Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Durham, NC: $43,196 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time certified nursing assistant in Durham, NC earns a median $43,196/year (≈ $20.77/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Once you factor in Durham's price level (2% below national, BEA RPP 97.6), that paycheck buys what $44,271 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.2% above the North Carolina state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, the certified nursing assistant salary in Durham, NC, is projected to be $43,196 annually, reflecting a competitive market despite being slightly below the national average of $45,007. The salary range for this position in the area spans from $39,224 at the 10th percentile to $52,526 at the 90th percentile, indicating that pay can significantly vary based on experience and the specific employer. These insights are drawn from projections based on 2025 BLS OEWS data. As the demand for healthcare support staff continues to grow, particularly in skilled nursing and hospital settings, job opportunities for certified nursing assistants are poised to expand in Durham.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,224 | $18.86 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $42,068 | $20.22 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $43,196 | $20.77 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $48,745 | $23.44 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $52,526 | $25.25 |
Median Salary Position
4.02% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Durham
In Durham, NC, the certified nursing assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $13,302 (2026 est.). At $43,196, the local median is 4.02% below the national median of $45,007.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Durham: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Durham Certified Nursing Assistant Pay Compares
Durham median: $43,196/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Durham Pays |
|---|---|---|
| North Carolina Average | $41,061 | +5.20% more |
| National Average | $45,007 | -4.02% less |
Certified Nursing Assistants in Durham, NC earn a median of $43,196 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.02% lower than the national median of $45,007 and 5.20% above the North Carolina state average of $41,061.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Durham has a cost of living 2.43% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Durham, NC has a cost-of-living index of 97.572 (below the national average of 100). A certified nursing assistant earning $43,196 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $44,271 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.49% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$29,500
2025 BLS Actual
$40,560
2026 Current Est.
$43,196
2019–2027 Growth
+55.9%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Durham (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29,500 | Actual |
| 2020 | $30,720 | Actual |
| 2021 | $30,410 | Actual |
| 2022 | $35,530 | Actual |
| 2023 | $38,200 | Actual |
| 2024 | $38,710 | Actual |
| 2025 | $40,560 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $43,196 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $46,004 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Durham metropolitan area, the median certified nursing assistant salary grew 37.5% from $29,500 (2019) to $40,560 (2025). At a 6.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $46,004 by 2027 — a total increase of $16,504 (55.95%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Durham 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) | $39,224 – $42,068 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $42,068 – $43,196 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $43,196 – $48,745 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $48,745 – $52,526 |
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 Durham
Analyzing the local job market, Durham employs approximately 4,830 certified nursing assistants, indicative of a robust need for patient care technicians in various healthcare settings, including hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and home health agencies. The cost of living index sits at 97.572, suggesting that while salaries might be lower than the national median, the purchasing power for residents remains relatively stable. Employers in the area, such as skilled nursing facilities and rehabilitation hospitals, generally offer competitive pay but vary based on factors like shift differentials and weekend premiums. Night shifts may yield an extra $2-4 per hour, while weekend work could add another $1-3, further impacting earnings. Additionally, pursuing roles that offer CMA certification stipends or agency positions during staffing shortages can significantly enhance income. For certified nursing assistants aiming to maximize pay, considering shifts with higher acuity care and actively seeking advancement through bridge programs to LPN or RN can help navigate these financial landscapes effectively.
More salary data for Durham, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can certified nursing assistants make $100K in Durham?
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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 $40,560 for certified nursing assistantsin the Durham 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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