Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Medford, OR: $51,003 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time certified nursing assistant in Medford, OR earns a median $51,003/year (≈ $24.52/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Once you factor in Medford's price level (1% above national, BEA RPP 101.4), that paycheck buys what $50,282 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.9% below the Oregon state average.
Official BLS data · View source

In Medford, Oregon, the certified nursing assistant salary in 2026 is poised at a median annual figure of $51,003, marking a notable shift from previous years as the market recalibrates following the post-COVID wage reset. The salary range demonstrates a diverse earning potential, with the lowest 10% earning around $46,306 and the top 90% making up to $63,240. These insights, derived from 2025 BLS OEWS data projected to 2026, reflect an evolving local labor market that offers competitive compensation, especially compared to the national median salary of $45,007 for this occupation. For aspiring and current CNAs, understanding these dynamics is essential for strategic career planning in Medford.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,306 | $22.27 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $50,492 | $24.28 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $51,003 | $24.52 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $61,248 | $29.45 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $63,240 | $30.41 |
Median Salary Position
13.32% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Medford
In Medford, OR, the certified nursing assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $16,934 (2026 est.). At $51,003, the local median is 13.32% above the national median of $45,007.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Medford: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Medford Certified Nursing Assistant Pay Compares
Medford median: $51,003/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Medford Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Oregon Average | $51,991 | -1.90% less |
| National Average | $45,007 | +13.32% more |
Certified Nursing Assistants in Medford, OR earn a median of $51,003 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.32% higher than the national median of $45,007 and 1.90% below the Oregon state average of $51,991.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Medford has a cost of living 1.43% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Medford, OR has a cost-of-living index of 101.433 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $51,003 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $50,282 — a 1.41% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$34,740
2025 BLS Actual
$47,890
2026 Current Est.
$51,003
2019–2027 Growth
+56.4%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Medford (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $34,740 | Actual |
| 2020 | $36,910 | Actual |
| 2021 | $37,090 | Actual |
| 2022 | $38,470 | Actual |
| 2023 | $41,780 | Actual |
| 2024 | $46,520 | Actual |
| 2025 | $47,890 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $51,003 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $54,318 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Medford metropolitan area, the median certified nursing assistant salary grew 37.9% from $34,740 (2019) to $47,890 (2025). At a 6.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $54,318 by 2027 — a total increase of $19,578 (56.36%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Medford 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) | $46,306 – $50,492 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $50,492 – $51,003 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $51,003 – $61,248 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $61,248 – $63,240 |
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 Medford
The local job market for certified nursing assistants is robust, with approximately 1,000 individuals employed in this field in Medford. Despite a cost-of-living index sitting at 101.433, which is slightly above the national average, many CNAs find that their take-home pay allows for a reasonable standard of living. Some of the highest-paying employers for certified nursing assistant pay in Medford OR include hospitals—particularly those with medical/surgical floors and ICUs—along with skilled nursing facilities and rehabilitation hospitals. The variation in pay is influenced by factors such as shift differentials (night shifts often yield an additional $2-4 per hour), weekend premiums ($1-3), and agency pay during staffing shortages. For those seeking to maximize earnings, pursuing weekend-only roles or obtaining CMA certification stipends can enhance one’s financial standing within this competitive landscape. Engaging in ongoing education and exploring bridges to LPN or RN qualifications can also open doors to increased salary brackets in the long term.
More salary data for Medford, OR:
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 $47,890 for certified nursing assistantsin the Medford 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