Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Middletown, DE: $42,290 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time certified nursing assistant in Middletown, DE earns a median $42,290/year (≈ $20.33/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Once you factor in Middletown's price level (2% above national, BEA RPP 101.7), that paycheck buys what $41,583 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.6% below the Delaware state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the certified nursing assistant salary in Middletown is projected to reach a median of $42,290, reflecting a wage reset that has occurred in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. With a salary range spanning from $35,553 at the 10th percentile to $48,600 at the 90th percentile, these figures represent local estimates based on 2025 BLS data and regional price adjustments. Compared to the national median salary of $45,007 for certified nursing assistants, this wage indicates a slight decrease, approximately 6.04% lower. Despite the competitive nature of the local healthcare landscape, with a limited number of employed CNAs in the area, it’s crucial for those pursuing a career in this field to understand the dynamics that shape pay structures in Middletown.
About the Middletown Market
Salary estimated from Delaware average ($38,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $35,553 | $17.09 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $37,711 | $18.13 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $42,290 | $20.33 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $45,812 | $22.02 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $48,600 | $23.37 |
Median Salary Position
6.04% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Middletown
In Middletown, DE, the certified nursing assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $13,047 (2026 est.). At $42,290, the local median is 6.04% below the national median of $45,007.
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At 40 hours/week in Middletown: You'd be above the median
How Middletown Certified Nursing Assistant Pay Compares
Middletown median: $42,290/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Middletown Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Delaware Average | $45,768 | -7.60% less |
| National Average | $45,007 | -6.04% less |
Certified Nursing Assistants in Middletown, DE earn a median of $42,290 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.04% lower than the national median of $45,007 and 7.60% below the Delaware state average of $45,768.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Middletown has a cost of living 1.70% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Middletown, DE has a cost-of-living index of 101.7 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $42,290 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $41,583 — a 1.67% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$27,870
2025 BLS Actual
$39,709
2026 Current Est.
$42,290
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Middletown (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $27,870 | Actual |
| 2020 | $28,988 | Actual |
| 2021 | $28,480 | Actual |
| 2022 | $33,601 | Actual |
| 2023 | $35,894 | Actual |
| 2024 | $35,707 | Actual |
| 2025 | $39,709 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $42,290 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $45,039 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Middletown metropolitan area, the median certified nursing assistant salary grew 42.5% from $27,870 (2019) to $39,709 (2025). At a 6.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $45,039 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,169 (61.60%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Middletown 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) | $35,553 – $37,711 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $37,711 – $42,290 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $42,290 – $45,812 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $45,812 – $48,600 |
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 Middletown
The local job market for certified nursing assistants in Middletown DE remains relatively tight, with only six individuals currently employed in this role. The cost of living index stands at 101.7, indicating that while salaries may be lower than the national average, the purchasing power must also be taken into account. Among local employers, skilled nursing facilities and hospitals typically offer the highest wages, especially for CNAs willing to work night shifts or weekends, where pay rates can increase by $2-4 per hour. Factors such as agency premiums during staffing shortages, certification stipends for CNAs, and specialization incentives also contribute to the variation in salaries. For those looking to maximize their income within this market, pursuing roles with weekend or night differentials, as well as additional training to bridge into LPN or RN positions, are effective strategies to enhance long-term earnings.
More salary data for Middletown, DE:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can certified nursing assistants make $100K in Middletown?
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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 $39,709 for certified nursing assistantsin the Middletown 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 Middletown 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