Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Smyrna, DE: $42,404 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time certified nursing assistant in Smyrna, DE earns a median $42,404/year (≈ $20.38/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Once you factor in Smyrna's price level (2% above national, BEA RPP 101.7), that paycheck buys what $41,695 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.4% below the Delaware state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the certified nursing assistant salary in Smyrna, DE is projected to reach a median annual figure of $42,404. This positions the local compensation slightly below the national median of $45,007, reflecting a trend observed in many markets post-COVID where wage adjustments have been necessary to attract and retain staff. The salary range for certified nursing assistants in Smyrna will span from approximately $37,156 at the lower end to about $48,840 at the upper end. These estimates are derived from 2025 BLS data projected forward and take into account regional cost adjustments, considering Smyrna's cost of living index of 101.7, which indicates that living expenses are slightly above the national average. This context underpins the critical need for competitive wages in order to meet the demands of healthcare facilities in the area.
About the Smyrna Market
Salary estimated from Delaware average ($38,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,156 | $17.86 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $38,908 | $18.70 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $42,404 | $20.38 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $46,129 | $22.17 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $48,840 | $23.48 |
Median Salary Position
5.78% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Smyrna
In Smyrna, DE, the certified nursing assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $11,684 (2026 est.). At $42,404, the local median is 5.78% below the national median of $45,007.
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At 40 hours/week in Smyrna: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Smyrna Certified Nursing Assistant Pay Compares
Smyrna median: $42,404/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Smyrna Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Delaware Average | $45,793 | -7.40% less |
| National Average | $45,007 | -5.78% less |
Certified Nursing Assistants in Smyrna, DE earn a median of $42,404 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.78% lower than the national median of $45,007 and 7.40% below the Delaware state average of $45,793.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Smyrna has a cost of living 1.70% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Smyrna, DE has a cost-of-living index of 101.7 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $42,404 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $41,695 — a 1.67% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$27,945
2025 BLS Actual
$39,816
2026 Current Est.
$42,404
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Smyrna (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $27,945 | Actual |
| 2020 | $29,066 | Actual |
| 2021 | $28,557 | Actual |
| 2022 | $33,692 | Actual |
| 2023 | $35,991 | Actual |
| 2024 | $35,803 | Actual |
| 2025 | $39,816 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $42,404 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $45,160 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Smyrna metropolitan area, the median certified nursing assistant salary grew 42.5% from $27,945 (2019) to $39,816 (2025). At a 6.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $45,160 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,215 (61.60%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Smyrna 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) | $37,156 – $38,908 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $38,908 – $42,404 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $42,404 – $46,129 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $46,129 – $48,840 |
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 Smyrna
The local job market for certified nursing assistants shows some strength with only five individuals currently employed in this role in Smyrna. However, the cost-of-living factor means that purchasing power is a significant concern for CNAs in the area. Employers that typically offer higher wages include skilled nursing facilities and rehabilitation hospitals, known for their complex patient needs. The disparity between lower and higher salaries can often be attributed to additional factors such as shift differentials — with night shifts generally earning an extra $2 to $4 per hour — and agency premium pay during periods of staffing shortages. To maximize earning potential in Smyrna, certified nursing assistants should consider roles in weekend-only positions, which often come with premium pay, as well as pursuing advanced certifications that may result in higher pay grades. Many CNAs also look towards bridging to LPN or RN positions, which could offer further financial benefits and career advancement opportunities.
More salary data for Smyrna, 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 $39,816 for certified nursing assistantsin the Smyrna 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 Smyrna 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