Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in St. Paul, MN: $50,628 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time certified nursing assistant in St. Paul, MN earns a median $50,628/year (≈ $24.34/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Once you factor in St. Paul's price level (1% below national, BEA RPP 98.5), that paycheck buys what $51,399 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.4% above the Minnesota state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Certified nursing assistants in St. Paul, Minnesota, can expect a median annual salary of $50,628 in 2026, reflecting a notable recovery as the market readjusts post-COVID. This figure is over 12% higher than the national median of $45,007, placing local professionals in a favorable position compared to peers elsewhere in the country. The salary range for certified nursing assistants in St. Paul spans from $39,857 at the 10th percentile to $67,679 at the 90th percentile, demonstrating a diverse pay scale that accommodates various experience levels and work environments. These projections, derived from 2025 BLS data and regional price adjustments, illustrate that St. Paul is solidifying its stance in the healthcare employment market, particularly for roles that have seen heightened demand following the pandemic.
About the St. Paul Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($40,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,857 | $19.16 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $44,215 | $21.26 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $50,628 | $24.34 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $56,426 | $27.13 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $67,679 | $32.54 |
Median Salary Position
12.49% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in St. Paul
In St. Paul, MN, the certified nursing assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $27,822 (2026 est.). At $50,628, the local median is 12.49% above the national median of $45,007.
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At 40 hours/week in St. Paul: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How St. Paul Certified Nursing Assistant Pay Compares
St. Paul median: $50,628/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | St. Paul Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Minnesota Average | $49,441 | +2.40% more |
| National Average | $45,007 | +12.49% more |
Certified Nursing Assistants in St. Paul, MN earn a median of $50,628 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.49% higher than the national median of $45,007 and 2.40% above the Minnesota state average of $49,441.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
St. Paul 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.
St. Paul, MN has a cost-of-living index of 98.5 (below the national average of 100). A certified nursing assistant earning $50,628 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $51,399 in an average-cost city — an effective 1.52% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$33,364
2025 BLS Actual
$47,538
2026 Current Est.
$50,628
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in St. Paul (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33,364 | Actual |
| 2020 | $34,703 | Actual |
| 2021 | $34,096 | Actual |
| 2022 | $40,226 | Actual |
| 2023 | $42,971 | Actual |
| 2024 | $40,955 | Actual |
| 2025 | $47,538 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $50,628 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $53,919 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the St. Paul metropolitan area, the median certified nursing assistant salary grew 42.5% from $33,364 (2019) to $47,538 (2025). At a 6.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $53,919 by 2027 — a total increase of $20,555 (61.61%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the St. Paul 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) | $39,857 – $44,215 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $44,215 – $50,628 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $50,628 – $56,426 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $56,426 – $67,679 |
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 St. Paul
In St. Paul, the local job market sees about 80 certified nursing assistants actively employed, showcasing a steady demand for these crucial roles in patient care. With a cost-of-living index of 98.5, the financial landscape indicates that while salaries are competitive, they also reflect a manageable economic environment for residents. Skilled nursing facilities and hospitals typically offer the highest pay rates, followed by organizations such as home health agencies and rehabilitation hospitals. Shift differentials can substantially influence earnings, often adding $2 to $4 per hour for night shifts and $1 to $3 for weekend work. Additionally, premium pay during staffing shortages and specialized roles can further enhance overall compensation. For those in St. Paul looking to maximize their pay, pursuing certification as a nurse aide, seeking weekend-only positions, and considering transitions into LPN or RN roles can provide significant financial advantages in this evolving market.
More salary data for St. Paul, 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 $47,538 for certified nursing assistantsin the St. Paul 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 St. Paul 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