Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Clemson, SC: $36,590 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time certified nursing assistant in Clemson, SC earns a median $36,590/year (≈ $17.59/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Once you factor in Clemson's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 91.5), that paycheck buys what $39,989 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.9% below the South Carolina state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the certified nursing assistant salary in Clemson, South Carolina, is projected to reach a median of $36,590, significantly below the national median of $45,007. Local compensation ranges from $31,534 at the lower end to $43,079 for top earners, indicating a clear pay disparity influenced by the type of healthcare facility. These salary figures are derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS data, accounting for regional price parity. With the job market for certified nursing assistants in Clemson remaining competitive, prospective employees should evaluate their options between skilled nursing facilities and hospitals, where pay structures can differ considerably due to varying patient care requirements and operational demands.
About the Clemson Market
Salary estimated from South Carolina average ($31,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $31,534 | $15.17 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $33,306 | $16.02 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $36,590 | $17.59 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $40,274 | $19.36 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $43,079 | $20.71 |
Median Salary Position
18.7% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Clemson
In Clemson, SC, the certified nursing assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $11,545 (2026 est.). At $36,590, the local median is 18.7% below the national median of $45,007.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Clemson: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Clemson Certified Nursing Assistant Pay Compares
Clemson median: $36,590/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Clemson Pays |
|---|---|---|
| South Carolina Average | $39,729 | -7.90% less |
| National Average | $45,007 | -18.70% less |
Certified Nursing Assistants in Clemson, SC earn a median of $36,590 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.70% lower than the national median of $45,007 and 7.90% below the South Carolina state average of $39,729.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Clemson has a cost of living 8.50% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Clemson, SC has a cost-of-living index of 91.5 (below the national average of 100). A certified nursing assistant earning $36,590 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $39,989 in an average-cost city — an effective 9.29% boost.
Compare Purchasing Power
Select a city to see how your salary compares after cost of living
Select a city above to compare purchasing power
2019 BLS Actual
$24,113
2025 BLS Actual
$34,357
2026 Current Est.
$36,590
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Clemson (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $24,113 | Actual |
| 2020 | $25,081 | Actual |
| 2021 | $24,642 | Actual |
| 2022 | $29,073 | Actual |
| 2023 | $31,056 | Actual |
| 2024 | $26,120 | Actual |
| 2025 | $34,357 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $36,590 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $38,969 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Clemson metropolitan area, the median certified nursing assistant salary grew 42.5% from $24,113 (2019) to $34,357 (2025). At a 6.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $38,969 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,856 (61.61%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Clemson 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) | $31,534 – $33,306 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $33,306 – $36,590 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $36,590 – $40,274 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $40,274 – $43,079 |
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 Clemson
As of now, there are only six certified nursing assistants employed in Clemson, highlighting both a limited local workforce and potential for job growth in this field. With a cost-of-living index of 91.5, the purchasing power for CNAs in the region is relatively favorable compared to national standards, yet the lower salaries mean financial planning is essential. Among local employers, skilled nursing facilities often offer the highest compensation, especially when factoring in shift differentials; night shifts can yield an extra $2-4 per hour while weekend work typically adds $1-3. Pay disparities are also influenced by factors such as agency premium rates during staffing shortages and the additional stipends for Certified Med Aides. To maximize earnings, CNAs should consider building experience in higher-acuity environments or pursuing bridge programs to LPN or RN roles, ultimately enhancing their career trajectory in the growing healthcare field.
More salary data for Clemson, SC:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do certified nursing assistants make in Clemson, SC in 2026?
Is Clemson, SC a good place to work as a certified nursing assistant?
Can certified nursing assistants make $100K in Clemson?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted certified nursing assistant salary in Clemson?
How much does a certified nursing assistant make per hour in Clemson?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in South Carolina
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 $34,357 for certified nursing assistantsin the Clemson 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 Clemson 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