Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Baltimore, MD: $45,550 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time certified nursing assistant in Baltimore, MD earns a median $45,550/year (≈ $21.90/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Once you factor in Baltimore's price level (4% above national, BEA RPP 104.5), that paycheck buys what $43,594 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.4% below the Maryland state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, certified nursing assistants in Baltimore, Maryland, can expect a median annual salary of $45,550, reflecting the post-COVID wage adjustments across the healthcare sector. This figure positions the local market slightly above the national median of $45,007, illustrating the region's demand for skilled CNAs. The salary range for this occupation spans from $37,467 at the lower end, up to $51,056 for those at the top of the pay scale. These insights come from analyses based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026. Overall, Baltimore's job market for certified nursing assistants shows promising growth, driven by the ongoing recovery and heightened emphasis on patient care quality.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,467 | $18.01 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40,704 | $19.56 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $45,550 | $21.90 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $47,914 | $23.04 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $51,056 | $24.55 |
Median Salary Position
1.21% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Baltimore
In Baltimore, MD, the certified nursing assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $13,589 (2026 est.). At $45,550, the local median is 1.21% above the national median of $45,007.
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How Baltimore Certified Nursing Assistant Pay Compares
Baltimore median: $45,550/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Baltimore Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Maryland Average | $49,190 | -7.40% less |
| National Average | $45,007 | +1.21% more |
Certified Nursing Assistants in Baltimore, MD earn a median of $45,550 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.21% higher than the national median of $45,007 and 7.40% below the Maryland state average of $49,190.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Baltimore has a cost of living 4.49% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Baltimore, MD has a cost-of-living index of 104.487 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $45,550 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $43,594 — a 4.29% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$31,040
2025 BLS Actual
$42,770
2026 Current Est.
$45,550
2019–2027 Growth
+56.3%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Baltimore (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31,040 | Actual |
| 2020 | $31,760 | Actual |
| 2021 | $30,010 | Actual |
| 2022 | $36,130 | Actual |
| 2023 | $38,390 | Actual |
| 2024 | $39,760 | Actual |
| 2025 | $42,770 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $45,550 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $48,511 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Baltimore metropolitan area, the median certified nursing assistant salary grew 37.8% from $31,040 (2019) to $42,770 (2025). At a 6.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $48,511 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,471 (56.29%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Baltimore 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) | $37,467 – $40,704 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $40,704 – $45,550 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $45,550 – $47,914 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $47,914 – $51,056 |
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 Baltimore
A total of 13,580 certified nursing assistants are employed across Baltimore, indicating a strong demand for these vital roles. The cost of living index stands at 104.487, suggesting that while salaries have improved, purchasing power may still be affected for many workers. Among various employers, skilled nursing facilities and hospitals, especially those with medical/surgical floors and ICUs, tend to offer the highest compensation. A significant factor contributing to salary variation includes shift differentials, with night shifts typically attracting an additional $2-4 per hour and weekend work offering an extra $1-3. As staffing shortages persist, some agencies are willing to pay premiums for weekend-only shifts or provide stipends for CNAs with CMA certification. Those aiming to maximize their pay in Baltimore may consider roles that leverage these differentials, while also exploring pathways for career advancement into LPN or RN positions.
More salary data for Baltimore, MD:
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 $42,770 for certified nursing assistantsin the Baltimore 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