Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Spartanburg, SC: $42,653 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time certified nursing assistant in Spartanburg, SC earns a median $42,653/year (≈ $20.51/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Once you factor in Spartanburg's price level (9% below national, BEA RPP 91.1), that paycheck buys what $46,845 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.3% above the South Carolina state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In Spartanburg, South Carolina, the projected median annual salary for a certified nursing assistant (CNA) in 2026 is $42,653, which reflects a slight dip of approximately 5.23% compared to the national median of $45,007. The salary range for CNAs in this region spans from $36,274 at the 10th percentile to $48,947 at the 90th percentile, according to estimates based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026. This variance highlights the differing pay structures between skilled nursing facilities and hospitals, with the former typically offering less competitive wages than medical or surgical units, especially during evening and weekend shifts. The ongoing demand for qualified CNAs showcases Spartanburg's evolving healthcare market.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $36,274 | $17.43 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $39,522 | $19.00 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $42,653 | $20.51 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $42,675 | $20.51 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $48,947 | $23.53 |
Median Salary Position
5.23% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Spartanburg
In Spartanburg, SC, the certified nursing assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $12,673 (2026 est.). At $42,653, the local median is 5.23% below the national median of $45,007.
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At 40 hours/week in Spartanburg: You'd be above the median
How Spartanburg Certified Nursing Assistant Pay Compares
Spartanburg median: $42,653/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Spartanburg Pays |
|---|---|---|
| South Carolina Average | $39,751 | +7.30% more |
| National Average | $45,007 | -5.23% less |
Certified Nursing Assistants in Spartanburg, SC earn a median of $42,653 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.23% lower than the national median of $45,007 and 7.30% above the South Carolina state average of $39,751.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Spartanburg has a cost of living 8.95% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Spartanburg, SC has a cost-of-living index of 91.051 (below the national average of 100). A certified nursing assistant earning $42,653 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $46,845 in an average-cost city — an effective 9.83% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$23,610
2025 BLS Actual
$40,050
2026 Current Est.
$42,653
2019–2027 Growth
+92.4%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Spartanburg (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $23,610 | Actual |
| 2020 | $25,590 | Actual |
| 2021 | $29,260 | Actual |
| 2022 | $30,880 | Actual |
| 2023 | $36,890 | Actual |
| 2024 | $38,520 | Actual |
| 2025 | $40,050 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $42,653 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $45,426 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Spartanburg metropolitan area, the median certified nursing assistant salary grew 69.6% from $23,610 (2019) to $40,050 (2025). At a 6.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $45,426 by 2027 — a total increase of $21,816 (92.40%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Spartanburg 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) | $36,274 – $39,522 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $39,522 – $42,653 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $42,653 – $42,675 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $42,675 – $48,947 |
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 Spartanburg
With approximately 1,630 certified nursing assistants employed in Spartanburg, the job market remains relatively robust, especially considering the cost of living index, which stands at 91.051, indicating a lower-than-average cost of living in the region. This context is crucial as it enhances the purchasing power of CNA salaries, allowing for better financial stability despite the lower salary figures relative to the national average. Employers such as hospitals and rehabilitation centers often offer higher wages due to the complexity of patient acuity and shift differentials, with night shifts generally yielding an additional $2-4 per hour and weekend work offering extra premiums. For those seeking to maximize their earning potential, securing a position in a hospital setting, pursuing additional certifications, or considering weekend-only roles can significantly boost pay. The tight labor market following the post-COVID staffing crisis also provides an opportunity for CNAs to negotiate salaries, particularly if holding certifications like CMA.
More salary data for Spartanburg, SC:
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 $40,050 for certified nursing assistantsin the Spartanburg 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