Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Niagara Falls, NY: $45,379 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time certified nursing assistant in Niagara Falls, NY earns a median $45,379/year (≈ $21.82/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Once you factor in Niagara Falls's price level (16% above national, BEA RPP 115.9), that paycheck buys what $39,154 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.5% below the New York state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the certified nursing assistant salary in Niagara Falls is projected to be $45,379, slightly above the national median of $45,007. The salary range for these positions varies significantly, with entry-level pay starting at $37,042 and experienced CNAs earning up to $52,180. These figures are derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional price changes and the local cost of living. With a growing emphasis on healthcare demand post-COVID and a robust annual growth rate of 6.50%, the job market for certified nursing assistants in Niagara Falls is showing considerable strength, paving the way for aspiring healthcare professionals.
About the Niagara Falls Market
Salary estimated from New York average ($44,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,042 | $17.81 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $39,887 | $19.18 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $45,379 | $21.82 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $49,078 | $23.60 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $52,180 | $25.09 |
Median Salary Position
0.83% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Niagara Falls
In Niagara Falls, NY, the certified nursing assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $15,138 (2026 est.). At $45,379, the local median is 0.83% above the national median of $45,007.
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At 40 hours/week in Niagara Falls: You'd be above the median
How Niagara Falls Certified Nursing Assistant Pay Compares
Niagara Falls median: $45,379/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Niagara Falls Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New York Average | $46,070 | -1.50% less |
| National Average | $45,007 | +0.83% more |
Certified Nursing Assistants in Niagara Falls, NY earn a median of $45,379 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.83% higher than the national median of $45,007 and 1.50% below the New York state average of $46,070.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Niagara Falls has a cost of living 15.90% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Niagara Falls, NY has a cost-of-living index of 115.9 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $45,379 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $39,154 — a 13.72% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$29,905
2025 BLS Actual
$42,609
2026 Current Est.
$45,379
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Niagara Falls (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29,905 | Actual |
| 2020 | $31,105 | Actual |
| 2021 | $30,560 | Actual |
| 2022 | $36,055 | Actual |
| 2023 | $38,515 | Actual |
| 2024 | $50,240 | Actual |
| 2025 | $42,609 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $45,379 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $48,328 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Niagara Falls metropolitan area, the median certified nursing assistant salary grew 42.5% from $29,905 (2019) to $42,609 (2025). At a 6.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $48,328 by 2027 — a total increase of $18,423 (61.61%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Niagara Falls 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) | $37,042 – $39,887 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $39,887 – $45,379 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $45,379 – $49,078 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $49,078 – $52,180 |
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 Niagara Falls
With ten certified nursing assistants currently employed in the Niagara Falls area, job opportunities remain competitive but promising. The local cost of living, indexed at 115.9, indicates that while salaries are comfortably above national averages, they must also accommodate higher living expenses. Facilities such as skilled nursing homes and hospitals typically offer the highest pay among employers in the region, often providing additional compensation in the form of shift differentials for evening and weekend work. To maximize earning potential, candidates should seek opportunities that include agency positions during staffing shortages, which often come with premium rates, and consider acquiring specialized certifications or pursuing pathways into LPN or RN roles. This strategic approach can significantly enhance both immediate pay and long-term career prospects in Niagara Falls, NY.
More salary data for Niagara Falls, NY:
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 $42,609 for certified nursing assistantsin the Niagara Falls 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 Niagara Falls 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