Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Cottage Grove, MN: $48,803 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time certified nursing assistant in Cottage Grove, MN earns a median $48,803/year (≈ $23.46/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Once you factor in Cottage Grove's price level (1% below national, BEA RPP 98.5), that paycheck buys what $49,546 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.3% below the Minnesota state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Cottage Grove, MN, the estimated median annual certified nursing assistant salary for 2026 is projected at $48,803, marking a notable increase compared to national figures. The local salary range stretches from $39,984 at the lower end (P10) to $56,413 for those at the top of their field (P90). These projections, based on 2025 BLS data adjusted for regional price differences, reflect the competitive nature of skilled nursing versus hospital settings in the area. With these factors in mind, it's evident that Cottage Grove's job market is adapting to post-COVID realities, presenting viable opportunities for certified nursing assistants to thrive.
About the Cottage Grove Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($40,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,984 | $19.22 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $43,006 | $20.67 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $48,803 | $23.46 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $52,813 | $25.39 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $56,413 | $27.13 |
Median Salary Position
8.43% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Cottage Grove
In Cottage Grove, MN, the certified nursing assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $16,429 (2026 est.). At $48,803, the local median is 8.43% above the national median of $45,007.
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At 40 hours/week in Cottage Grove: You'd be above the median
How Cottage Grove Certified Nursing Assistant Pay Compares
Cottage Grove median: $48,803/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Cottage Grove Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Minnesota Average | $49,445 | -1.30% less |
| National Average | $45,007 | +8.43% more |
Certified Nursing Assistants in Cottage Grove, MN earn a median of $48,803 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.43% higher than the national median of $45,007 and 1.30% below the Minnesota state average of $49,445.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Cottage Grove has a cost of living 1.50% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Cottage Grove, MN has a cost-of-living index of 98.5 (below the national average of 100). A certified nursing assistant earning $48,803 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $49,546 in an average-cost city — an effective 1.52% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$32,161
2025 BLS Actual
$45,824
2026 Current Est.
$48,803
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Cottage Grove (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32,161 | Actual |
| 2020 | $33,452 | Actual |
| 2021 | $32,866 | Actual |
| 2022 | $38,776 | Actual |
| 2023 | $41,422 | Actual |
| 2024 | $38,886 | Actual |
| 2025 | $45,824 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $48,803 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $51,975 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Cottage Grove metropolitan area, the median certified nursing assistant salary grew 42.5% from $32,161 (2019) to $45,824 (2025). At a 6.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $51,975 by 2027 — a total increase of $19,814 (61.61%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Cottage Grove 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) | $39,984 – $43,006 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $43,006 – $48,803 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $48,803 – $52,813 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $52,813 – $56,413 |
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 Cottage Grove
A closer examination of the job market reveals that Cottage Grove currently employs eight certified nursing assistants, indicating a modest but stable workforce. The region's cost-of-living index sits at 98.5, slightly below the national average, which could enhance the purchasing power for workers earning competitive wages. Among local employers, skilled nursing facilities typically provide the most lucrative positions, although hospitals and rehabilitation centers also offer competitive pay. Factors influencing the salary range include shift differentials where night shifts can command an additional $2-4 per hour and weekend work often earns a premium of $1-3 per hour. For those looking to maximize their certified nursing assistant pay in Cottage Grove, pursuing positions that offer agency pay during staffing shortages or considering weekend-only opportunities could be strategically advantageous, along with potential pathways to further certifications or roles in nursing.
More salary data for Cottage Grove, MN:
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 $45,824 for certified nursing assistantsin the Cottage Grove 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 Cottage Grove 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