Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Pensacola, FL: $38,798 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time certified nursing assistant in Pensacola, FL earns a median $38,798/year (≈ $18.65/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Once you factor in Pensacola's price level (2% below national, BEA RPP 97.7), that paycheck buys what $39,704 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.5% below the Florida state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, certified nursing assistants in Pensacola, Florida, will command a median annual salary of $38,798, which is significantly below the national median of $45,007. The salary range reflects various experience levels and settings, with earnings spanning from $35,241 at the 10th percentile to $48,138 at the 90th percentile. This data comes from 2025 BLS OEWS surveys, projecting insights into the compensation landscape for nursing assistants in the area. As more individuals pursue their credentials and seek advancement in their careers, many will consider bridging to licensed practical nursing (LPN) roles. The differences in pay and responsibilities between positions are notable, creating a competitive atmosphere in Pensacola's healthcare job market.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $35,241 | $16.94 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $37,488 | $18.02 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $38,798 | $18.65 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $40,406 | $19.43 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $48,138 | $23.14 |
Median Salary Position
13.8% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Pensacola
In Pensacola, FL, the certified nursing assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $12,897 (2026 est.). At $38,798, the local median is 13.8% below the national median of $45,007.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Pensacola: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Pensacola Certified Nursing Assistant Pay Compares
Pensacola median: $38,798/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Pensacola Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Florida Average | $39,389 | -1.50% less |
| National Average | $45,007 | -13.80% less |
Certified Nursing Assistants in Pensacola, FL earn a median of $38,798 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.80% lower than the national median of $45,007 and 1.50% below the Florida state average of $39,389.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Pensacola has a cost of living 2.28% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Pensacola, FL has a cost-of-living index of 97.717 (below the national average of 100). A certified nursing assistant earning $38,798 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $39,704 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.34% boost.
Compare Purchasing Power
Select a city to see how your salary compares after cost of living
Select a city above to compare purchasing power
2019 BLS Actual
$24,530
2025 BLS Actual
$36,430
2026 Current Est.
$38,798
2019–2027 Growth
+68.4%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Pensacola (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $24,530 | Actual |
| 2020 | $25,340 | Actual |
| 2021 | $28,380 | Actual |
| 2022 | $29,880 | Actual |
| 2023 | $33,940 | Actual |
| 2024 | $35,700 | Actual |
| 2025 | $36,430 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $38,798 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $41,320 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Pensacola metropolitan area, the median certified nursing assistant salary grew 48.5% from $24,530 (2019) to $36,430 (2025). At a 6.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $41,320 by 2027 — a total increase of $16,790 (68.45%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Pensacola 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) | $35,241 – $37,488 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $37,488 – $38,798 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $38,798 – $40,406 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $40,406 – $48,138 |
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 Pensacola
As of now, approximately 2,150 certified nursing assistants are employed across Pensacola, FL, contributing to regional health facilities that support the area's population. With a cost-of-living index at 97.717, the affordability of living in Pensacola somewhat alleviates the lower wages compared to national averages. Among local employers, skilled nursing facilities and hospitals often provide higher pay, particularly for roles in ICUs and rehabilitation settings. Factors such as shift differentials can enhance earnings; night shifts may offer an additional $2-4 per hour while weekend shifts can attract bonuses of $1-3 per hour. It’s essential for nursing assistants to actively seek opportunities for premium roles, including weekend-only positions or those requiring specialized training, to maximize their potential earnings in Pensacola.
More salary data for Pensacola, FL:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do certified nursing assistants make in Pensacola, FL in 2026?
Is Pensacola, FL a good place to work as a certified nursing assistant?
Can certified nursing assistants make $100K in Pensacola?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted certified nursing assistant salary in Pensacola?
How much does a certified nursing assistant make per hour in Pensacola?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Florida
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 $36,430 for certified nursing assistantsin the Pensacola 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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