Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in University City, MO: $38,234 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time certified nursing assistant in University City, MO earns a median $38,234/year (≈ $18.38/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Once you factor in University City's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 89.6), that paycheck buys what $42,672 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.4% below the Missouri state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
The projected median annual salary for certified nursing assistants in University City, Missouri, is $38,234 for the year 2026. This rate reflects a notable difference compared to the national median of $45,007, revealing a variance of approximately 15.05%. In University City, the salary range spans from $31,214 at the 10th percentile to $43,994 at the 90th percentile, based on estimates derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional costs. Factors such as the type of healthcare facility, whether it be skilled nursing or hospital-based roles, significantly influence earnings. The current job market, while small with only six certified nursing assistants employed locally, is poised for growth with an annual increase projected at 6.50%. This dynamic could present new opportunities for individuals entering this field.
About the University City Market
Salary estimated from Missouri average ($31,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $31,214 | $15.01 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $33,640 | $16.18 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $38,234 | $18.38 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $42,163 | $20.27 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $43,994 | $21.15 |
Median Salary Position
15.05% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in University City
In University City, MO, the certified nursing assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $12,780 (2026 est.). At $38,234, the local median is 15.05% below the national median of $45,007.
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At 40 hours/week in University City: You'd be above the median
How University City Certified Nursing Assistant Pay Compares
University City median: $38,234/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | University City Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Missouri Average | $38,776 | -1.40% less |
| National Average | $45,007 | -15.05% less |
Certified Nursing Assistants in University City, MO earn a median of $38,234 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.05% lower than the national median of $45,007 and 1.40% below the Missouri state average of $38,776.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
University City 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.
University City, MO has a cost-of-living index of 89.6 (below the national average of 100). A certified nursing assistant earning $38,234 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $42,672 in an average-cost city — an effective 11.61% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$25,196
2025 BLS Actual
$35,900
2026 Current Est.
$38,234
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in University City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $25,196 | Actual |
| 2020 | $26,207 | Actual |
| 2021 | $25,748 | Actual |
| 2022 | $30,378 | Actual |
| 2023 | $32,451 | Actual |
| 2024 | $27,384 | Actual |
| 2025 | $35,900 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $38,234 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $40,719 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the University City metropolitan area, the median certified nursing assistant salary grew 42.5% from $25,196 (2019) to $35,900 (2025). At a 6.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $40,719 by 2027 — a total increase of $15,523 (61.61%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the University City 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) | $31,214 – $33,640 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $33,640 – $38,234 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $38,234 – $42,163 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $42,163 – $43,994 |
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 University City
In assessing the certified nursing assistant pay in University City, MO, the cost of living index stands at 89.6, which suggests a lower-than-average living cost that could positively affect take-home earnings. Skilled nursing facilities typically offer higher pay scales compared to hospitals for entry-level positions, driven by the varying acuity and patient needs in these settings. Shift differentials recognize night shifts and weekends, often adding $2-4 or $1-3 per hour, respectively, which can significantly boost overall compensation. Additionally, staffing shortages may lead to agency premium pay, further widening the salary spectrum. To maximize earnings, aspiring certified nursing assistants in University City should consider positions that offer premium roles, pursue certifications such as CMA to command higher wages, and remain open to working irregular shifts that often pay more. Understanding these local employment dynamics is crucial for anyone assessing how much certified nursing assistants make in University City.
More salary data for University City, 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 $35,900 for certified nursing assistantsin the University City 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 University City 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