Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in San Juan, PR: $24,335 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time certified nursing assistant in San Juan, PR earns a median $24,335/year (≈ $11.70/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 $32,447 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 27.9% below the Puerto Rico state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, certified nursing assistants in San Juan, Puerto Rico, can expect to earn a median annual salary of $24,335, which reflects a significant disparity when compared to the national median of $45,007. The salary range for this profession in San Juan varies from $23,260 to $49,885, highlighting the diverse opportunities available. This data is derived from official BLS OEWS surveys and gives a clear picture of the earning potential in the local healthcare sector. As many CNAs consider how to progress their careers toward becoming licensed practical nurses (LPNs) or registered nurses (RNs), understanding the financial landscape is crucial, particularly in a city where demand for skilled nursing professionals is strong amidst ongoing workforce shortages.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $23,260 | $11.18 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23,260 | $11.18 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $24,335 | $11.70 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $44,016 | $21.16 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $49,885 | $23.98 |
Median Salary Position
45.93% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in San Juan
In San Juan, PR, the certified nursing assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $26,625 (2026 est.). At $24,335, the local median is 45.93% below the national median of $45,007.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in San Juan: You'd be in the entry-level range
How San Juan Certified Nursing Assistant Pay Compares
San Juan median: $24,335/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | San Juan Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Puerto Rico Average | $33,752 | -27.90% less |
| National Average | $45,007 | -45.93% less |
Certified Nursing Assistants in San Juan, PR earn a median of $24,335 per year (2026 est.), which is 45.93% lower than the national median of $45,007 and 27.90% below the Puerto Rico state average of $33,752.
2019 BLS Actual
$20,250
2025 BLS Actual
$22,850
2026 Current Est.
$24,335
2019–2027 Growth
+28.0%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in San Juan (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20,250 | Actual |
| 2020 | $18,920 | Actual |
| 2021 | $18,180 | Actual |
| 2022 | $19,390 | Actual |
| 2023 | $21,240 | Actual |
| 2024 | $21,980 | Actual |
| 2025 | $22,850 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $24,335 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $25,917 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the San Juan metropolitan area, the median certified nursing assistant salary grew 12.8% from $20,250 (2019) to $22,850 (2025). At a 6.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $25,917 by 2027 — a total increase of $5,667 (27.99%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the San Juan 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 – $24,335 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $24,335 – $44,016 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $44,016 – $49,885 |
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 San Juan
Currently, there are about 290 certified nursing assistants employed in San Juan, reflecting a stable job market for this designation. However, local living costs significantly impact real earnings power, meaning that CNAs need to consider various factors when evaluating their total compensation. Among different employers, skilled nursing facilities and rehabilitation hospitals tend to offer the best pay, particularly during peak times when staffing shortages arise. The disparity in certified nursing assistant pay in San Juan PR can also be attributed to shift differentials, with night shifts often earning an additional $2-$4 per hour. For those looking to maximize their pay, pursuing certifications such as CMA or exploring weekend-only roles can enhance financial prospects, especially in an evolving healthcare market where competitive wages are increasingly tied to specific skills and flexible schedules.
More salary data for San Juan, PR:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can certified nursing assistants make $100K in San Juan?
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Related Pages
Career Resources
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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 $22,850 for certified nursing assistantsin the San Juan 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