Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Mayaguez, PR: $23,260 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time certified nursing assistant in Mayaguez, PR earns a median $23,260/year (≈ $11.18/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Once you factor in Puerto Rico's price level (25% below national, BEA RPP 75.0), that paycheck buys what $31,013 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 31.1% below the Puerto Rico state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In Mayaguez, Puerto Rico, the anticipated salary for certified nursing assistants (CNAs) in 2026 stands at $23,260 annually, reflecting a critical step for those exploring healthcare careers. This figure is consistent across the salary range, both at the 10th and 90th percentile levels, indicating a uniform compensation structure for CNAs in this region. These insights derive from the official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS surveys, which highlight not only the competitive pay but also the potential for nursing assistants to bridge to higher qualifications like Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or Registered Nurse (RN). With a 6.50% expected growth rate in job opportunities for CNAs over the next five years, the job market in Mayaguez shows promise for those entering this vital field.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $23,260 | $11.18 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23,260 | $11.18 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $23,260 | $11.18 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $23,260 | $11.18 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $23,260 | $11.18 |
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Mayaguez
In Mayaguez, PR, the certified nursing assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is N/A (2026 est.). At $23,260, the local median is 48.32% below the national median of $45,007.
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How Mayaguez Certified Nursing Assistant Pay Compares
Mayaguez median: $23,260/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Mayaguez Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Puerto Rico Average | $33,758 | -31.10% less |
| National Average | $45,007 | -48.32% less |
Certified Nursing Assistants in Mayaguez, PR earn a median of $23,260 per year (2026 est.), which is 48.32% lower than the national median of $45,007 and 31.10% below the Puerto Rico state average of $33,758.
2019 BLS Actual
$15,328
2025 BLS Actual
$21,840
2026 Current Est.
$23,260
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Mayaguez (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $15,328 | Actual |
| 2020 | $15,943 | Actual |
| 2021 | $15,664 | Actual |
| 2022 | $18,481 | Actual |
| 2023 | $19,742 | Actual |
| 2024 | $19,900 | Actual |
| 2025 | $21,840 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23,260 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24,771 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Mayaguez metropolitan area, the median certified nursing assistant salary grew 42.5% from $15,328 (2019) to $21,840 (2025). At a 6.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $24,771 by 2027 — a total increase of $9,443 (61.61%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Mayaguez 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) | $23,260 – $23,260 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $23,260 – $23,260 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $23,260 – $23,260 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $23,260 – $23,260 |
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 Mayaguez
Job availability for certified nursing assistants in Mayaguez is shaped by local demand and staffing challenges faced by many healthcare facilities, including skilled nursing homes and rehabilitation hospitals. Living costs in the region influence real earnings power, often making it necessary for CNAs to consider positions that offer shift differentials or premium pay for weekend work. Facilities providing higher wages often include home health agencies and hospitals, where the added acuity associated with critical care can command better compensation. To maximize earnings in this market, CNAs should target roles that pay for evening and weekend shifts, as these often come with additional premiums. Additionally, obtaining certification as a Certified Medication Aide (CMA) can further enhance pay potential and career growth, opening doors in an industry characterized by frequent turnover and increasing wage opportunities.
More salary data for Mayaguez, PR:
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 $21,840 for certified nursing assistantsin the Mayaguez 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, 2-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