Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Bethesda, MD: $47,514 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time certified nursing assistant in Bethesda, MD earns a median $47,514/year (≈ $22.84/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Once you factor in Bethesda's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 109.3), that paycheck buys what $43,471 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.4% below the Maryland state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Certified nursing assistants in Bethesda, MD, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $47,514 in 2026, reflecting a notable increase from past years. With salaries ranging from $38,187 at the low end to $59,130 at the upper end, this represents a competitive market compared to the national median of $45,007. These estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional cost-of-living factors, highlight the impact of a post-COVID wage reset, placing Bethesda's pay at approximately 5.57% higher than the national average for certified nursing assistants. This upward trend signifies a strong demand for certified nursing assistants in the area, influenced by turnover rates that have affected the healthcare workforce.
About the Bethesda Market
Salary estimated from Maryland average ($39,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,187 | $18.36 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $41,703 | $20.05 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $47,514 | $22.84 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $53,713 | $25.83 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $59,130 | $28.42 |
Median Salary Position
5.57% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Bethesda
In Bethesda, MD, the certified nursing assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $20,943 (2026 est.). At $47,514, the local median is 5.57% above the national median of $45,007.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Bethesda: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Bethesda Certified Nursing Assistant Pay Compares
Bethesda median: $47,514/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Bethesda Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Maryland Average | $49,186 | -3.40% less |
| National Average | $45,007 | +5.57% more |
Certified Nursing Assistants in Bethesda, MD earn a median of $47,514 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.57% higher than the national median of $45,007 and 3.40% below the Maryland state average of $49,186.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Bethesda has a cost of living 9.30% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Bethesda, MD has a cost-of-living index of 109.3 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $47,514 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $43,471 — a 8.51% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$31,312
2025 BLS Actual
$44,614
2026 Current Est.
$47,514
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Bethesda (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31,312 | Actual |
| 2020 | $32,568 | Actual |
| 2021 | $31,998 | Actual |
| 2022 | $37,752 | Actual |
| 2023 | $40,328 | Actual |
| 2024 | $41,173 | Actual |
| 2025 | $44,614 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $47,514 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $50,602 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Bethesda metropolitan area, the median certified nursing assistant salary grew 42.5% from $31,312 (2019) to $44,614 (2025). At a 6.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $50,602 by 2027 — a total increase of $19,290 (61.61%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bethesda 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) | $38,187 – $41,703 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $41,703 – $47,514 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $47,514 – $53,713 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $53,713 – $59,130 |
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 Bethesda
Analyzing the local job market reveals that there are 18 certified nursing assistants currently employed in Bethesda, which indicates a steady but concentrated field. The cost-of-living index for the region stands at 109.3, suggesting that while salaries are higher, the increased cost could slightly erode take-home purchasing power. Among local employers, skilled nursing facilities and hospitals, particularly those with medical-surgical floors or intensive care units, typically offer the most competitive rates. Factors contributing to the pay variation include shift differentials, where night shifts may garner an additional $2 to $4 per hour and weekend work could add $1 to $3. Certified nursing assistants pursuing additional qualifications, such as a CMA certification, might also unlock higher pay levels. To maximize earnings in Bethesda's market, seeking weekend-only roles or targeting facilities with higher acuity levels can provide substantial financial benefits on the pathway to becoming an LPN or RN.
More salary data for Bethesda, 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 $44,614 for certified nursing assistantsin the Bethesda 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 Bethesda 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