Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Central, LA: $32,422 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time certified nursing assistant in Central, LA earns a median $32,422/year (≈ $15.59/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Once you factor in Central's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 90.3), that paycheck buys what $35,905 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.9% below the Louisiana state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the certified nursing assistant salary in Central, LA, is projected to be $32,422 annually, which positions this market beneath the national median of $45,007. The salary range for CNAs in Central extends from $27,651 at the 10th percentile to $38,916 at the 90th, indicating a competitive, albeit modest, wage structure reflective of the area's regional cost adjustments. These figures stem from estimates based on 2025 BLS data, showing a clear shift in compensation as the healthcare industry recovers from recent challenges. Given the rising demand for qualified healthcare workers, especially in light of the post-COVID environment, this salary landscape gives insight into the evolving opportunities available for CNAs in Central.
About the Central Market
Salary estimated from Louisiana average ($30,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $27,651 | $13.29 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $29,475 | $14.18 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $32,422 | $15.59 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $35,963 | $17.28 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $38,916 | $18.71 |
Median Salary Position
27.96% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Central
In Central, LA, the certified nursing assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $11,265 (2026 est.). At $32,422, the local median is 27.96% below the national median of $45,007.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Central: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Central Certified Nursing Assistant Pay Compares
Central median: $32,422/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Central Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Louisiana Average | $33,738 | -3.90% less |
| National Average | $45,007 | -27.96% less |
Certified Nursing Assistants in Central, LA earn a median of $32,422 per year (2026 est.), which is 27.96% lower than the national median of $45,007 and 3.90% below the Louisiana state average of $33,738.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Central has a cost of living 9.70% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Central, LA has a cost-of-living index of 90.3 (below the national average of 100). A certified nursing assistant earning $32,422 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $35,905 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.74% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$21,366
2025 BLS Actual
$30,443
2026 Current Est.
$32,422
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Central (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21,366 | Actual |
| 2020 | $22,224 | Actual |
| 2021 | $21,835 | Actual |
| 2022 | $25,761 | Actual |
| 2023 | $27,518 | Actual |
| 2024 | $26,024 | Actual |
| 2025 | $30,443 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $32,422 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $34,529 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Central metropolitan area, the median certified nursing assistant salary grew 42.5% from $21,366 (2019) to $30,443 (2025). At a 6.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $34,529 by 2027 — a total increase of $13,163 (61.61%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Central 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) | $27,651 – $29,475 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $29,475 – $32,422 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $32,422 – $35,963 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $35,963 – $38,916 |
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 Central
The local job market for certified nursing assistants shows that only five CNAs are currently employed in the area, highlighting both the limited workforce and potential for growth. With a cost-of-living index of 90.3, CNAs in Central enjoy a slightly reduced living expense, which may enhance their purchasing power. Employers such as skilled nursing facilities and assisted living communities typically offer the best pay, buoyed by shift differentials that can add $2-4 per hour for night shifts and $1-3 for weekends. Factors influencing the wage spread include agency premiums during staffing shortages and additional stipends for those with CMA certification. To maximize earnings in Central, aspiring CNAs should consider options that offer weekend-only roles or facilities with higher acuity patients, which often lead to better pay. Additionally, exploring pathways for career advancement into LPN or RN roles can yield long-term financial benefits.
More salary data for Central, LA:
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 $30,443 for certified nursing assistantsin the Central 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 Central 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