Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Southaven, MS: $37,943 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time certified nursing assistant in Southaven, MS earns a median $37,943/year (≈ $18.24/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Once you factor in Southaven's price level (14% below national, BEA RPP 85.7), that paycheck buys what $44,274 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.6% below the Mississippi state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, certified nursing assistants in Southaven, Mississippi, can expect to see a median annual salary of $37,943, reflecting the regional market's competitive dynamics. With earnings ranging from $31,742 at the lower end to $44,791 at the high end, these figures derive from estimates based on 2025 BLS data, factoring in local cost adjustments. Compared to the national median salary of $45,007, the certified nursing assistant salary in Southaven represents a notable difference of approximately 15.70%. For those seeking to advance their careers, the pathway from CNA to LPN can significantly enhance earning potential, underscoring the importance of relevant certifications in this evolving healthcare environment.
About the Southaven Market
Salary estimated from Mississippi average ($28,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $31,742 | $15.26 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $34,122 | $16.40 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $37,943 | $18.24 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $41,436 | $19.93 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $44,791 | $21.53 |
Median Salary Position
15.7% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Southaven
In Southaven, MS, the certified nursing assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $13,049 (2026 est.). At $37,943, the local median is 15.7% below the national median of $45,007.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Southaven: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Southaven Certified Nursing Assistant Pay Compares
Southaven median: $37,943/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Southaven Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Mississippi Average | $38,560 | -1.60% less |
| National Average | $45,007 | -15.70% less |
Certified Nursing Assistants in Southaven, MS earn a median of $37,943 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.70% lower than the national median of $45,007 and 1.60% below the Mississippi state average of $38,560.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Southaven 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.
Southaven, MS has a cost-of-living index of 85.7 (below the national average of 100). A certified nursing assistant earning $37,943 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $44,274 in an average-cost city — an effective 16.69% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$25,005
2025 BLS Actual
$35,627
2026 Current Est.
$37,943
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Southaven (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $25,005 | Actual |
| 2020 | $26,008 | Actual |
| 2021 | $25,553 | Actual |
| 2022 | $30,147 | Actual |
| 2023 | $32,204 | Actual |
| 2024 | $23,605 | Actual |
| 2025 | $35,627 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $37,943 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $40,409 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Southaven metropolitan area, the median certified nursing assistant salary grew 42.5% from $25,005 (2019) to $35,627 (2025). At a 6.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $40,409 by 2027 — a total increase of $15,404 (61.60%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Southaven 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) | $31,742 – $34,122 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $34,122 – $37,943 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $37,943 – $41,436 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $41,436 – $44,791 |
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 Southaven
Across Southaven, there are currently 14 certified nursing assistants employed, indicating a steady demand despite a competitive job landscape. The cost-of-living index of 85.7 suggests that while salaries may appear lower relative to national averages, they often afford a reasonable standard of living in the area. Employers in skilled nursing facilities and hospitals typically offer the highest compensation among local healthcare providers. Variations in pay can arise from shift differentials—nights often yielding an additional $2-4 per hour and weekends adding $1-3—along with agency premium rates during staffing shortages. To maximize earnings, CNAs in Southaven can pursue weekend-only roles or consider obtaining CMA certification, which can lead to higher pay grades based on the acuity of the facilities where they work. Understanding these local dynamics is crucial for both current and aspiring CNAs assessing how much do certified nursing assistants make in Southaven.
More salary data for Southaven, MS:
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 $35,627 for certified nursing assistantsin the Southaven 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 Southaven 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