Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Waterford, MI: $40,948 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time certified nursing assistant in Waterford, MI earns a median $40,948/year (≈ $19.69/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Once you factor in Waterford's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 93.2), that paycheck buys what $43,936 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.4% below the Michigan state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Waterford, MI, the projected median annual salary for certified nursing assistants is $40,948 for 2026, which is notably lower than the national median of $45,007. This pay disparity reflects the city’s unique job market dynamics, influenced by the choice between skilled nursing facilities and hospitals. Certified nursing assistant salaries in the area range from $33,738 at the 10th percentile to $50,291 at the 90th percentile, indicating a spectrum of opportunities available. These figures are based on estimates derived from 2025 BLS data and incorporate regional cost adjustments, which highlight both the competitive nature of the local healthcare industry and the challenges posed by a fluctuating workforce amid changing demands.
About the Waterford Market
Salary estimated from Michigan average ($37,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $33,738 | $16.22 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $36,436 | $17.52 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $40,948 | $19.69 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $45,890 | $22.07 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $50,291 | $24.18 |
Median Salary Position
9.02% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Waterford
In Waterford, MI, the certified nursing assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $16,553 (2026 est.). At $40,948, the local median is 9.02% below the national median of $45,007.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Waterford: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Waterford Certified Nursing Assistant Pay Compares
Waterford median: $40,948/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Waterford Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Michigan Average | $41,955 | -2.40% less |
| National Average | $45,007 | -9.02% less |
Certified Nursing Assistants in Waterford, MI earn a median of $40,948 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.02% lower than the national median of $45,007 and 2.40% below the Michigan state average of $41,955.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Waterford 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.
Waterford, MI has a cost-of-living index of 93.2 (below the national average of 100). A certified nursing assistant earning $40,948 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $43,936 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.3% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$26,985
2025 BLS Actual
$38,449
2026 Current Est.
$40,948
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Waterford (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26,985 | Actual |
| 2020 | $28,068 | Actual |
| 2021 | $27,577 | Actual |
| 2022 | $32,535 | Actual |
| 2023 | $34,755 | Actual |
| 2024 | $33,652 | Actual |
| 2025 | $38,449 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $40,948 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $43,610 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Waterford metropolitan area, the median certified nursing assistant salary grew 42.5% from $26,985 (2019) to $38,449 (2025). At a 6.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $43,610 by 2027 — a total increase of $16,625 (61.61%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Waterford 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) | $33,738 – $36,436 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $36,436 – $40,948 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $40,948 – $45,890 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $45,890 – $50,291 |
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 Waterford
The job market for certified nursing assistants in Waterford remains stable, with approximately 16 professionals currently employed in the field. The cost of living in the area is lower than the national average, reflected in an index of 93.2, which enhances local purchasing power. Among employers, skilled nursing facilities often provide the best compensation, particularly for those willing to work night shifts or weekends, where pay can increase by $2-4 per hour. The variance in salaries arises from multiple factors, including shift differentials, agency premium pay during staffing shortages, and additional stipends for certified medication aides. Professionals looking to maximize their earnings should consider pursuing further certifications and shift preferences while also exploring opportunities within rehabilitation hospitals or home health agencies, which can offer competitive pay and benefits in Waterford, MI.
More salary data for Waterford, MI:
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 $38,449 for certified nursing assistantsin the Waterford 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 Waterford 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