Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Bear, DE: $43,863 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time certified nursing assistant in Bear, DE earns a median $43,863/year (≈ $21.09/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Once you factor in Bear's price level (2% above national, BEA RPP 101.7), that paycheck buys what $43,130 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.2% below the Delaware state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Bear, Delaware, the projected median annual salary for certified nursing assistants is $43,863 for 2026, reflecting a 2.54% dip compared to the national figure of $45,007. The expected salary range spans from $37,235 at the lower end (P10) to $49,194 for those at the top of the scale (P90). These figures are based on estimates derived from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional cost of living, which is slightly above the national average. The Bear job market remains stable, particularly for those considering the transition to licensed practical nurse (LPN) positions, where additional credentials can lead to higher pay and increased opportunities within the healthcare sector.
About the Bear Market
Salary estimated from Delaware average ($38,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,235 | $17.90 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $39,374 | $18.93 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $43,863 | $21.09 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $46,895 | $22.55 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $49,194 | $23.65 |
Median Salary Position
2.54% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Bear
In Bear, DE, the certified nursing assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $11,959 (2026 est.). At $43,863, the local median is 2.54% below the national median of $45,007.
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How Bear Certified Nursing Assistant Pay Compares
Bear median: $43,863/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Bear Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Delaware Average | $45,786 | -4.20% less |
| National Average | $45,007 | -2.54% less |
Certified Nursing Assistants in Bear, DE earn a median of $43,863 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.54% lower than the national median of $45,007 and 4.20% below the Delaware state average of $45,786.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Bear has a cost of living 1.70% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Bear, DE has a cost-of-living index of 101.7 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $43,863 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $43,130 — a 1.67% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$28,906
2025 BLS Actual
$41,186
2026 Current Est.
$43,863
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Bear (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28,906 | Actual |
| 2020 | $30,066 | Actual |
| 2021 | $29,540 | Actual |
| 2022 | $34,851 | Actual |
| 2023 | $37,229 | Actual |
| 2024 | $37,035 | Actual |
| 2025 | $41,186 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $43,863 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $46,714 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Bear metropolitan area, the median certified nursing assistant salary grew 42.5% from $28,906 (2019) to $41,186 (2025). At a 6.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $46,714 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,808 (61.61%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bear 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) | $37,235 – $39,374 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $39,374 – $43,863 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $43,863 – $46,895 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $46,895 – $49,194 |
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 Bear
Currently, there are only six certified nursing assistants employed in Bear, which indicates a compact job market likely influenced by the area's cost of living index of 101.7, suggesting expenses are higher than the national average. Among local employers, skilled nursing facilities often offer the best compensation, providing opportunities to increase earnings through shift differentials for night and weekend work, along with potential agency premiums during staffing shortages. Additionally, those with certified medication assistant (CMA) certification or who are willing to take on weekend-only roles may find enhanced pay scales. Maximizing earning potential in Bear involves strategically seeking positions with higher acuity levels, which typically come with greater pay grades, and remaining adaptable to shifts and schedules that offer financial incentives.
More salary data for Bear, DE:
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 $41,186 for certified nursing assistantsin the Bear 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 Bear 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