Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in West Fargo, ND: $40,693 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time certified nursing assistant in West Fargo, ND earns a median $40,693/year (≈ $19.56/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Once you factor in West Fargo's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 92.0), that paycheck buys what $44,232 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.7% below the North Dakota state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the certified nursing assistant salary in West Fargo is projected to reach a median annual figure of $40,693, revealing a competitive yet challenging landscape compared to the national median of $45,007. With a salary range from $33,008 at the 10th percentile to $50,518 at the 90th percentile, these figures reflect a local market recalibrated after the post-COVID wage increases seen across the healthcare sector. Data estimates derived from 2025 BLS state-level figures and regional price adjustments point to heightened compensation dynamics driven by staffing shortages and a growing need for patient care. For professionals entering the field, this represents a solid entry point, but future career growth will often hinge on further certification and potential pathways into more advanced nursing roles.
About the West Fargo Market
Salary estimated from North Dakota average ($36,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $33,008 | $15.87 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $35,646 | $17.14 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $40,693 | $19.56 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $43,845 | $21.08 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $50,518 | $24.29 |
Median Salary Position
9.59% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in West Fargo
In West Fargo, ND, the certified nursing assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $17,510 (2026 est.). At $40,693, the local median is 9.59% below the national median of $45,007.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in West Fargo: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How West Fargo Certified Nursing Assistant Pay Compares
West Fargo median: $40,693/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | West Fargo Pays |
|---|---|---|
| North Dakota Average | $41,396 | -1.70% less |
| National Average | $45,007 | -9.59% less |
Certified Nursing Assistants in West Fargo, ND earn a median of $40,693 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.59% lower than the national median of $45,007 and 1.70% below the North Dakota state average of $41,396.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
West Fargo has a cost of living 8.00% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
West Fargo, ND has a cost-of-living index of 92 (below the national average of 100). A certified nursing assistant earning $40,693 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $44,232 in an average-cost city — an effective 8.7% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$26,817
2025 BLS Actual
$38,209
2026 Current Est.
$40,693
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in West Fargo (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26,817 | Actual |
| 2020 | $27,893 | Actual |
| 2021 | $27,405 | Actual |
| 2022 | $32,332 | Actual |
| 2023 | $34,538 | Actual |
| 2024 | $32,549 | Actual |
| 2025 | $38,209 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $40,693 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $43,338 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the West Fargo metropolitan area, the median certified nursing assistant salary grew 42.5% from $26,817 (2019) to $38,209 (2025). At a 6.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $43,338 by 2027 — a total increase of $16,521 (61.61%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the West 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) | $33,008 – $35,646 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $35,646 – $40,693 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $40,693 – $43,845 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $43,845 – $50,518 |
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 West Fargo
As of 2026, the job market for certified nursing assistants in West Fargo is characterized by the employment of approximately 10 individuals in this role, presenting a localized but stable workforce. The cost of living index in West Fargo is 92, indicating that while living expenses are below the national average, take-home pay for CNAs remains crucial in determining overall financial stability. In terms of employer compensation, skilled nursing facilities and hospitals typically offer the most competitive pay, taking into account shift differentials of $2-4 per hour for nights and premiums for weekend shifts. The disparity in salaries can also be influenced by factors such as agency staffing needs during shortages and specialty certifications. For those looking to enhance their certified nursing assistant pay in West Fargo, pursuing additional certifications or seeking positions at high-acuity facilities can provide opportunities for increased earning potential.
More salary data for West 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 $38,209 for certified nursing assistantsin the West 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
Salary data for West Fargo 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