Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Arkansas: $36,817 (2026)
Quick Answer:Across Arkansas's 21 metropolitan areas, the average median certified nursing assistant pay sits at $36,817/year heading into 2026 — a figure projected from 2025 BLS OEWS wage data for SOC 31-1131. Because Arkansas sits at BEA RPP 86.9 (13% below the U.S. baseline), that statewide median translates to roughly $42,367 in nationally-comparable purchasing power. Highest-paying metros: Rogers ($36,406), Springdale ($36,380), Fayetteville ($35,820).
The average median salary for certified nursing assistants (CNAs) in Arkansas is projected to be $36,817 in 2026, notably lower than the national median of $45,007, reflecting an 18.2% difference. Salary variations exist between cities; for instance, the highest-paying city, Rogers, offers $38,772, while Hot Springs, the lowest, pays $31,886. This disparity can be attributed to local cost of living, demand for healthcare services, and competition for skilled workers. In Arkansas, CNAs must complete state-specific licensing requirements which can influence job availability and earnings. The scope of practice laws define the responsibilities that CNAs can perform, impacting their roles and overall job demand. Factors such as an aging population in need of healthcare services and increasing emphasis on long-term care contribute to a strong job outlook, with employment projected to grow at an annual rate of 6.50%. The total employment of certified nursing assistants in the state is estimated to be 11,141, indicating a steady demand for these essential roles. Major cities driving this employment include Springdale with a projected salary of $38,745, Fayetteville at $38,148, Little Rock at $37,669, and Jonesboro at $37,499, all reflecting the varying economic conditions across the state.
Arkansas Certified Nursing Assistant Salary Range
Overall salary range in Arkansas: $26,668 (lowest entry-level) to $47,532 (highest top earner)
Arkansas vs National Average
Arkansas certified nursing assistants earn 18.2% less than the national median ($-8,190/year difference).
Arkansas Certified Nursing Assistant Salary Distribution (2026)
Certified Nursing Assistant salaries in Arkansas range from $30,869 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $44,407 (top earners, 90th percentile), with a median of $36,817. The Arkansas median is $8,190 below the US national median of $45,007. The average hourly rate is $17.70/hr. Approximately 11,141 certified nursing assistants are employed across 21 cities.
2019 BLS Actual
$26,329
2025 BLS Actual
$34,570
2026 Current Est.
$36,817
2019–2027 Growth
+48.9%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Arkansas (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26,329 | Actual |
| 2020 | $26,752 | Actual |
| 2021 | $28,637 | Actual |
| 2022 | $30,304 | Actual |
| 2023 | $33,020 | Actual |
| 2024 | $34,152 | Actual |
| 2025 | $34,570 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $36,817 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $39,210 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Arkansas metropolitan area, the median certified nursing assistant salary grew 31.3% from $26,329 (2019) to $34,570 (2025). At a 6.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $39,210 by 2027 — a total increase of $12,881 (48.92%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Arkansas 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.
Top 5 Highest Paying Cities in Arkansas
Lowest Paying Cities in Arkansas
| City | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Hot Springs | $31,886 |
| Fort Smith | $34,101 |
| Texarkana | $34,724 |
| Van Buren | $34,807 |
| Bryant | $35,434 |
Best Value Cities for Certified Nursing Assistants in Arkansas
When adjusted for local cost of living, these Arkansas cities offer the most purchasing power for certified nursing assistants.
| City | Nominal Salary | CoL Index | Adjusted Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rogers | $38,772 | 86.9 | $44,617 |
| Springdale | $38,745 | 86.9 | $44,586 |
| Jonesboro | $37,499 | 85.876 | $43,666 |
| Jacksonville | $37,228 | 86.9 | $42,840 |
| North Little Rock | $37,113 | 86.9 | $42,708 |
Adjusted salary = nominal salary × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average. Lower index = lower cost of living.
Salary by Experience Level in Arkansas
| Experience Level | Estimated Annual |
|---|---|
| Entry Level (0-2 years) | $30,869 |
| Mid Career (3-7 years) | $36,817 |
| Experienced (7+ years) | $44,407 |
Estimates based on BLS percentile data averaged across Arkansas metro areas. Individual pay varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
All 21 Cities in Arkansas
| # | City | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rogers | $38,772 |
| 2 | Springdale | $38,745 |
| 3 | Fayetteville | $38,148 |
| 4 | Little Rock | $37,669 |
| 5 | Jonesboro | $37,499 |
| 6 | Jacksonville | $37,228 |
| 7 | North Little Rock | $37,113 |
| 8 | Bentonville | $37,045 |
| 9 | Conway | $36,869 |
| 10 | Benton | $36,736 |
| 11 | Paragould | $36,632 |
| 12 | Pine Bluff | $36,602 |
| 13 | Sherwood | $36,434 |
| 14 | Russellville | $36,241 |
| 15 | Cabot | $36,078 |
| 16 | Searcy | $35,701 |
| 17 | Bryant | $35,434 |
| 18 | Van Buren | $34,807 |
| 19 | Texarkana | $34,724 |
| 20 | Fort Smith | $34,101 |
| 21 | Hot Springs | $31,886 |
More Arkansas Salary Data
Hourly Rates
Explore certified nursing assistant hourly pay in Arkansas cities.
Entry Level
Starting salaries for new certified nursing assistants.
Senior / Experienced
Top earner salaries for experienced certified nursing assistants.
Explore More Certified Nursing Assistant Salary Data
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do certified nursing assistants make in Arkansas in 2026?
What is the highest paying city for certified nursing assistants in Arkansas?
How does Arkansas certified nursing assistant pay compare to the national average?
What is the entry-level certified nursing assistant salary in Arkansas?
How many certified nursing assistants are employed in Arkansas?
Which Arkansas city offers the best value for certified nursing assistants?
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
Statewide 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. A 6.50% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to each metro area's reported salary to estimate current 2026 certified nursing assistant compensation across Arkansas. State averages are employment-weighted across 21 metro areas — larger metro areas with more certified nursing assistantscontribute proportionally more to the average, producing figures that better reflect typical compensation. Individual pay varies by city, employer, certifications, and experience.
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