Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Brandon, MS: $36,760 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time certified nursing assistant in Brandon, MS earns a median $36,760/year (≈ $17.67/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Once you factor in Brandon's price level (14% below national, BEA RPP 85.7), that paycheck buys what $42,894 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.7% below the Mississippi state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In 2026, the certified nursing assistant salary in Brandon, Mississippi, is projected to reach a median annual figure of $36,760. Compared to the national average of $45,007, this represents a significant gap of approximately 18.32%, indicating that local salaries may still be catching up following the wage reset that many industries experienced after the COVID-19 pandemic. The salary range for CNAs in the area spans from $30,874 at the 10th percentile to $44,865 at the 90th percentile, reflecting a competitive market landscape built on essential healthcare needs. These figures are based on 2025 BLS data, projected to 2026 and adjusted for regional cost factors, providing a realistic snapshot of the compensation available to nursing assistants in Brandon.
About the Brandon Market
Salary estimated from Mississippi average ($28,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $30,874 | $14.85 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $33,067 | $15.90 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $36,760 | $17.67 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $41,226 | $19.82 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $44,865 | $21.57 |
Median Salary Position
18.32% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Brandon
In Brandon, MS, the certified nursing assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $13,991 (2026 est.). At $36,760, the local median is 18.32% below the national median of $45,007.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Brandon: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Brandon Certified Nursing Assistant Pay Compares
Brandon median: $36,760/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Brandon Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Mississippi Average | $38,572 | -4.70% less |
| National Average | $45,007 | -18.32% less |
Certified Nursing Assistants in Brandon, MS earn a median of $36,760 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.32% lower than the national median of $45,007 and 4.70% below the Mississippi state average of $38,572.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Brandon has a cost of living 14.30% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Brandon, MS has a cost-of-living index of 85.7 (below the national average of 100). A certified nursing assistant earning $36,760 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $42,894 in an average-cost city — an effective 16.69% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$24,225
2025 BLS Actual
$34,516
2026 Current Est.
$36,760
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Brandon (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $24,225 | Actual |
| 2020 | $25,197 | Actual |
| 2021 | $24,756 | Actual |
| 2022 | $29,207 | Actual |
| 2023 | $31,200 | Actual |
| 2024 | $22,869 | Actual |
| 2025 | $34,516 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $36,760 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $39,149 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Brandon metropolitan area, the median certified nursing assistant salary grew 42.5% from $24,225 (2019) to $34,516 (2025). At a 6.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $39,149 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,924 (61.61%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Brandon 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) | $30,874 – $33,067 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $33,067 – $36,760 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $36,760 – $41,226 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $41,226 – $44,865 |
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 Brandon
Currently, there are six certified nursing assistants employed in Brandon, which suggests a compact job market that could become increasingly competitive as local healthcare facilities adjust to evolving needs. With a cost-of-living index of 85.7, the purchasing power of a CNA's salary may be favorable here compared to higher-cost areas. Skilled nursing facilities and hospitals, especially those with critical care units or rehabilitation centers, tend to offer higher pay, but various incentives can further impact earnings. Shift differentials, particularly for evening and weekend hours, can add $1 to $4 per hour, while specialized roles may come with premium pay. For those looking to maximize their earnings, pursuing certifications such as CMA or seeking weekend-only positions can lead to enhanced compensation. Understanding these dynamics is vital for anyone asking, “How much do certified nursing assistants make in Brandon?” as the local market adapts and grows.
More salary data for Brandon, MS:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do certified nursing assistants make in Brandon, MS in 2026?
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Can certified nursing assistants make $100K in Brandon?
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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 $34,516 for certified nursing assistantsin the Brandon 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 Brandon 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