Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Salem, OR: $52,015 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time certified nursing assistant in Salem, OR earns a median $52,015/year (≈ $25.01/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Once you factor in Salem's price level (4% above national, BEA RPP 103.6), that paycheck buys what $50,184 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.0% above the Oregon state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, certified nursing assistants in Salem, Oregon, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $52,015, which represents a notable 15.57% increase over the national median of $45,007. The salary range for this role in Salem spans from $47,882 at the 10th percentile to $66,350 at the 90th percentile. This data, gathered from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) based on 2025 estimates, provides a compelling picture of the local job market, particularly considering the pressing need for healthcare professionals that has emerged in recent years. With numerous facilities vying for skilled CNAs, those who are pursuing additional certifications, such as transitioning from CNA to LPN, may find that acquiring advanced credentials can substantially enhance their earning potential.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $47,882 | $23.03 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $50,375 | $24.22 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $52,015 | $25.01 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $63,378 | $30.47 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $66,350 | $31.90 |
Median Salary Position
15.57% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Salem
In Salem, OR, the certified nursing assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $18,468 (2026 est.). At $52,015, the local median is 15.57% above the national median of $45,007.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Salem: You'd be in the entry-level range
How Salem Certified Nursing Assistant Pay Compares
Salem median: $52,015/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Salem Pays |
|---|---|---|
| National Average | $45,007 | +15.57% more |
Certified Nursing Assistants in Salem, OR earn a median of $52,015 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.57% higher than the national median of $45,007.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Salem has a cost of living 3.65% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Salem, OR has a cost-of-living index of 103.649 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $52,015 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $50,184 — a 3.52% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$31,080
2025 BLS Actual
$48,840
2026 Current Est.
$52,015
2019–2027 Growth
+78.2%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Salem (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31,080 | Actual |
| 2020 | $33,490 | Actual |
| 2021 | $37,500 | Actual |
| 2022 | $41,360 | Actual |
| 2023 | $46,600 | Actual |
| 2024 | $48,280 | Actual |
| 2025 | $48,840 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $52,015 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $55,396 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Salem metropolitan area, the median certified nursing assistant salary grew 57.1% from $31,080 (2019) to $48,840 (2025). At a 6.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $55,396 by 2027 — a total increase of $24,316 (78.24%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the 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) | $47,882 – $50,375 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $50,375 – $52,015 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $52,015 – $63,378 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $63,378 – $66,350 |
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 Salem
In Salem, the job market for certified nursing assistants is robust, with approximately 1,390 professionals employed in this pivotal role. The cost of living index of 103.649 indicates that expenses are slightly above the national average, which can affect overall purchasing power. Facilities that offer the highest pay typically include hospitals—especially in intensive care units—and skilled nursing facilities. Variances in pay can be attributed to multiple factors, such as shift differentials which may add $2-4 per hour for night shifts or up to $3 for weekend work. Additionally, employers might offer premiums for agency staffing during shortages, or stipends for CNAs who hold Certified Medication Aide (CMA) certifications. To maximize earnings in this competitive Salem market, CNAs should consider seeking positions that provide weekend-only shifts or roles in higher-acuity settings. Engaging in continuous education and training can further position these professionals favorably for future salary negotiations, highlighting the demand for skilled care in an evolving healthcare landscape.
More salary data for Salem, 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 $48,840 for certified nursing assistantsin the 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
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