Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Pennsylvania: $47,575 (2026)
Quick Answer:Across Pennsylvania's 25 metropolitan areas, the average median certified nursing assistant pay sits at $47,575/year heading into 2026 — a figure projected from 2025 BLS OEWS wage data for SOC 31-1131. Because Pennsylvania sits at BEA RPP 97.4 (3% below the U.S. baseline), that statewide median translates to roughly $48,845 in nationally-comparable purchasing power. Highest-paying metros: Philadelphia ($46,220), Reading ($45,530), Bethlehem ($45,441).
In 2026, certified nursing assistants in Pennsylvania can expect an average median salary of $47,576, which is 5.7% higher than the national median of $45,007. The salary range among cities varies significantly; for instance, Philadelphia offers the highest average at $49,224, while Johnstown presents the lowest at $41,279. This approximately $7,945 difference is primarily driven by local market demand, cost of living, and healthcare facility funding in these regions. Factors contributing to the nursing assistant landscape in Pennsylvania include state-specific licensing requirements and scope of practice laws, which ensure that CNAs are well-prepared for their roles. As of projected 2026 figures, the state employs about 68,500 certified nursing assistants, reflecting a strong demand that is expected to grow at an annual compounded growth rate (CAGR) of 6.50%. Key metropolitan areas contributing to the state’s CNA workforce include Reading at $48,489, Bethlehem at $48,395, Lebanon at $48,287, and Chambersburg at $48,202. As the healthcare sector continues to expand, job opportunities for CNAs in Pennsylvania are likely to increase, making it a critical point for those considering entering the field.
Pennsylvania Certified Nursing Assistant Salary Range
Overall salary range in Pennsylvania: $35,686 (lowest entry-level) to $58,338 (highest top earner)
Pennsylvania vs National Average
Pennsylvania certified nursing assistants earn 5.71% more than the national median (+$2,568/year difference).
Pennsylvania Certified Nursing Assistant Salary Distribution (2026)
Certified Nursing Assistant salaries in Pennsylvania range from $40,697 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $51,841 (top earners, 90th percentile), with a median of $47,575. The Pennsylvania median is $2,568 above the US national median of $45,007. The average hourly rate is $22.87/hr. Approximately 68,500 certified nursing assistants are employed across 25 cities.
2019 BLS Actual
$31,356
2025 BLS Actual
$44,672
2026 Current Est.
$47,575
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Pennsylvania (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31,356 | Actual |
| 2020 | $32,510 | Actual |
| 2021 | $35,700 | Actual |
| 2022 | $36,916 | Actual |
| 2023 | $39,264 | Actual |
| 2024 | $41,113 | Actual |
| 2025 | $44,672 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $47,575 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $50,668 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Pennsylvania metropolitan area, the median certified nursing assistant salary grew 42.5% from $31,356 (2019) to $44,672 (2025). At a 6.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $50,668 by 2027 — a total increase of $19,312 (61.59%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Pennsylvania 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.
Top 5 Highest Paying Cities in Pennsylvania
Lowest Paying Cities in Pennsylvania
| City | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Johnstown | $41,279 |
| Altoona | $41,397 |
| Erie | $41,993 |
| State College | $42,004 |
| Williamsport | $42,419 |
Best Value Cities for Certified Nursing Assistants in Pennsylvania
When adjusted for local cost of living, these Pennsylvania cities offer the most purchasing power for certified nursing assistants.
| City | Nominal Salary | CoL Index | Adjusted Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lebanon | $48,287 | 93.214 | $51,802 |
| Chambersburg | $48,202 | 94.642 | $50,931 |
| Scranton | $46,839 | 93.556 | $50,065 |
| Reading | $48,489 | 97.06 | $49,958 |
| Bethlehem | $48,395 | 97.4 | $49,687 |
Adjusted salary = nominal salary × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average. Lower index = lower cost of living.
Salary by Experience Level in Pennsylvania
| Experience Level | Estimated Annual |
|---|---|
| Entry Level (0-2 years) | $40,697 |
| Mid Career (3-7 years) | $47,575 |
| Experienced (7+ years) | $51,841 |
Estimates based on BLS percentile data averaged across Pennsylvania metro areas. Individual pay varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
All 25 Cities in Pennsylvania
| # | City | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Philadelphia | $49,224 |
| 2 | Reading | $48,489 |
| 3 | Bethlehem | $48,395 |
| 4 | Lebanon | $48,287 |
| 5 | Chambersburg | $48,202 |
| 6 | Lancaster | $47,808 |
| 7 | York | $47,424 |
| 8 | Allentown | $47,243 |
| 9 | Scranton | $46,839 |
| 10 | Harrisburg | $46,796 |
| 11 | Easton | $46,433 |
| 12 | Wilkes-Barre | $46,072 |
| 13 | Pittsburgh | $45,880 |
| 14 | Hazleton | $45,433 |
| 15 | Norristown | $45,346 |
| 16 | Gettysburg | $45,284 |
| 17 | Chester | $45,240 |
| 18 | New Castle | $44,792 |
| 19 | Pottstown | $44,155 |
| 20 | West Chester | $43,830 |
| 21 | Williamsport | $42,419 |
| 22 | State College | $42,004 |
| 23 | Erie | $41,993 |
| 24 | Altoona | $41,397 |
| 25 | Johnstown | $41,279 |
More Pennsylvania Salary Data
Hourly Rates
Explore certified nursing assistant hourly pay in Pennsylvania cities.
Entry Level
Starting salaries for new certified nursing assistants.
Senior / Experienced
Top earner salaries for experienced certified nursing assistants.
Compare Cities in Pennsylvania
View all comparisons →Explore More Certified Nursing Assistant Salary Data
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do certified nursing assistants make in Pennsylvania in 2026?
What is the highest paying city for certified nursing assistants in Pennsylvania?
How does Pennsylvania certified nursing assistant pay compare to the national average?
What is the entry-level certified nursing assistant salary in Pennsylvania?
How many certified nursing assistants are employed in Pennsylvania?
Which Pennsylvania city offers the best value for certified nursing assistants?
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
Statewide 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. A 6.50% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to each metro area's reported salary to estimate current 2026 certified nursing assistant compensation across Pennsylvania. State averages are employment-weighted across 25 metro areas — larger metro areas with more certified nursing assistantscontribute proportionally more to the average, producing figures that better reflect typical compensation. Individual pay varies by city, employer, certifications, and experience.
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