Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Tampa, FL: $39,906 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time certified nursing assistant in Tampa, FL earns a median $39,906/year (≈ $19.19/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Once you factor in Tampa's price level (1% above national, BEA RPP 100.9), that paycheck buys what $39,554 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.3% above the Florida state average.
Official BLS data · View source
Certified nursing assistants in Tampa, Florida, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $39,906 in 2026, reflecting a post-COVID wage reset for the industry. This figure sits notably lower than the national median of $45,007, delineating a pay structure that ranges from $37,275 at the 10th percentile to $48,958 at the 90th percentile. These insights are drawn from the official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) data, which indicate a competitive local market as certified nursing assistants navigate a significant demand for their skills in the wake of staffing challenges. It is an evolving job landscape, critical for those seeking a stable career path in healthcare.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,275 | $17.92 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $38,915 | $18.71 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $39,906 | $19.19 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $41,972 | $20.18 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $48,958 | $23.54 |
Median Salary Position
11.33% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Tampa
In Tampa, FL, the certified nursing assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $11,683 (2026 est.). At $39,906, the local median is 11.33% below the national median of $45,007.
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At 40 hours/week in Tampa: You'd be in the entry-level range
How Tampa Certified Nursing Assistant Pay Compares
Tampa median: $39,906/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Tampa Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Florida Average | $39,393 | +1.30% more |
| National Average | $45,007 | -11.33% less |
Certified Nursing Assistants in Tampa, FL earn a median of $39,906 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.33% lower than the national median of $45,007 and 1.30% above the Florida state average of $39,393.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Tampa has a cost of living 0.89% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Tampa, FL has a cost-of-living index of 100.89 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $39,906 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $39,554 — a 0.88% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$28,460
2025 BLS Actual
$37,470
2026 Current Est.
$39,906
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Tampa (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28,460 | Actual |
| 2020 | $28,890 | Actual |
| 2021 | $29,240 | Actual |
| 2022 | $34,480 | Actual |
| 2023 | $36,580 | Actual |
| 2024 | $36,700 | Actual |
| 2025 | $37,470 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $39,906 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $42,499 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Tampa metropolitan area, the median certified nursing assistant salary grew 31.7% from $28,460 (2019) to $37,470 (2025). At a 6.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $42,499 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,039 (49.33%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Tampa 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) | $37,275 – $38,915 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $38,915 – $39,906 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $39,906 – $41,972 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $41,972 – $48,958 |
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 Tampa
In Tampa, where approximately 15,120 certified nursing assistants are employed, the local job market demonstrates considerable resilience despite recent fluctuations. The cost-of-living index stands at 100.89, slightly above the national average, impacting the effective take-home pay for CNAs in the region. Healthcare facilities such as hospitals and skilled nursing facilities often offer the highest compensation, especially in high-acuity settings. Factors contributing to wage variation include shift differentials, with nighttime shifts potentially earning an extra $2-4 per hour, and premiums for working weekends. Additionally, those who pursue Certified Medication Aide (CMA) certification or take on agency roles during staffing shortages may find higher pay rates. For those aiming to maximize their earning potential in this competitive market, it may be beneficial to explore part-time opportunities, engage in continuous education, or seek placements in higher-paying facilities.
More salary data for Tampa, FL:
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 $37,470 for certified nursing assistantsin the Tampa 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