Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Bristol, RI: $42,818 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time certified nursing assistant in Bristol, RI earns a median $42,818/year (≈ $20.59/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Once you factor in Bristol's price level (1% above national, BEA RPP 100.5), that paycheck buys what $42,605 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.3% below the Rhode Island state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, a certified nursing assistant in Bristol, Rhode Island, can expect to earn a median annual salary of $42,818. This figure signifies a slight decrease compared to the national median, which stands at $45,007, placing the local compensation about 4.86% lower than the national average. The salary range for certified nursing assistants in the area fluctuates from around $35,443 at the tenth percentile to upwards of $51,049 at the ninetieth percentile. These estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data projected for 2026, indicate that while entry-level positions offer modest pay, there are opportunities for higher earnings in various care settings, particularly for those who pursue additional credentials such as LPN or RN, which can significantly enhance job prospects and salary potential in Bristol’s competitive job market.
About the Bristol Market
Salary estimated from Rhode Island average ($42,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $35,443 | $17.04 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $37,779 | $18.16 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $42,818 | $20.59 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $45,161 | $21.72 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $51,049 | $24.54 |
Median Salary Position
4.86% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Bristol
In Bristol, RI, the certified nursing assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $15,606 (2026 est.). At $42,818, the local median is 4.86% below the national median of $45,007.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Bristol: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Bristol Certified Nursing Assistant Pay Compares
Bristol median: $42,818/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Bristol Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Rhode Island Average | $45,215 | -5.30% less |
| National Average | $45,007 | -4.86% less |
Certified Nursing Assistants in Bristol, RI earn a median of $42,818 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.86% lower than the national median of $45,007 and 5.30% below the Rhode Island state average of $45,215.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Bristol has a cost of living 0.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Bristol, RI has a cost-of-living index of 100.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $42,818 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $42,605 — a 0.5% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$28,218
2025 BLS Actual
$40,205
2026 Current Est.
$42,818
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Bristol (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28,218 | Actual |
| 2020 | $29,350 | Actual |
| 2021 | $28,836 | Actual |
| 2022 | $34,021 | Actual |
| 2023 | $36,342 | Actual |
| 2024 | $39,958 | Actual |
| 2025 | $40,205 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $42,818 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $45,602 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Bristol metropolitan area, the median certified nursing assistant salary grew 42.5% from $28,218 (2019) to $40,205 (2025). At a 6.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $45,602 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,384 (61.61%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bristol 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) | $35,443 – $37,779 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $37,779 – $42,818 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $42,818 – $45,161 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $45,161 – $51,049 |
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 Bristol
Examining the local job market, there are currently only five employed certified nursing assistants in Bristol. The cost-of-living index in the area is slightly above the national average at 100.5, which means that while salaries may be lower than some regions, everyday expenses could influence overall purchasing power for these professionals. Among the various employers, skilled nursing facilities typically offer the most lucrative positions, reflecting the industry's ongoing need for qualified staff due to the post-COVID turnover. Pay discrepancies can often be attributed to shift differentials, with night shifts typically offering an additional $2-4 per hour, and weekend shifts providing an extra $1-3 per hour. For CNAs looking to maximize their earnings in Bristol, strategies may include accepting positions in high-demand settings and pursuing certifications that warrant higher pay grades, alongside taking advantage of premium roles or working agency shifts during staffing shortages.
More salary data for Bristol, RI:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can certified nursing assistants make $100K in Bristol?
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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 $40,205 for certified nursing assistantsin the Bristol 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 Bristol 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