Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Erie, PA: $41,993 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time certified nursing assistant in Erie, PA earns a median $41,993/year (≈ $20.19/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Once you factor in Erie's price level (9% below national, BEA RPP 91.0), that paycheck buys what $46,172 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 10.3% below the Pennsylvania state average.
Official BLS data · View source
For certified nursing assistants in Erie, Pennsylvania, the 2026 median annual salary is projected to reach $41,993, reflecting ongoing trends in the healthcare workforce. This figure represents a salary range from $39,661 at the 10th percentile to $48,266 at the 90th percentile, indicating varying pay scales based on experience and job responsibilities. These estimates, derived from 2025 BLS OEWS data, highlight that while local salaries are competitive, they fall slightly below the national median of $45,007. The Erie job market for certified nursing assistants, with approximately 1,800 professionals employed in the area, indicates a steady demand, suggesting a favorable environment for those considering this career path and contemplating future advancement to roles such as licensed practical nurse (LPN).
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,661 | $19.07 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $41,556 | $19.98 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $41,993 | $20.19 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $46,551 | $22.38 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $48,266 | $23.21 |
Median Salary Position
6.7% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Erie
In Erie, PA, the certified nursing assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $8,605 (2026 est.). At $41,993, the local median is 6.7% below the national median of $45,007.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Erie: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Erie Certified Nursing Assistant Pay Compares
Erie median: $41,993/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Erie Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania Average | $46,815 | -10.30% less |
| National Average | $45,007 | -6.70% less |
Certified Nursing Assistants in Erie, PA earn a median of $41,993 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.70% lower than the national median of $45,007 and 10.30% below the Pennsylvania state average of $46,815.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Erie has a cost of living 9.05% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Erie, PA has a cost-of-living index of 90.95 (below the national average of 100). A certified nursing assistant earning $41,993 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $46,172 in an average-cost city — an effective 9.95% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$29,650
2025 BLS Actual
$39,430
2026 Current Est.
$41,993
2019–2027 Growth
+50.8%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Erie (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29,650 | Actual |
| 2020 | $30,510 | Actual |
| 2021 | $30,040 | Actual |
| 2022 | $33,490 | Actual |
| 2023 | $36,380 | Actual |
| 2024 | $37,850 | Actual |
| 2025 | $39,430 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $41,993 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $44,722 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Erie metropolitan area, the median certified nursing assistant salary grew 33.0% from $29,650 (2019) to $39,430 (2025). At a 6.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $44,722 by 2027 — a total increase of $15,072 (50.83%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Erie 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) | $39,661 – $41,556 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $41,556 – $41,993 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $41,993 – $46,551 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $46,551 – $48,266 |
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 Erie
Examining the local market further, the cost of living index in Erie stands at 90.95, which is below the national average. This lower index boosts the purchasing power of the certified nursing assistant salary in Erie PA, enabling better financial management despite the comparatively lower salaries. Those looking to maximize their earnings should consider seeking employment in skilled nursing facilities or hospitals, where compensation tends to be higher. Factors such as shift differentials, especially for night shifts and weekends, significantly impact pay rates, with potential hourly premiums ranging from $1 to $4 for non-day shifts. Additionally, certifications such as the CMA credential may provide stipend opportunities, enhancing overall compensation. With a growth rate of 6.50% projected over the next five years, there’s ample opportunity for those who pursue further training or take on additional responsibilities to bridge into higher-paying roles within the healthcare sector.
More salary data for Erie, PA:
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 $39,430 for certified nursing assistantsin the Erie 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