Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Elk River, MN: $48,446 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time certified nursing assistant in Elk River, MN earns a median $48,446/year (≈ $23.29/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Once you factor in Elk River's price level (1% below national, BEA RPP 98.5), that paycheck buys what $49,184 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.0% below the Minnesota state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
As certified nursing assistants advance in their careers, often pursuing further credentials like LPN or RN, the potential for improved compensation becomes a significant motivator. In Elk River, Minnesota, the projected median annual salary for a certified nursing assistant is $48,446, which outperforms the national median by nearly 8%. Those entering the field can expect to earn within a range that spans from $41,636 at the 10th percentile to $60,000 at the 90th percentile, providing aspiring CNAs with a clear view of the earning potential in this area. These estimates, drawn from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional cost factors, suggest a solid job market for CNAs in Elk River, highlighting the career's viability as a stepping stone toward higher-paying roles in healthcare.
About the Elk River Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($40,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $41,636 | $20.02 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $44,127 | $21.21 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $48,446 | $23.29 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $52,002 | $25.01 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $60,000 | $28.85 |
Median Salary Position
7.64% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Elk River
In Elk River, MN, the certified nursing assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $18,364 (2026 est.). At $48,446, the local median is 7.64% above the national median of $45,007.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Elk River: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Elk River Certified Nursing Assistant Pay Compares
Elk River median: $48,446/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Elk River Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Minnesota Average | $49,434 | -2.00% less |
| National Average | $45,007 | +7.64% more |
Certified Nursing Assistants in Elk River, MN earn a median of $48,446 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.64% higher than the national median of $45,007 and 2.00% below the Minnesota state average of $49,434.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Elk River 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.
Elk River, MN has a cost-of-living index of 98.5 (below the national average of 100). A certified nursing assistant earning $48,446 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $49,184 in an average-cost city — an effective 1.52% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$31,926
2025 BLS Actual
$45,489
2026 Current Est.
$48,446
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Elk River (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31,926 | Actual |
| 2020 | $33,207 | Actual |
| 2021 | $32,626 | Actual |
| 2022 | $38,492 | Actual |
| 2023 | $41,119 | Actual |
| 2024 | $38,602 | Actual |
| 2025 | $45,489 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $48,446 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $51,595 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Elk River metropolitan area, the median certified nursing assistant salary grew 42.5% from $31,926 (2019) to $45,489 (2025). At a 6.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $51,595 by 2027 — a total increase of $19,669 (61.61%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Elk River 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) | $41,636 – $44,127 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $44,127 – $48,446 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $48,446 – $52,002 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $52,002 – $60,000 |
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 Elk River
In Elk River, the job market for certified nursing assistants is marked by both competitive salaries and favorable cost-of-living dynamics, with only four professionals currently employed in the role. The area's cost-of-living index stands at 98.5, indicating a manageable environment for newcomers in the field, enhancing take-home wages. When it comes to compensation, skilled nursing facilities typically offer the most advantageous pay, closely followed by hospitals, home health agencies, and rehabilitation centers. Factors influencing pay variation include shift differentials, with evening and weekend shifts often commanding an additional $2 to $4 per hour, along with agency premiums during staffing shortages. For those looking to optimize their earnings in Elk River, pursuing certifications like the CMA can lead to stipends, while actively seeking weekend-only roles or high-acuity positions could further enhance annual income prospects.
More salary data for Elk River, 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 $45,489 for certified nursing assistantsin the Elk River 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 Elk River 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