Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Bryant, AR: $35,434 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time certified nursing assistant in Bryant, AR earns a median $35,434/year (≈ $17.04/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Once you factor in Bryant's price level (13% below national, BEA RPP 86.9), that paycheck buys what $40,776 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.5% below the Arkansas state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Certified nursing assistants in Bryant, Arkansas, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $35,434 in 2026, reflecting a salary range between $29,181 at the 10th percentile and $39,985 at the 90th percentile. This local estimate, derived from 2025 BLS data, showcases the differences in pay associated with various types of care settings, such as skilled nursing facilities versus hospitals. The ongoing need for workforce stability in these sectors continues to influence salary expectations, as many CNAs are seeking positions that provide both meaningful work and competitive pay. With the job market in Bryant adjusting to these demands, now is an opportune time for aspiring CNAs to enter the field or enhance their credentials.
About the Bryant Market
Salary estimated from Arkansas average ($30,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $29,181 | $14.03 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $31,182 | $15.00 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $35,434 | $17.04 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $38,009 | $18.28 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $39,985 | $19.22 |
Median Salary Position
21.27% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Bryant
In Bryant, AR, the certified nursing assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $10,804 (2026 est.). At $35,434, the local median is 21.27% below the national median of $45,007.
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At 40 hours/week in Bryant: You'd be above the median
How Bryant Certified Nursing Assistant Pay Compares
Bryant median: $35,434/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Bryant Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Arkansas Average | $37,496 | -5.50% less |
| National Average | $45,007 | -21.27% less |
Certified Nursing Assistants in Bryant, AR earn a median of $35,434 per year (2026 est.), which is 21.27% lower than the national median of $45,007 and 5.50% below the Arkansas state average of $37,496.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Bryant has a cost of living 13.10% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Bryant, AR has a cost-of-living index of 86.9 (below the national average of 100). A certified nursing assistant earning $35,434 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $40,776 in an average-cost city — an effective 15.08% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$23,351
2025 BLS Actual
$33,271
2026 Current Est.
$35,434
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Bryant (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $23,351 | Actual |
| 2020 | $24,288 | Actual |
| 2021 | $23,863 | Actual |
| 2022 | $28,154 | Actual |
| 2023 | $30,075 | Actual |
| 2024 | $24,634 | Actual |
| 2025 | $33,271 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $35,434 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $37,737 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Bryant metropolitan area, the median certified nursing assistant salary grew 42.5% from $23,351 (2019) to $33,271 (2025). At a 6.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $37,737 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,386 (61.61%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bryant 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) | $29,181 – $31,182 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $31,182 – $35,434 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $35,434 – $38,009 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $38,009 – $39,985 |
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 Bryant
The local job market for certified nursing assistants in Bryant is relatively concentrated, with only four employed in the area, which creates a competitive environment for job seekers. Given the cost-of-living index for Bryant stands at 86.9, this means that the purchasing power in the area tends to stretch further than in many other regions. In terms of employers, skilled nursing facilities typically offer the most competitive pay, especially for positions that require evening or weekend shifts, which may include additional hourly differential pay. Factors such as agency staffing needs or specialty certifications can also further widen the pay gap. To increase earning potential, certified nursing assistants should consider navigating into higher-need roles, pursuing opportunities for shift differentials, or exploring premium positions that specifically cater to weekends or holidays. Additionally, bridging courses toward LPN or RN positions can open doors to significantly higher salaries in the long run.
More salary data for Bryant, AR:
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 $33,271 for certified nursing assistantsin the Bryant 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 Bryant 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