Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Fuquay-Varina, NC: $40,341 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time certified nursing assistant in Fuquay-Varina, NC earns a median $40,341/year (≈ $19.39/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Once you factor in Fuquay-Varina's price level (6% below national, BEA RPP 93.6), that paycheck buys what $43,099 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.7% below the North Carolina state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Fuquay-Varina, North Carolina, the certified nursing assistant salary has rebounded in the post-COVID job market, with a projected median annual compensation of $40,341 for 2026. This figure reflects a competitive pay environment, as salaries range from $32,770 at the lower end (10th percentile) to $46,300 at the upper end (90th percentile). The local estimates are drawn from 2025 BLS OEWS data and adjusted to account for the regional cost of living. Compared to the national median of $45,007 in 2026, the certified nursing assistant pay in Fuquay-Varina is about 10.37% lower, indicative of the unique economic landscape in this small yet growing community.
About the Fuquay-Varina Market
Salary estimated from North Carolina average ($33,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $32,770 | $15.75 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $36,902 | $17.74 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $40,341 | $19.39 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $43,454 | $20.90 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $46,300 | $22.26 |
Median Salary Position
10.37% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Fuquay-Varina
In Fuquay-Varina, NC, the certified nursing assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $13,530 (2026 est.). At $40,341, the local median is 10.37% below the national median of $45,007.
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How Fuquay-Varina Certified Nursing Assistant Pay Compares
Fuquay-Varina median: $40,341/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Fuquay-Varina Pays |
|---|---|---|
| North Carolina Average | $41,039 | -1.70% less |
| National Average | $45,007 | -10.37% less |
Certified Nursing Assistants in Fuquay-Varina, NC earn a median of $40,341 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.37% lower than the national median of $45,007 and 1.70% below the North Carolina state average of $41,039.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Fuquay-Varina has a cost of living 6.40% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Fuquay-Varina, NC has a cost-of-living index of 93.6 (below the national average of 100). A certified nursing assistant earning $40,341 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $43,099 in an average-cost city — an effective 6.84% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$26,585
2025 BLS Actual
$37,879
2026 Current Est.
$40,341
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Fuquay-Varina (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26,585 | Actual |
| 2020 | $27,652 | Actual |
| 2021 | $27,168 | Actual |
| 2022 | $32,053 | Actual |
| 2023 | $34,240 | Actual |
| 2024 | $30,358 | Actual |
| 2025 | $37,879 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $40,341 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $42,963 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Fuquay-Varina metropolitan area, the median certified nursing assistant salary grew 42.5% from $26,585 (2019) to $37,879 (2025). At a 6.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $42,963 by 2027 — a total increase of $16,378 (61.61%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Fuquay-Varina 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) | $32,770 – $36,902 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $36,902 – $40,341 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $40,341 – $43,454 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $43,454 – $46,300 |
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 Fuquay-Varina
The local job market appears stable, with five certified nursing assistants currently employed in Fuquay-Varina, NC. The cost-of-living index stands at 93.6, suggesting that while salaries may be lower than the national average, purchasing power remains relatively favorable for residents. Healthcare facilities in the area, particularly skilled nursing facilities and assisted living communities, tend to offer the most competitive wages. Differences in pay can largely be attributed to factors like shift differentials—where night shifts can earn an extra $2-$4 per hour—and weekend premiums, which often add $1-$3. For those looking to maximize their pay, pursuing specialized certifications or taking on roles that involve higher acuity patients may further enhance income. Exploring opportunities for weekend-only shifts or agency roles during staffing shortages could also be beneficial strategies in this evolving job market.
More salary data for Fuquay-Varina, NC:
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 $37,879 for certified nursing assistantsin the Fuquay-Varina 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 Fuquay-Varina 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