Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Fargo, ND: $42,536 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time certified nursing assistant in Fargo, ND earns a median $42,536/year (≈ $20.45/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Once you factor in Fargo's price level (9% below national, BEA RPP 90.9), that paycheck buys what $46,809 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.7% above the North Dakota state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In Fargo, North Dakota, the certified nursing assistant salary has seen a notable adjustment post-COVID, reflecting a market recalibration. The projected median annual salary for this role is $42,536, which is slightly below the national median of $45,007 for 2026. Salaries for certified nursing assistants in Fargo range from $35,198 at the lower end to $54,102 at the higher end. This information derives from official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS data, and paints a picture of a growing market, particularly in light of an expected 6.50% growth rate over the next five years. With a solid demand for CNAs in the area, those entering this profession can find ample opportunities to advance their careers.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $35,198 | $16.92 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $38,585 | $18.55 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $42,536 | $20.45 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $51,024 | $24.54 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $54,102 | $26.01 |
Median Salary Position
5.49% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Fargo
In Fargo, ND, the certified nursing assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $18,904 (2026 est.). At $42,536, the local median is 5.49% below the national median of $45,007.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Fargo: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Fargo Certified Nursing Assistant Pay Compares
Fargo median: $42,536/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Fargo Pays |
|---|---|---|
| North Dakota Average | $41,418 | +2.70% more |
| National Average | $45,007 | -5.49% less |
Certified Nursing Assistants in Fargo, ND earn a median of $42,536 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.49% lower than the national median of $45,007 and 2.70% above the North Dakota state average of $41,418.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Fargo has a cost of living 9.13% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Fargo, ND has a cost-of-living index of 90.871 (below the national average of 100). A certified nursing assistant earning $42,536 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $46,809 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.05% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$32,660
2025 BLS Actual
$39,940
2026 Current Est.
$42,536
2019–2027 Growth
+38.7%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Fargo (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32,660 | Actual |
| 2020 | $34,240 | Actual |
| 2021 | $36,770 | Actual |
| 2022 | $37,340 | Actual |
| 2023 | $39,120 | Actual |
| 2024 | $39,130 | Actual |
| 2025 | $39,940 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $42,536 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $45,301 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Fargo metropolitan area, the median certified nursing assistant salary grew 22.3% from $32,660 (2019) to $39,940 (2025). At a 6.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $45,301 by 2027 — a total increase of $12,641 (38.70%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Fargo 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) | $35,198 – $38,585 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $38,585 – $42,536 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $42,536 – $51,024 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $51,024 – $54,102 |
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 Fargo
Currently, approximately 2,240 certified nursing assistants are employed in Fargo, contributing to a stable job market in healthcare. The cost of living index for the city stands at 90.871, indicating that the purchasing power of CNA salaries is fairly strong when compared to national averages. Skilled nursing facilities and hospitals, particularly those with medical/surgical floors and ICUs, are known to offer some of the highest pay rates. Factors such as shift differentials can lead to enhanced earnings, with night shifts typically commanding an additional $2-4/hour and weekends offering a $1-3 premium. Those looking to maximize their certified nursing assistant pay in Fargo should consider gaining certifications that align with high-demand areas or exploring roles that offer weekend-only premiums. With the ongoing workforce needs in healthcare, bridging from CNA to LPN or RN can be a viable pathway to increased salary potential.
More salary data for Fargo, ND:
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 $39,940 for certified nursing assistantsin the Fargo 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