Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Winston-Salem, NC: $42,538 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time certified nursing assistant in Winston-Salem, NC earns a median $42,538/year (≈ $20.45/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Once you factor in Winston-Salem's price level (6% below national, BEA RPP 93.6), that paycheck buys what $45,447 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.6% above the North Carolina state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, certified nursing assistants (CNAs) in Winston-Salem, NC, can expect a median annual salary of $42,538, reflecting a slight decrease of 5.49% compared to the national median of $45,007. The salary range for this role spans from $31,465 at the 10th percentile to $53,849 at the 90th percentile. These figures are based on estimates derived from 2025 BLS state-level data and adjusted for regional cost variations. The opportunity to advance in the healthcare field, perhaps transitioning from CNA to LPN or RN, adds value to this profession, especially considering the growing demand for skilled nursing support in local facilities.
About the Winston-Salem Market
Salary estimated from North Carolina average ($33,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $31,465 | $15.12 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $35,468 | $17.05 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $42,538 | $20.45 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $48,259 | $23.21 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $53,849 | $25.89 |
Median Salary Position
5.49% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Winston-Salem
In Winston-Salem, NC, the certified nursing assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $22,384 (2026 est.). At $42,538, the local median is 5.49% below the national median of $45,007.
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At 40 hours/week in Winston-Salem: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Winston-Salem Certified Nursing Assistant Pay Compares
Winston-Salem median: $42,538/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Winston-Salem Pays |
|---|---|---|
| North Carolina Average | $41,060 | +3.60% more |
| National Average | $45,007 | -5.49% less |
Certified Nursing Assistants in Winston-Salem, NC earn a median of $42,538 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.49% lower than the national median of $45,007 and 3.60% above the North Carolina state average of $41,060.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Winston-Salem 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.
Winston-Salem, NC has a cost-of-living index of 93.6 (below the national average of 100). A certified nursing assistant earning $42,538 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $45,447 in an average-cost city — an effective 6.84% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$28,033
2025 BLS Actual
$39,942
2026 Current Est.
$42,538
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Winston-Salem (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28,033 | Actual |
| 2020 | $29,158 | Actual |
| 2021 | $28,647 | Actual |
| 2022 | $33,799 | Actual |
| 2023 | $36,105 | Actual |
| 2024 | $32,012 | Actual |
| 2025 | $39,942 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $42,538 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $45,303 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Winston-Salem metropolitan area, the median certified nursing assistant salary grew 42.5% from $28,033 (2019) to $39,942 (2025). At a 6.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $45,303 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,270 (61.61%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Winston-Salem 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) | $31,465 – $35,468 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $35,468 – $42,538 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $42,538 – $48,259 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $48,259 – $53,849 |
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 Winston-Salem
With 59 certified nursing assistants currently employed in Winston-Salem, the local job market remains stable, yet competitive. The cost-of-living index stands at 93.6, indicating that salaries stretch further in this region compared to the national average, positively impacting take-home pay for CNAs. Among local employers, skilled nursing facilities typically offer the highest wages; however, hospitals and home health agencies are also competitive. Factors contributing to the variability in pay include shift differentials, where night shifts can command an extra $2-4 per hour, and premiums for weekend work. Additionally, those with CMA certification may receive stipends that enhance overall earnings. CNAs looking to maximize their salaries should consider picking up shifts during weekends and nights or seeking roles in facilities with higher acuity patient loads, where compensation tends to be more generous.
More salary data for Winston-Salem, 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 $39,942 for certified nursing assistantsin the Winston-Salem 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 Winston-Salem 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