Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Tupelo, MS: $38,196 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time certified nursing assistant in Tupelo, MS earns a median $38,196/year (≈ $18.36/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Once you factor in Tupelo's price level (14% below national, BEA RPP 85.7), that paycheck buys what $44,569 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.0% below the Mississippi state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
The earnings potential for certified nursing assistants in Tupelo, Mississippi, is projected to reach a median annual salary of $38,196 in 2026. This figure is notably lower than the national median of $45,007, reflecting a disparity that highlights the local economic conditions. Salaries in Tupelo range from $30,362 at the lowest percentile to $44,407 at the upper end, indicating some variation based on factors such as experience, the specific healthcare setting, and job responsibilities. These projections are derived from the 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional economic factors, and illustrate the reality of nursing pay that can differ significantly between skilled nursing facilities and hospital settings, with many CNAs seeking roles that offer better compensation and job stability.
About the Tupelo Market
Salary estimated from Mississippi average ($28,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $30,362 | $14.60 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $35,297 | $16.97 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $38,196 | $18.36 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $41,490 | $19.95 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $44,407 | $21.35 |
Median Salary Position
15.13% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Tupelo
In Tupelo, MS, the certified nursing assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $14,045 (2026 est.). At $38,196, the local median is 15.13% below the national median of $45,007.
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At 40 hours/week in Tupelo: You'd be above the median
How Tupelo Certified Nursing Assistant Pay Compares
Tupelo median: $38,196/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Tupelo Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Mississippi Average | $38,582 | -1.00% less |
| National Average | $45,007 | -15.13% less |
Certified Nursing Assistants in Tupelo, MS earn a median of $38,196 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.13% lower than the national median of $45,007 and 1.00% below the Mississippi state average of $38,582.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Tupelo 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.
Tupelo, MS has a cost-of-living index of 85.7 (below the national average of 100). A certified nursing assistant earning $38,196 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $44,569 in an average-cost city — an effective 16.68% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$25,172
2025 BLS Actual
$35,865
2026 Current Est.
$38,196
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Tupelo (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $25,172 | Actual |
| 2020 | $26,182 | Actual |
| 2021 | $25,723 | Actual |
| 2022 | $30,349 | Actual |
| 2023 | $32,419 | Actual |
| 2024 | $23,763 | Actual |
| 2025 | $35,865 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $38,196 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $40,679 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Tupelo metropolitan area, the median certified nursing assistant salary grew 42.5% from $25,172 (2019) to $35,865 (2025). At a 6.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $40,679 by 2027 — a total increase of $15,507 (61.60%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Tupelo 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) | $30,362 – $35,297 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $35,297 – $38,196 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $38,196 – $41,490 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $41,490 – $44,407 |
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 Tupelo
With only seven certified nursing assistants employed in the Tupelo area, the job market for this profession is relatively niche. The local cost of living index at 85.7 suggests a more affordable environment, allowing for a relatively satisfying take-home purchasing power despite the lower salaries. Typically, skilled nursing facilities offer competitive pay within the local market, although those employed in hospitals—especially in high-demand areas like intake or ICU—may earn higher wages. Factors influencing salary variation include shift differentials; night shifts usually pay a premium of $2-4 per hour, while weekends fetch an additional $1-3 per hour. Furthermore, some agencies offer premium pay during staffing shortages. For certified nursing assistants in Tupelo MS, maximizing earnings often involves taking on weekend or night shifts, seeking opportunities in higher-acuity settings, and taking advantage of any available stipends for specialized certifications that can quickly elevate one’s earning potential.
More salary data for Tupelo, 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 $35,865 for certified nursing assistantsin the Tupelo 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 Tupelo 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