Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in New Castle, PA: $44,792 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time certified nursing assistant in New Castle, PA earns a median $44,792/year (≈ $21.53/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Once you factor in New Castle's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.4), that paycheck buys what $45,988 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.3% below the Pennsylvania state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the certified nursing assistant salary in New Castle is projected to hit a median annual wage of $44,792, reflecting a nuanced landscape influenced by the choice between skilled nursing facilities and hospitals. The pay range for this role spans from $37,895 at the lower end to $50,202 at the upper echelon, showcasing the variability in compensation that exists within different caregiving environments. These figures, based on 2025 BLS data projected to 2026, account for local economic conditions and cost-of-living adjustments, narrowing the gap between local salaries and the national median of $45,007. In New Castle, where the demand for certified nursing assistants remains robust, these figures indicate a competitive job market.
About the New Castle Market
Salary estimated from Pennsylvania average ($38,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,895 | $18.22 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $41,875 | $20.13 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $44,792 | $21.53 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $47,734 | $22.95 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $50,202 | $24.13 |
Median Salary Position
0.48% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in New Castle
In New Castle, PA, the certified nursing assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $12,307 (2026 est.). At $44,792, the local median is 0.48% below the national median of $45,007.
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At 40 hours/week in New Castle: You'd be above the median
How New Castle Certified Nursing Assistant Pay Compares
New Castle median: $44,792/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | New Castle Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania Average | $46,804 | -4.30% less |
| National Average | $45,007 | -0.48% less |
Certified Nursing Assistants in New Castle, PA earn a median of $44,792 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.48% lower than the national median of $45,007 and 4.30% below the Pennsylvania state average of $46,804.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
New Castle has a cost of living 2.60% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
New Castle, PA has a cost-of-living index of 97.4 (below the national average of 100). A certified nursing assistant earning $44,792 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $45,988 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.67% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$29,518
2025 BLS Actual
$42,058
2026 Current Est.
$44,792
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in New Castle (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29,518 | Actual |
| 2020 | $30,703 | Actual |
| 2021 | $30,165 | Actual |
| 2022 | $35,589 | Actual |
| 2023 | $38,017 | Actual |
| 2024 | $35,411 | Actual |
| 2025 | $42,058 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $44,792 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $47,703 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the New Castle metropolitan area, the median certified nursing assistant salary grew 42.5% from $29,518 (2019) to $42,058 (2025). At a 6.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $47,703 by 2027 — a total increase of $18,185 (61.61%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the New Castle 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) | $37,895 – $41,875 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $41,875 – $44,792 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $44,792 – $47,734 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $47,734 – $50,202 |
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 New Castle
With only four certified nursing assistants employed in New Castle, the job market presents unique dynamics. The cost-of-living index stands at 97.4, slightly below the national average, which indicates a favorable purchasing power for residents. Among local employers, skilled nursing facilities generally offer the highest pay, though hospitals and specialized care settings also provide competitive wages. Factors contributing to the salary range include shift differentials, where night shifts may offer an additional $2 to $4 per hour, and weekend premiums ranging from $1 to $3. For those seeking to maximize their earnings, pursuing CMA certification, embracing flexible schedules, and considering agency work during staffing shortages can yield significant boosts to pay. Furthermore, opportunities for advancement, such as transitioning to LPN or RN roles, remain strong pathways for growth in New Castle's healthcare sector.
More salary data for New Castle, 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 $42,058 for certified nursing assistantsin the New Castle 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 New Castle 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