Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Tempe, AZ: $46,138 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time certified nursing assistant in Tempe, AZ earns a median $46,138/year (≈ $22.18/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Once you factor in Tempe's price level (1% below national, BEA RPP 98.5), that paycheck buys what $46,841 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.4% above the Arizona state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, certified nursing assistants in Tempe, Arizona, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $46,138, which is slightly higher than the national median of $45,007. The local salary range reflects significant potential for earnings, from $37,888 at the 10th percentile to $55,614 at the 90th percentile. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted to account for regional price differences in Tempe, showcase a vibrant job market for CNAs. For those considering career advancement, pursuing a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) credential can open doors to increased earning potential and a wider array of job opportunities, particularly given the ongoing demand for skilled nursing professionals in the area.
About the Tempe Market
Salary estimated from Arizona average ($39,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,888 | $18.21 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $41,119 | $19.77 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $46,138 | $22.18 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $50,923 | $24.48 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $55,614 | $26.74 |
Median Salary Position
2.51% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Tempe
In Tempe, AZ, the certified nursing assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $17,726 (2026 est.). At $46,138, the local median is 2.51% above the national median of $45,007.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Tempe: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Tempe Certified Nursing Assistant Pay Compares
Tempe median: $46,138/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Tempe Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona Average | $45,954 | +0.40% more |
| National Average | $45,007 | +2.51% more |
Certified Nursing Assistants in Tempe, AZ earn a median of $46,138 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.51% higher than the national median of $45,007 and 0.40% above the Arizona state average of $45,954.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Tempe 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.
Tempe, AZ has a cost-of-living index of 98.5 (below the national average of 100). A certified nursing assistant earning $46,138 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $46,841 in an average-cost city — an effective 1.52% boost.
Compare Purchasing Power
Select a city to see how your salary compares after cost of living
Select a city above to compare purchasing power
2019 BLS Actual
$30,405
2025 BLS Actual
$43,322
2026 Current Est.
$46,138
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Tempe (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30,405 | Actual |
| 2020 | $31,625 | Actual |
| 2021 | $31,072 | Actual |
| 2022 | $36,659 | Actual |
| 2023 | $39,160 | Actual |
| 2024 | $38,577 | Actual |
| 2025 | $43,322 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $46,138 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $49,137 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Tempe metropolitan area, the median certified nursing assistant salary grew 42.5% from $30,405 (2019) to $43,322 (2025). At a 6.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $49,137 by 2027 — a total increase of $18,732 (61.61%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Tempe 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) | $37,888 – $41,119 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $41,119 – $46,138 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $46,138 – $50,923 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $50,923 – $55,614 |
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 Tempe
Focusing on market dynamics, there are currently 43 certified nursing assistants employed in Tempe, which speaks to a stable workforce despite the cost of living index being slightly below the national average at 98.5. This affordability enhances the purchasing power of local CNAs, especially when considering the varied pay levels across employers. Skilled nursing facilities and hospitals typically offer higher wages compared to other healthcare settings such as assisted living communities or home health agencies. Pay discrepancies within the field can often be attributed to factors such as weekend and night shift differentials, with pay increases of $1-4 per hour for off-peak shifts. Those interested in maximizing their certified nursing assistant pay in Tempe should consider seeking roles in high-acuity settings, which often provide premium rates, or pursuing additional qualifications like a Certified Med Aide (CMA) certification for potential stipends.
More salary data for Tempe, AZ:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do certified nursing assistants make in Tempe, AZ in 2026?
Is Tempe, AZ a good place to work as a certified nursing assistant?
Can certified nursing assistants make $100K in Tempe?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted certified nursing assistant salary in Tempe?
How much does a certified nursing assistant make per hour in Tempe?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Arizona
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 $43,322 for certified nursing assistantsin the Tempe 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 Tempe 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