Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Owatonna, MN: $49,087 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time certified nursing assistant in Owatonna, MN earns a median $49,087/year (≈ $23.60/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Once you factor in Owatonna's price level (1% below national, BEA RPP 98.5), that paycheck buys what $49,835 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.7% below the Minnesota state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Owatonna, the certified nursing assistant salary is projected to reach $49,087 in 2026, reflecting the growing demand for qualified caregivers in skilled nursing and hospital environments. This salary is competitive, particularly when compared to the national median of $45,007, showcasing a 9.07% higher wage on average. The salary range for certified nursing assistants spans from $39,221 at the 10th percentile to $57,183 at the 90th percentile, indicating a significant disparity based on experience and specific job roles. These estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for local economic conditions, highlight the unique position Owatonna holds in the state’s healthcare employment market.
About the Owatonna Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($40,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,221 | $18.86 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $42,520 | $20.44 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $49,087 | $23.60 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $53,539 | $25.74 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $57,183 | $27.49 |
Median Salary Position
9.07% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Owatonna
In Owatonna, MN, the certified nursing assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $17,962 (2026 est.). At $49,087, the local median is 9.07% above the national median of $45,007.
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At 40 hours/week in Owatonna: You'd be above the median
How Owatonna Certified Nursing Assistant Pay Compares
Owatonna median: $49,087/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Owatonna Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Minnesota Average | $49,433 | -0.70% less |
| National Average | $45,007 | +9.07% more |
Certified Nursing Assistants in Owatonna, MN earn a median of $49,087 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.07% higher than the national median of $45,007 and 0.70% below the Minnesota state average of $49,433.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Owatonna 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.
Owatonna, MN has a cost-of-living index of 98.5 (below the national average of 100). A certified nursing assistant earning $49,087 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $49,835 in an average-cost city — an effective 1.52% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$32,349
2025 BLS Actual
$46,091
2026 Current Est.
$49,087
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Owatonna (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32,349 | Actual |
| 2020 | $33,647 | Actual |
| 2021 | $33,058 | Actual |
| 2022 | $39,002 | Actual |
| 2023 | $41,663 | Actual |
| 2024 | $39,112 | Actual |
| 2025 | $46,091 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49,087 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $52,278 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Owatonna metropolitan area, the median certified nursing assistant salary grew 42.5% from $32,349 (2019) to $46,091 (2025). At a 6.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $52,278 by 2027 — a total increase of $19,929 (61.61%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Owatonna 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) | $39,221 – $42,520 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $42,520 – $49,087 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $49,087 – $53,539 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $53,539 – $57,183 |
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 Owatonna
With just six certified nursing assistants employed in the area, the local job market remains relatively small but stable. The cost-of-living index in Owatonna, at 98.5, suggests a slightly lower cost for essentials compared to the national average, allowing for a more favorable take-home pay scenario for local CNAs. Among employers, skilled nursing facilities and rehabilitation hospitals typically offer more competitive pay compared to home health agencies and assisted living communities. Factors contributing to wage variability include shift differentials, where night and weekend shifts can boost pay by $2 to $4 per hour and $1 to $3 per hour, respectively. To maximize earnings, aspiring CNAs should consider pursuing CMA certification and seek positions that may offer weekend-only premium roles, or take advantage of agency openings that provide higher compensation during staffing shortages. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for anyone looking to establish a career in patient care in Owatonna, MN.
More salary data for Owatonna, 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 $46,091 for certified nursing assistantsin the Owatonna 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 Owatonna 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