Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Wheaton, MD: $49,186 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time certified nursing assistant in Wheaton, MD earns a median $49,186/year (≈ $23.64/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Once you factor in Wheaton's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 109.3), that paycheck buys what $45,001 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.0% above the Maryland state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the certified nursing assistant salary in Wheaton, MD, is projected to reach a median of $49,186, reflecting a competitive landscape that has emerged in the wake of the post-COVID wage realignment. This figure is higher than the national median of $45,007, indicating a robust local job market. The salary range for this role extends from $38,499 at the 10th percentile to $59,669 at the 90th percentile, showcasing a diverse pay scale dependent on experience and skill level. These estimates are informed by 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional cost-of-living realities, demonstrating that Wheaton supports a healthier pay structure for nursing assistants compared to several other areas.
About the Wheaton Market
Salary estimated from Maryland average ($39,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,499 | $18.51 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $42,245 | $20.31 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $49,186 | $23.64 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $54,678 | $26.28 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $59,669 | $28.69 |
Median Salary Position
9.29% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Wheaton
In Wheaton, MD, the certified nursing assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $21,170 (2026 est.). At $49,186, the local median is 9.29% above the national median of $45,007.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Wheaton: You'd be above the median
How Wheaton Certified Nursing Assistant Pay Compares
Wheaton median: $49,186/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Wheaton Pays |
|---|---|---|
| National Average | $45,007 | +9.29% more |
Certified Nursing Assistants in Wheaton, MD earn a median of $49,186 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.29% higher than the national median of $45,007.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Wheaton has a cost of living 9.30% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Wheaton, MD has a cost-of-living index of 109.3 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $49,186 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $45,001 — a 8.51% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$32,414
2025 BLS Actual
$46,184
2026 Current Est.
$49,186
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Wheaton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32,414 | Actual |
| 2020 | $33,715 | Actual |
| 2021 | $33,124 | Actual |
| 2022 | $39,080 | Actual |
| 2023 | $41,747 | Actual |
| 2024 | $42,621 | Actual |
| 2025 | $46,184 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49,186 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $52,383 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Wheaton metropolitan area, the median certified nursing assistant salary grew 42.5% from $32,414 (2019) to $46,184 (2025). At a 6.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $52,383 by 2027 — a total increase of $19,969 (61.61%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Wheaton 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) | $38,499 – $42,245 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $42,245 – $49,186 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $49,186 – $54,678 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $54,678 – $59,669 |
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 Wheaton
The local job market for certified nursing assistants remains stable, with 11 professionals actively employed in the area. However, with a cost-of-living index of 109.3, this slight premium above the national average is crucial for managing take-home purchasing power. Among employers, skilled nursing facilities tend to offer the highest pay, especially for roles with additional responsibilities such as overseeing PCA team members. Factors driving the pay range include shift differentials, which can add $2-$4/hour for nights and $1-$3 for weekends, along with potential bonuses for those stepping into weekend-only shifts. To maximize their earning potential in Wheaton, certified nursing assistants should consider pursuing advanced certifications or specialized roles, as well as remain flexible with shifts to take advantage of premium pay opportunities.
More salary data for Wheaton, 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 $46,184 for certified nursing assistantsin the Wheaton 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 Wheaton 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