Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Auburn Hills, MI: $40,971 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time certified nursing assistant in Auburn Hills, MI earns a median $40,971/year (≈ $19.70/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Once you factor in Auburn Hills's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 93.2), that paycheck buys what $43,960 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.4% below the Michigan state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Auburn Hills, MI, the 2026 median annual salary for certified nursing assistants is projected to be $40,971, which is notably below the national median of $45,007. The salary range for this role spans from a low of $32,833 at the 10th percentile to a high of $50,468 at the 90th percentile, reflecting the nuanced pay structure that can vary significantly between different healthcare settings. Given the predominance of skilled nursing facilities compared to hospitals in the area, pay differentials often arise, with skilled nursing facilities typically offering lower pay relative to hospitals, especially on medical and surgical floors. These estimates, based on 2025 BLS data and regional price adjustments, indicate a structured approach in how certified nursing assistant salaries fare against comparable markets.
About the Auburn Hills Market
Salary estimated from Michigan average ($37,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $32,833 | $15.78 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $35,561 | $17.09 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $40,971 | $19.70 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $46,232 | $22.23 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $50,468 | $24.26 |
Median Salary Position
8.97% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Auburn Hills
In Auburn Hills, MI, the certified nursing assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $17,635 (2026 est.). At $40,971, the local median is 8.97% below the national median of $45,007.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Auburn Hills: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Auburn Hills Certified Nursing Assistant Pay Compares
Auburn Hills median: $40,971/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Auburn Hills Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Michigan Average | $41,978 | -2.40% less |
| National Average | $45,007 | -8.97% less |
Certified Nursing Assistants in Auburn Hills, MI earn a median of $40,971 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.97% lower than the national median of $45,007 and 2.40% below the Michigan state average of $41,978.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Auburn Hills has a cost of living 6.80% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Auburn Hills, MI has a cost-of-living index of 93.2 (below the national average of 100). A certified nursing assistant earning $40,971 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $43,960 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.3% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$27,000
2025 BLS Actual
$38,470
2026 Current Est.
$40,971
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Auburn Hills (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $27,000 | Actual |
| 2020 | $28,083 | Actual |
| 2021 | $27,592 | Actual |
| 2022 | $32,553 | Actual |
| 2023 | $34,774 | Actual |
| 2024 | $33,670 | Actual |
| 2025 | $38,470 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $40,971 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $43,634 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Auburn Hills metropolitan area, the median certified nursing assistant salary grew 42.5% from $27,000 (2019) to $38,470 (2025). At a 6.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $43,634 by 2027 — a total increase of $16,634 (61.61%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Auburn Hills 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) | $32,833 – $35,561 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $35,561 – $40,971 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $40,971 – $46,232 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $46,232 – $50,468 |
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 Auburn Hills
Currently, Auburn Hills employs four certified nursing assistants, underscoring a tight job market where competition may impact salary dynamics. With a cost-of-living index of 93.2, the local economic environment suggests that while salaries may be lower than the national average, the purchasing power for CNAs remains relatively stable. Among local employers, hospitals often present the highest remuneration, particularly for roles on ICU and medical surgical units, while skilled nursing facilities and home health agencies may need to offer shift differentials and weekend premiums to attract talent. For prospective or current CNAs, maximizing pay can involve seeking positions with higher acuity levels, considering weekend-only roles that may offer enhanced rates, and obtaining additional certifications that could lead to higher pay scales. With the industry seeing substantial wage growth in recent years, especially due to increased demand post-COVID, strategic career moves can enhance both income and opportunities within this essential field.
More salary data for Auburn Hills, MI:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can certified nursing assistants make $100K in Auburn Hills?
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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 $38,470 for certified nursing assistantsin the Auburn Hills 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 Auburn Hills 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