Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in College Park, MD: $48,020 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time certified nursing assistant in College Park, MD earns a median $48,020/year (≈ $23.09/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Once you factor in College Park's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 109.3), that paycheck buys what $43,934 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.4% below the Maryland state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
College Park, Maryland offers a competitive environment for certified nursing assistants (CNAs), especially in the wake of significant wage adjustments following the COVID-19 pandemic. The projected median annual salary for this profession in 2026 is $48,020, showing a notable increase relative to national figures, with the national median pegged at $45,007. Salaries for CNAs in this area range from $38,260 at the 10th percentile to $59,130 at the 90th percentile, highlighting the potential for earnings based on experience and specialization. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS data adjusted for local economic conditions, suggest that College Park's job market offers favorable compensation for certified nursing assistants as employers seek to stabilize their workforce after the recent fluctuations in staffing levels.
About the College Park Market
Salary estimated from Maryland average ($39,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,260 | $18.39 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $41,666 | $20.03 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $48,020 | $23.09 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $54,173 | $26.05 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $59,130 | $28.42 |
Median Salary Position
6.69% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in College Park
In College Park, MD, the certified nursing assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $20,870 (2026 est.). At $48,020, the local median is 6.69% above the national median of $45,007.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in College Park: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How College Park Certified Nursing Assistant Pay Compares
College Park median: $48,020/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | College Park Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Maryland Average | $49,201 | -2.40% less |
| National Average | $45,007 | +6.69% more |
Certified Nursing Assistants in College Park, MD earn a median of $48,020 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.69% higher than the national median of $45,007 and 2.40% below the Maryland state average of $49,201.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
College Park has a cost of living 9.30% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
College Park, MD has a cost-of-living index of 109.3 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $48,020 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $43,934 — a 8.51% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$31,646
2025 BLS Actual
$45,089
2026 Current Est.
$48,020
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in College Park (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31,646 | Actual |
| 2020 | $32,915 | Actual |
| 2021 | $32,339 | Actual |
| 2022 | $38,154 | Actual |
| 2023 | $40,757 | Actual |
| 2024 | $41,611 | Actual |
| 2025 | $45,089 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $48,020 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $51,141 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the College Park metropolitan area, the median certified nursing assistant salary grew 42.5% from $31,646 (2019) to $45,089 (2025). At a 6.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $51,141 by 2027 — a total increase of $19,495 (61.60%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the College Park 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) | $38,260 – $41,666 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $41,666 – $48,020 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $48,020 – $54,173 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $54,173 – $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 College Park
The local job market for certified nursing assistants consists of six employed CNAs, which may indicate a smaller but concentrated demand for these roles in College Park, MD. With a cost-of-living index at 109.3, the purchasing power for residents can be a concern, but there are strategies to maximize earning potential. Facilities such as hospitals and skilled nursing centers often offer higher pay compared to other employer types, driven by factors like shift differentials and agency premiums during shortages. Weekend shifts often yield an additional $1-4 per hour. Additionally, CNAs looking to enhance their pay might consider pursuing certifications that allow for premier roles or additional stipends, particularly in high-acuity environments. Exploring these avenues can provide pathways not only to lucrative pay but also to future roles as licensed practical nurses (LPNs) or registered nurses (RNs).
More salary data for College Park, 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 $45,089 for certified nursing assistantsin the College Park 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 College Park 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