Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Franklin, IN: $39,738 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time certified nursing assistant in Franklin, IN earns a median $39,738/year (≈ $19.11/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Once you factor in Franklin's price level (9% below national, BEA RPP 91.3), that paycheck buys what $43,525 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.7% below the Indiana state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Franklin, Indiana, the certified nursing assistant salary situation reflects a recent post-COVID wage reset, with a median annual salary projected to be $39,738 in 2026. This figure indicates a recovery trend in the market, where salaries range from $32,296 at the 10th percentile to $46,935 at the 90th percentile, allowing for diversity in compensation based on experience and work settings. Local estimates derived from BLS state-level data, adjusted for regional price parities, depict a distinct local salary floor that aims to attract and retain essential nursing staff in a challenging labor environment. The competitive pay landscape for certified nursing assistants in Franklin is indicative of the wider demand for these roles following significant workforce disruptions since the pandemic.
About the Franklin Market
Salary estimated from Indiana average ($34,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $32,296 | $15.53 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $34,824 | $16.74 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $39,738 | $19.11 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $43,733 | $21.02 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $46,935 | $22.57 |
Median Salary Position
11.71% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Franklin
In Franklin, IN, the certified nursing assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $14,639 (2026 est.). At $39,738, the local median is 11.71% below the national median of $45,007.
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At 40 hours/week in Franklin: You'd be above the median
How Franklin Certified Nursing Assistant Pay Compares
Franklin median: $39,738/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Franklin Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Indiana Average | $40,426 | -1.70% less |
| National Average | $45,007 | -11.71% less |
Certified Nursing Assistants in Franklin, IN earn a median of $39,738 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.71% lower than the national median of $45,007 and 1.70% below the Indiana state average of $40,426.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Franklin has a cost of living 8.70% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Franklin, IN has a cost-of-living index of 91.3 (below the national average of 100). A certified nursing assistant earning $39,738 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $43,525 in an average-cost city — an effective 9.53% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$26,188
2025 BLS Actual
$37,313
2026 Current Est.
$39,738
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Franklin (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26,188 | Actual |
| 2020 | $27,239 | Actual |
| 2021 | $26,762 | Actual |
| 2022 | $31,574 | Actual |
| 2023 | $33,728 | Actual |
| 2024 | $30,517 | Actual |
| 2025 | $37,313 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $39,738 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $42,321 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Franklin metropolitan area, the median certified nursing assistant salary grew 42.5% from $26,188 (2019) to $37,313 (2025). At a 6.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $42,321 by 2027 — a total increase of $16,133 (61.60%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Franklin 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) | $32,296 – $34,824 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $34,824 – $39,738 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $39,738 – $43,733 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $43,733 – $46,935 |
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 Franklin
Analyzing the job market for certified nursing assistants in Franklin reveals several critical factors impacting earnings potential. With only six certified nursing assistants currently employed in the area, competition for higher-paying roles is less pronounced, though cost-of-living adjustments—reflected in a lower index of 91.3—may influence take-home pay. Notably, skilled nursing facilities and hospitals often provide the highest wages within the region, augmented by shift differentials for nights and weekends, which can add $2-4/hour for evening shifts and $1-3/hour for Sunday duties. Those looking to maximize their income should consider opportunities in specialized settings like hospice or rehabilitation centers, where higher acuity levels may correlate with increased pay. Additionally, obtaining certified medication aide (CMA) credentials can further enhance earning potential. Focusing on shifts that offer premium pay can also significantly improve overall compensation in Franklin's evolving healthcare landscape.
More salary data for Franklin, IN:
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 $37,313 for certified nursing assistantsin the Franklin 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 Franklin 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