Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Winter Haven, FL: $39,127 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time certified nursing assistant in Winter Haven, FL earns a median $39,127/year (≈ $18.81/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Once you factor in Winter Haven's price level (1% above national, BEA RPP 100.8), that paycheck buys what $38,816 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.7% below the Florida state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the certified nursing assistant salary in Winter Haven, FL is projected to reach a median annual value of $39,127. This figure reflects a salary range spanning from $31,287 at the 10th percentile to $48,292 at the 90th percentile, illustrating the diverse earning potential within this profession. These estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional costs, indicate that while local salaries trail the national median of $45,007 by approximately 13.06%, there are opportunities for growth in the workforce. As the demand for nursing professionals continues to rise, aspiring certified nursing assistants may find a pathway to increased earnings by pursuing advanced credentials, such as transitioning into licensed practical nurses (LPNs) or registered nurses (RNs), which can significantly elevate their salary structures and job prospects in Winter Haven's healthcare environment.
About the Winter Haven Market
Salary estimated from Florida average ($35,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $31,287 | $15.04 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $34,101 | $16.39 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $39,127 | $18.81 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $43,992 | $21.15 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $48,292 | $23.22 |
Median Salary Position
13.06% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Winter Haven
In Winter Haven, FL, the certified nursing assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $17,005 (2026 est.). At $39,127, the local median is 13.06% below the national median of $45,007.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Winter Haven: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Winter Haven Certified Nursing Assistant Pay Compares
Winter Haven median: $39,127/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Winter Haven Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Florida Average | $39,403 | -0.70% less |
| National Average | $45,007 | -13.06% less |
Certified Nursing Assistants in Winter Haven, FL earn a median of $39,127 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.06% lower than the national median of $45,007 and 0.70% below the Florida state average of $39,403.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Winter Haven has a cost of living 0.80% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Winter Haven, FL has a cost-of-living index of 100.8 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $39,127 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $38,816 — a 0.79% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$25,785
2025 BLS Actual
$36,739
2026 Current Est.
$39,127
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Winter Haven (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $25,785 | Actual |
| 2020 | $26,820 | Actual |
| 2021 | $26,350 | Actual |
| 2022 | $31,088 | Actual |
| 2023 | $33,209 | Actual |
| 2024 | $35,644 | Actual |
| 2025 | $36,739 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $39,127 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $41,670 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Winter Haven metropolitan area, the median certified nursing assistant salary grew 42.5% from $25,785 (2019) to $36,739 (2025). At a 6.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $41,670 by 2027 — a total increase of $15,885 (61.61%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Winter Haven 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) | $31,287 – $34,101 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $34,101 – $39,127 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $39,127 – $43,992 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $43,992 – $48,292 |
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 Winter Haven
Despite the competitive salary figures, the local job market for certified nursing assistants is relatively small, with only 10 individuals currently employed in Winter Haven. The cost of living index sits at 100.8, slightly above the national average, which can affect overall purchasing power for those in this role. Among the community’s healthcare providers, skilled nursing facilities and assisted living communities tend to offer the most competitive wages. Factors contributing to the significant pay differences include shift differentials for night and weekend shifts, agency premiums during staffing shortages, and the potential for additional stipends for those with Certified Medication Assistant (CMA) credentials. To maximize earnings, certified nursing assistants should consider these variables and actively seek opportunities involving higher acuity care or weekend-only roles. Balancing full-time hours with strategic shifts can create a more favorable income scenario in Winter Haven’s healthcare sector.
More salary data for Winter Haven, 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 $36,739 for certified nursing assistantsin the Winter Haven 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 Winter Haven 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