Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Liberty, MO: $38,219 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time certified nursing assistant in Liberty, MO earns a median $38,219/year (≈ $18.37/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Once you factor in Liberty's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 89.6), that paycheck buys what $42,655 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.5% below the Missouri state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Liberty, Missouri, a certified nursing assistant earns a median annual salary of $38,219, reflecting a significant disparity compared to the national median of $45,007. As the local job market often leans towards skilled nursing facilities rather than hospitals, this salary context becomes crucial for job seekers. The salary range for the role spans from $31,056 at the 10th percentile to $44,065 at the 90th percentile, showcasing the diversity in pay based on experience, work environment, and responsibilities. These figures are local estimates derived from BLS state-level data and adjusted for regional cost of living dynamics, providing a clear view of what to expect in this sector. Recognizing these aspects is essential, especially since the job market for certified nursing assistants in Liberty is competitive, emphasizing the need for attractive compensation packages.
About the Liberty Market
Salary estimated from Missouri average ($31,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $31,056 | $14.93 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $33,608 | $16.16 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $38,219 | $18.37 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $41,291 | $19.85 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $44,065 | $21.18 |
Median Salary Position
15.08% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Liberty
In Liberty, MO, the certified nursing assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $13,009 (2026 est.). At $38,219, the local median is 15.08% below the national median of $45,007.
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At 40 hours/week in Liberty: You'd be above the median
How Liberty Certified Nursing Assistant Pay Compares
Liberty median: $38,219/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Liberty Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Missouri Average | $38,801 | -1.50% less |
| National Average | $45,007 | -15.08% less |
Certified Nursing Assistants in Liberty, MO earn a median of $38,219 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.08% lower than the national median of $45,007 and 1.50% below the Missouri state average of $38,801.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Liberty has a cost of living 10.40% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Liberty, MO has a cost-of-living index of 89.6 (below the national average of 100). A certified nursing assistant earning $38,219 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $42,655 in an average-cost city — an effective 11.61% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$25,186
2025 BLS Actual
$35,886
2026 Current Est.
$38,219
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Liberty (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $25,186 | Actual |
| 2020 | $26,197 | Actual |
| 2021 | $25,738 | Actual |
| 2022 | $30,366 | Actual |
| 2023 | $32,438 | Actual |
| 2024 | $27,373 | Actual |
| 2025 | $35,886 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $38,219 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $40,703 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Liberty metropolitan area, the median certified nursing assistant salary grew 42.5% from $25,186 (2019) to $35,886 (2025). At a 6.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $40,703 by 2027 — a total increase of $15,517 (61.61%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Liberty 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) | $31,056 – $33,608 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $33,608 – $38,219 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $38,219 – $41,291 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $41,291 – $44,065 |
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 Liberty
The local job market features a modest workforce with only five certified nursing assistants currently employed, indicating limited competition but also potentially fewer opportunities for advancement. Liberty's cost of living index sits at 89.6, highlighting that while salaries may be lower than the national average, the local purchasing power remains relatively stable. Among regional employers, skilled nursing facilities, home health agencies, and assisted living communities tend to offer the highest pay rates, with shift differentials significantly impacting overall earnings. For those willing to work night and weekend shifts, additional compensation of $2-4 per hour is common, alongside agency premium pay during staffing shortages. To maximize earnings in Liberty, aspiring nursing assistants should consider pursuing CMA certification for potential stipends and explore weekend-only roles or facilities that offer acuity-based pay structures. Additionally, leveraging opportunities to bridge into LPN or RN positions can provide long-term career growth and further salary increases.
More salary data for Liberty, MO:
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 $35,886 for certified nursing assistantsin the Liberty 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 Liberty 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