Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Rocky Mount, NC: $40,097 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time certified nursing assistant in Rocky Mount, NC earns a median $40,097/year (≈ $19.28/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Once you factor in Rocky Mount's price level (12% below national, BEA RPP 88.0), that paycheck buys what $45,559 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.3% below the North Carolina state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, the certified nursing assistant salary in Rocky Mount, NC, is projected to reach a median annual figure of $40,097, reflecting the impact of a post-COVID wage reset within the healthcare sector. This salary range spans from $29,394 at the lower 10th percentile to $46,583 at the 90th percentile, indicating a diverse earning potential for CNAs based on experience, specialization, and work environment. Derived from 2025 BLS OEWS data, these figures reveal that Rocky Mount's certified nursing assistant pay is approximately 10.91% lower than the national median of $45,007. The job market is currently strengthening, suggesting a competitive atmosphere for both new entrants and experienced professionals in this essential field.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $29,394 | $14.13 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $33,697 | $16.20 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $40,097 | $19.28 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $41,705 | $20.05 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $46,583 | $22.40 |
Median Salary Position
10.91% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Rocky Mount
In Rocky Mount, NC, the certified nursing assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $17,189 (2026 est.). At $40,097, the local median is 10.91% below the national median of $45,007.
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At 40 hours/week in Rocky Mount: You'd be above the median
How Rocky Mount Certified Nursing Assistant Pay Compares
Rocky Mount median: $40,097/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Rocky Mount Pays |
|---|---|---|
| North Carolina Average | $41,041 | -2.30% less |
| National Average | $45,007 | -10.91% less |
Certified Nursing Assistants in Rocky Mount, NC earn a median of $40,097 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.91% lower than the national median of $45,007 and 2.30% below the North Carolina state average of $41,041.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Rocky Mount has a cost of living 11.99% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Rocky Mount, NC has a cost-of-living index of 88.012 (below the national average of 100). A certified nursing assistant earning $40,097 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $45,559 in an average-cost city — an effective 13.62% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$21,720
2025 BLS Actual
$37,650
2026 Current Est.
$40,097
2019–2027 Growth
+96.6%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Rocky Mount (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21,720 | Actual |
| 2020 | $25,240 | Actual |
| 2021 | $27,540 | Actual |
| 2022 | $29,310 | Actual |
| 2023 | $34,110 | Actual |
| 2024 | $35,580 | Actual |
| 2025 | $37,650 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $40,097 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $42,704 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Rocky Mount metropolitan area, the median certified nursing assistant salary grew 73.3% from $21,720 (2019) to $37,650 (2025). At a 6.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $42,704 by 2027 — a total increase of $20,984 (96.61%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Rocky Mount 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) | $29,394 – $33,697 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $33,697 – $40,097 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $40,097 – $41,705 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $41,705 – $46,583 |
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 Rocky Mount
With around 940 certified nursing assistants employed in Rocky Mount, the local labor market offers a solid base for those entering the profession. Given the city's cost-of-living index of 88.012, earning potential may stretch a dollar further than in many other regions, affecting take-home purchasing power positively. Among the employers in the area, skilled nursing facilities and rehabilitation hospitals typically offer higher wages due to specialized care needs, while weekend shifts and nights often come with an additional $2 to $4 per hour for those who choose to work these hours. To maximize earnings in this market, CNAs should consider pursuing agency opportunities during staffing shortages, which often provide premium pay. Additionally, bridge programs toward LPN or RN certification can offer career advancement and higher salaries down the line, a strategic move for those seeking long-term growth and stability in nursing.
More salary data for Rocky Mount, 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 $37,650 for certified nursing assistantsin the Rocky Mount 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