Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Paragould, AR: $36,632 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time certified nursing assistant in Paragould, AR earns a median $36,632/year (≈ $17.62/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Once you factor in Paragould's price level (13% below national, BEA RPP 86.9), that paycheck buys what $42,154 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.3% below the Arkansas state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the certified nursing assistant salary in Paragould is projected to reach a median annual income of $36,632, a figure significantly below the national median of $45,007 for this occupation. With salaries ranging from $29,384 for the lowest earners (P10) to $45,158 for the highest (P90), these estimates emphasize the competitiveness of the local job market in comparison to larger metropolitan areas. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional cost variations, highlight a fundamental reality: certified nursing assistants working in skilled nursing facilities often earn differently than their peers in hospitals due to the distinct operational structures and funding sources. Overall, the job market indicates that while opportunities are available, the compensation levels require careful consideration by aspiring CNAs.
About the Paragould Market
Salary estimated from Arkansas average ($30,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $29,384 | $14.12 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $33,234 | $15.97 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $36,632 | $17.62 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $41,357 | $19.88 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $45,158 | $21.72 |
Median Salary Position
18.61% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Paragould
In Paragould, AR, the certified nursing assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $15,774 (2026 est.). At $36,632, the local median is 18.61% below the national median of $45,007.
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At 40 hours/week in Paragould: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Paragould Certified Nursing Assistant Pay Compares
Paragould median: $36,632/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Paragould Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Arkansas Average | $37,494 | -2.30% less |
| National Average | $45,007 | -18.61% less |
Certified Nursing Assistants in Paragould, AR earn a median of $36,632 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.61% lower than the national median of $45,007 and 2.30% below the Arkansas state average of $37,494.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Paragould 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.
Paragould, AR has a cost-of-living index of 86.9 (below the national average of 100). A certified nursing assistant earning $36,632 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $42,154 in an average-cost city — an effective 15.07% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$24,141
2025 BLS Actual
$34,396
2026 Current Est.
$36,632
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Paragould (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $24,141 | Actual |
| 2020 | $25,109 | Actual |
| 2021 | $24,670 | Actual |
| 2022 | $29,106 | Actual |
| 2023 | $31,092 | Actual |
| 2024 | $25,467 | Actual |
| 2025 | $34,396 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $36,632 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $39,013 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Paragould metropolitan area, the median certified nursing assistant salary grew 42.5% from $24,141 (2019) to $34,396 (2025). At a 6.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $39,013 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,872 (61.60%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Paragould 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) | $29,384 – $33,234 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $33,234 – $36,632 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $36,632 – $41,357 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $41,357 – $45,158 |
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 Paragould
While the local employment landscape includes only seven certified nursing assistants in Paragould, the cost-of-living index of 86.9 suggests that earnings can still stretch further than in higher-cost regions. This lower cost of living allows CNAs to potentially benefit from their salaries in everyday life, even though they may be lower than national averages. Among local employers, skilled nursing facilities tend to offer the highest wages, but variations exist depending on the work setting. Factors such as shift differentials—typically adding $2-4/hour for night shifts and $1-3/hour for weekends—can affect overall earnings, especially as agencies may offer premium pay during staffing shortages. For CNAs aiming to maximize their pay, pursuing certification as a medication aide or taking advantage of weekend-only roles can greatly enhance financial prospects while paving the way for future opportunities in LPN or RN programs.
More salary data for Paragould, 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 $34,396 for certified nursing assistantsin the Paragould 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 Paragould 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