Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Searcy, AR: $35,701 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time certified nursing assistant in Searcy, AR earns a median $35,701/year (≈ $17.17/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Once you factor in Searcy's price level (13% below national, BEA RPP 86.9), that paycheck buys what $41,083 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.8% below the Arkansas state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Searcy, Arkansas, the projected median annual salary for certified nursing assistants stands at $35,701 in 2026, reflecting the local labor market's value for this essential profession. The salary range spans from $29,902 at the 10th percentile to $39,680 at the 90th percentile, illustrating the variation in earnings based on experience and facility type. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS state-level data and adjusted for regional price differentials, showcase a significant gap compared to the national median of $45,007, emphasizing the local conditions that shape these wages. The job market here leans heavily towards skilled nursing facilities and assisted living communities, presenting unique pay scales and opportunities for advancement.
About the Searcy Market
Salary estimated from Arkansas average ($30,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $29,902 | $14.38 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $31,754 | $15.26 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $35,701 | $17.17 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $37,841 | $18.19 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $39,680 | $19.07 |
Median Salary Position
20.68% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Searcy
In Searcy, AR, the certified nursing assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $9,778 (2026 est.). At $35,701, the local median is 20.68% below the national median of $45,007.
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At 40 hours/week in Searcy: You'd be above the median
How Searcy Certified Nursing Assistant Pay Compares
Searcy median: $35,701/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Searcy Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Arkansas Average | $37,501 | -4.80% less |
| National Average | $45,007 | -20.68% less |
Certified Nursing Assistants in Searcy, AR earn a median of $35,701 per year (2026 est.), which is 20.68% lower than the national median of $45,007 and 4.80% below the Arkansas state average of $37,501.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Searcy 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.
Searcy, AR has a cost-of-living index of 86.9 (below the national average of 100). A certified nursing assistant earning $35,701 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $41,083 in an average-cost city — an effective 15.08% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$23,527
2025 BLS Actual
$33,522
2026 Current Est.
$35,701
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Searcy (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $23,527 | Actual |
| 2020 | $24,471 | Actual |
| 2021 | $24,043 | Actual |
| 2022 | $28,366 | Actual |
| 2023 | $30,301 | Actual |
| 2024 | $24,820 | Actual |
| 2025 | $33,522 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $35,701 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $38,021 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Searcy metropolitan area, the median certified nursing assistant salary grew 42.5% from $23,527 (2019) to $33,522 (2025). At a 6.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $38,021 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,494 (61.61%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Searcy 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) | $29,902 – $31,754 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $31,754 – $35,701 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $35,701 – $37,841 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $37,841 – $39,680 |
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 Searcy
As the demand for healthcare workers persists, Searcy’s job market only employs five certified nursing assistants, indicating a tight local workforce. With a cost-of-living index of 86.9, residents can expect their earnings to go further than in many other regions, providing better take-home purchasing power relative to higher cost areas. Among the local employers, skilled nursing facilities tend to offer the most competitive pay packages, especially when incorporating shift differentials, where night shifts typically earn an additional $2-4 per hour and weekend work sees premiums of $1-3. To maximize earnings, certified nursing assistants might consider pursuing weekend-only roles, obtaining CMA certification, or seeking positions in higher-acuity environments, which often pay more due to the demands and responsibilities involved. Furthermore, taking advantage of staffing shortages can also yield agency premium pay, creating opportunities for enhanced compensation within this evolving job market in Searcy, AR.
More salary data for Searcy, 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 $33,522 for certified nursing assistantsin the Searcy 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 Searcy 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