Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in North Little Rock, AR: $37,113 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time certified nursing assistant in North Little Rock, AR earns a median $37,113/year (≈ $17.84/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Once you factor in North Little Rock's price level (13% below national, BEA RPP 86.9), that paycheck buys what $42,708 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.0% below the Arkansas state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the certified nursing assistant salary in North Little Rock is projected to reach a median of $37,113 annually, representing a notable decrease of 17.54% when compared to the national median salary of $45,007. The earnings range for nursing assistants in the area spans from $30,398 at the lower end to $46,899 for those in higher-paying positions. These figures reflect local estimates based on 2025 BLS data and consider regional price adjustments. The lower salary compared to the national average may stem from the area's cost of living, enabling potential employers to offer competitive wages. For CNAs looking to advance, pursuing a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) credential can lead to significantly higher pay and increased job opportunities in North Little Rock’s nursing facilities.
About the North Little Rock Market
Salary estimated from Arkansas average ($30,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $30,398 | $14.61 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $33,002 | $15.87 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $37,113 | $17.84 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $42,383 | $20.37 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $46,899 | $22.55 |
Median Salary Position
17.54% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in North Little Rock
In North Little Rock, AR, the certified nursing assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $16,501 (2026 est.). At $37,113, the local median is 17.54% below the national median of $45,007.
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At 40 hours/week in North Little Rock: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How North Little Rock Certified Nursing Assistant Pay Compares
North Little Rock median: $37,113/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | North Little Rock Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Arkansas Average | $37,488 | -1.00% less |
| National Average | $45,007 | -17.54% less |
Certified Nursing Assistants in North Little Rock, AR earn a median of $37,113 per year (2026 est.), which is 17.54% lower than the national median of $45,007 and 1.00% below the Arkansas state average of $37,488.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
North Little Rock 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.
North Little Rock, AR has a cost-of-living index of 86.9 (below the national average of 100). A certified nursing assistant earning $37,113 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $42,708 in an average-cost city — an effective 15.08% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$24,458
2025 BLS Actual
$34,848
2026 Current Est.
$37,113
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in North Little Rock (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $24,458 | Actual |
| 2020 | $25,439 | Actual |
| 2021 | $24,994 | Actual |
| 2022 | $29,488 | Actual |
| 2023 | $31,500 | Actual |
| 2024 | $25,428 | Actual |
| 2025 | $34,848 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $37,113 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $39,525 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the North Little Rock metropolitan area, the median certified nursing assistant salary grew 42.5% from $24,458 (2019) to $34,848 (2025). At a 6.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $39,525 by 2027 — a total increase of $15,067 (61.60%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the North Little Rock 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) | $30,398 – $33,002 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $33,002 – $37,113 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $37,113 – $42,383 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $42,383 – $46,899 |
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 North Little Rock
The job market for certified nursing assistants in North Little Rock includes approximately 15 employed in the field. The cost of living index in the area is 86.9, indicating a lower-than-average living expense that may improve overall purchasing power for those earning CNA wages. Among the various employers, skilled nursing facilities and hospitals tend to offer the most competitive pay, particularly for positions involving critical care or higher patient acuity levels. Factors influencing the disparity between entry-level and experienced wages include shift differentials, with night shifts generally offering an additional $2-4 per hour and weekend work providing a premium of $1-3. Moreover, certified nursing assistants may earn extra incentives during staffing shortages or when holding CMA certification. To maximize earning potential in North Little Rock, CNAs would benefit from pursuing shifts that offer pay differentials and taking advantage of opportunities for continued education and specialization.
More salary data for North Little Rock, 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 $34,848 for certified nursing assistantsin the North Little Rock 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 North Little Rock 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