Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Leland, NC: $38,115 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time certified nursing assistant in Leland, NC earns a median $38,115/year (≈ $18.33/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Once you factor in Leland's price level (6% below national, BEA RPP 93.6), that paycheck buys what $40,721 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.1% below the North Carolina state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Leland, North Carolina, the post-COVID recalibration of wages has positioned the median annual salary for certified nursing assistants at $38,115 for 2026. This figure is notably lower than the national median of $45,007, reflecting a local market still adjusting to economic pressures and demands. Salaries for this role range from $33,549 at the lower 10th percentile to $44,158 at the 90th percentile. These estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data adjusted for regional price disparities, reflect the new floor amid a recovering job market. Those seeking employment in Leland will find a relatively stable but competitive landscape in which certified nursing assistants can thrive.
About the Leland Market
Salary estimated from North Carolina average ($33,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $33,549 | $16.12 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $35,082 | $16.87 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $38,115 | $18.33 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $42,319 | $20.34 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $44,158 | $21.23 |
Median Salary Position
15.31% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Leland
In Leland, NC, the certified nursing assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $10,609 (2026 est.). At $38,115, the local median is 15.31% below the national median of $45,007.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Leland: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Leland Certified Nursing Assistant Pay Compares
Leland median: $38,115/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Leland Pays |
|---|---|---|
| North Carolina Average | $41,028 | -7.10% less |
| National Average | $45,007 | -15.31% less |
Certified Nursing Assistants in Leland, NC earn a median of $38,115 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.31% lower than the national median of $45,007 and 7.10% below the North Carolina state average of $41,028.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Leland 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.
Leland, NC has a cost-of-living index of 93.6 (below the national average of 100). A certified nursing assistant earning $38,115 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $40,721 in an average-cost city — an effective 6.84% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$25,118
2025 BLS Actual
$35,789
2026 Current Est.
$38,115
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Leland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $25,118 | Actual |
| 2020 | $26,126 | Actual |
| 2021 | $25,669 | Actual |
| 2022 | $30,284 | Actual |
| 2023 | $32,351 | Actual |
| 2024 | $28,683 | Actual |
| 2025 | $35,789 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $38,115 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $40,593 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Leland metropolitan area, the median certified nursing assistant salary grew 42.5% from $25,118 (2019) to $35,789 (2025). At a 6.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $40,593 by 2027 — a total increase of $15,475 (61.61%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Leland 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) | $33,549 – $35,082 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $35,082 – $38,115 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $38,115 – $42,319 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $42,319 – $44,158 |
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 Leland
The local job market for certified nursing assistants remains modest, with only six individuals employed in this role within Leland. The cost of living index, currently at 93.6, suggests that while salaries may trail national averages, purchasing power remains reasonable for those living in the area. Among various employers, skilled nursing facilities typically offer the highest compensation, with hospitals also providing competitive pay, especially for positions in medical-surgical floors and ICUs. Factors contributing to wage variability include shift differentials, which can yield an extra $2 to $4 per hour for night shifts and $1 to $3 for weekends. As staffing shortages continue, agency positions may offer premium pay, further widening the salary gap for those willing to take on challenging roles, including high-acuity cases. Maximizing earnings in this market could involve pursuing additional certifications or specialized training, enabling a seamless transition to higher-paying roles such as LPN or RN.
More salary data for Leland, 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 $35,789 for certified nursing assistantsin the Leland 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 Leland 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