Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Melbourne, FL: $40,391 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time certified nursing assistant in Melbourne, FL earns a median $40,391/year (≈ $19.41/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Once you factor in Melbourne's price level (1% above national, BEA RPP 100.8), that paycheck buys what $40,070 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.6% above the Florida state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, a certified nursing assistant salary in Melbourne, FL is projected to reach a median annual income of $40,391, which is approximately 10.26% lower than the national median of $45,007. The salary range in this region spans from $32,462 at the 10th percentile to $48,586 at the 90th percentile, indicating a diverse earnings potential based on experience and setting. These figures unite local estimates derived from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional cost disparities affecting the overall compensation landscape. For those contemplating a transition from CNA to LPN, the additional credential can significantly enhance earnings, as salaries increase with greater responsibilities and skills.
About the Melbourne Market
Salary estimated from Florida average ($35,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $32,462 | $15.60 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $35,327 | $16.99 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $40,391 | $19.41 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $44,653 | $21.47 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $48,586 | $23.36 |
Median Salary Position
10.26% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Melbourne
In Melbourne, FL, the certified nursing assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $16,124 (2026 est.). At $40,391, the local median is 10.26% below the national median of $45,007.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Melbourne: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Melbourne Certified Nursing Assistant Pay Compares
Melbourne median: $40,391/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Melbourne Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Florida Average | $39,368 | +2.60% more |
| National Average | $45,007 | -10.26% less |
Certified Nursing Assistants in Melbourne, FL earn a median of $40,391 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.26% lower than the national median of $45,007 and 2.60% above the Florida state average of $39,368.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Melbourne has a cost of living 0.80% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Melbourne, FL has a cost-of-living index of 100.8 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $40,391 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $40,070 — a 0.79% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$26,618
2025 BLS Actual
$37,926
2026 Current Est.
$40,391
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Melbourne (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26,618 | Actual |
| 2020 | $27,686 | Actual |
| 2021 | $27,202 | Actual |
| 2022 | $32,093 | Actual |
| 2023 | $34,282 | Actual |
| 2024 | $35,733 | Actual |
| 2025 | $37,926 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $40,391 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $43,017 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Melbourne metropolitan area, the median certified nursing assistant salary grew 42.5% from $26,618 (2019) to $37,926 (2025). At a 6.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $43,017 by 2027 — a total increase of $16,399 (61.61%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Melbourne 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) | $32,462 – $35,327 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $35,327 – $40,391 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $40,391 – $44,653 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $44,653 – $48,586 |
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 Melbourne
The local job market in Melbourne currently employs 12 certified nursing assistants, offering insight into the competitive landscape. Given the cost of living index at 100.8, nursing assistants may find their purchasing power somewhat limited compared to the national average. Those seeking higher pay should consider opportunities in skilled nursing facilities and hospitals, which often provide the most lucrative compensation packages. Factors contributing to the variability in earnings include shift differentials, with night shifts attracting an additional $2-4/hour and weekend work generally resulting in a $1-3/hour premium. Strategies to maximize certified nursing assistant pay in Melbourne FL include pursuing specialized certifications, taking on higher acuity roles, and being open to agency work during peak staffing shortages, which often offer premium pay incentives.
More salary data for Melbourne, FL:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do certified nursing assistants make in Melbourne, FL in 2026?
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Can certified nursing assistants make $100K in Melbourne?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted certified nursing assistant salary in Melbourne?
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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 $37,926 for certified nursing assistantsin the Melbourne 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 Melbourne 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