Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Laurel, MD: $46,730 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time certified nursing assistant in Laurel, MD earns a median $46,730/year (≈ $22.47/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Once you factor in Laurel's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 109.3), that paycheck buys what $42,754 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.0% below the Maryland state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
With a 2026 median salary of $46,730, the compensation for certified nursing assistants in Laurel, Maryland, is notably competitive, especially when compared to the national median of $45,007. The projected salary range spans from $39,199 at the 10th percentile to $56,628 at the 90th percentile, reflecting varied experience levels and specializations within the field. These figures, derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional cost of living factors, illustrate the local job market's potential for growth. For those looking to advance, bridging from CNA to LPN can substantially enhance earning potential, making it a favorable option for many in the profession amidst significant workforce turnover in the healthcare industry since the COVID-19 pandemic.
About the Laurel Market
Salary estimated from Maryland average ($39,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,199 | $18.85 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $41,855 | $20.12 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $46,730 | $22.47 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $52,302 | $25.14 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $56,628 | $27.22 |
Median Salary Position
3.83% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Laurel
In Laurel, MD, the certified nursing assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $17,429 (2026 est.). At $46,730, the local median is 3.83% above the national median of $45,007.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Laurel: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Laurel Certified Nursing Assistant Pay Compares
Laurel median: $46,730/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Laurel Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Maryland Average | $49,190 | -5.00% less |
| National Average | $45,007 | +3.83% more |
Certified Nursing Assistants in Laurel, MD earn a median of $46,730 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.83% higher than the national median of $45,007 and 5.00% below the Maryland state average of $49,190.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Laurel has a cost of living 9.30% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Laurel, MD has a cost-of-living index of 109.3 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $46,730 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $42,754 — a 8.51% reduction.
Compare Purchasing Power
Select a city to see how your salary compares after cost of living
Select a city above to compare purchasing power
2019 BLS Actual
$30,796
2025 BLS Actual
$43,878
2026 Current Est.
$46,730
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Laurel (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30,796 | Actual |
| 2020 | $32,031 | Actual |
| 2021 | $31,470 | Actual |
| 2022 | $37,129 | Actual |
| 2023 | $39,663 | Actual |
| 2024 | $40,493 | Actual |
| 2025 | $43,878 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $46,730 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $49,768 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Laurel metropolitan area, the median certified nursing assistant salary grew 42.5% from $30,796 (2019) to $43,878 (2025). At a 6.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $49,768 by 2027 — a total increase of $18,972 (61.61%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Laurel 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) | $39,199 – $41,855 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $41,855 – $46,730 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $46,730 – $52,302 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $52,302 – $56,628 |
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 Laurel
In terms of local employment dynamics, only six certified nursing assistants are currently reported in Laurel, suggesting a tight labor market for this role. The cost-of-living index in the area stands at 109.3, which can impact the take-home purchasing power for CNAs despite their competitive salaries. Among local employers, skilled nursing facilities and hospitals typically offer higher wages, particularly for night shifts and weekends, which include premiums ranging from $1 to $4 per hour. Factors such as agency staffing needs and the availability of CMA certification stipends can further explain the salary spread. To maximize pay, CNAs should consider securing weekend-only roles or pursuing additional certifications, thus enhancing their qualifications and appeal in the local job market while taking advantage of the upward trending salaries projected for 2026.
More salary data for Laurel, MD:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do certified nursing assistants make in Laurel, MD in 2026?
Is Laurel, MD a good place to work as a certified nursing assistant?
Can certified nursing assistants make $100K in Laurel?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted certified nursing assistant salary in Laurel?
How much does a certified nursing assistant make per hour in Laurel?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Maryland
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 $43,878 for certified nursing assistantsin the Laurel 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 Laurel 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