsdale's market is promising for individuals entering or advancing in the certified nursing assistant field, particularly as healthcare facilities recover from the staffing challenges brought on by the pandemic.
About the Scottsdale Market
Salary estimated from Arizona average ($39,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,066 | $17.82 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $41,332 | $19.87 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $48,418 | $23.28 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $55,939 | $26.89 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $61,162 | $29.40 |
Median Salary Position
7.58% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Scottsdale
In Scottsdale, AZ, the certified nursing assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $24,096 (2026 est.). At $48,418, the local median is 7.58% above the national median of $45,007.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Scottsdale: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Scottsdale Certified Nursing Assistant Pay Compares
Scottsdale median: $48,418/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Scottsdale Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona Average | $45,937 | +5.40% more |
| National Average | $45,007 | +7.58% more |
Certified Nursing Assistants in Scottsdale, AZ earn a median of $48,418 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.58% higher than the national median of $45,007 and 5.40% above the Arizona state average of $45,937.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Scottsdale 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.
Scottsdale, AZ has a cost-of-living index of 98.5 (below the national average of 100). A certified nursing assistant earning $48,418 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $49,155 in an average-cost city — an effective 1.52% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$31,908
2025 BLS Actual
$45,463
2026 Current Est.
$48,418
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Scottsdale (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31,908 | Actual |
| 2020 | $33,188 | Actual |
| 2021 | $32,607 | Actual |
| 2022 | $38,470 | Actual |
| 2023 | $41,095 | Actual |
| 2024 | $40,484 | Actual |
| 2025 | $45,463 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $48,418 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $51,565 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Scottsdale metropolitan area, the median certified nursing assistant salary grew 42.5% from $31,908 (2019) to $45,463 (2025). At a 6.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $51,565 by 2027 — a total increase of $19,657 (61.61%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Scottsdale 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) | $37,066 – $41,332 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $41,332 – $48,418 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $48,418 – $55,939 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $55,939 – $61,162 |
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 Scottsdale
The local job market indicates that there are currently 44 certified nursing assistants employed in Scottsdale, AZ. With a cost of living index of 98.5, the purchasing power for CNAs is slightly above average, which may enhance their quality of life compared to other regions. The highest-paying employers in Scottsdale typically include skilled nursing facilities and hospitals, particularly those staffing medical/surgical floors and ICUs. The disparity in pay among CNAs is often influenced by shift differentials—nights can earn an additional $2-4 per hour, while weekends may add $1-3. Additionally, specialized roles such as weekend-only positions or those at facilities with higher acuity levels often attract premium pay. For those looking to maximize their certified nursing assistant pay in Scottsdale, pursuing certifications, considering agency roles during staffing shortages, and aiming for shift work can be effective strategies.
More salary data for Scottsdale, 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 $45,463 for certified nursing assistantsin the Scottsdale 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 Scottsdale 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