Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Burlington, VT: $51,322 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time certified nursing assistant in Burlington, VT earns a median $51,322/year (≈ $24.68/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Once you factor in Burlington's price level (1% above national, BEA RPP 100.9), that paycheck buys what $50,840 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 10.2% above the Vermont state average.
Official BLS data · View source
For certified nursing assistants in Burlington, VT, the 2026 median salary is poised at $51,322, marking a notable increase compared to national figures. The salary range in the area extends from $43,196 at the lower tenth percentile (P10) to $64,347 at the top tenth percentile (P90). This data, derived from 2025 BLS OEWS surveys and projected to 2026, reflects a robust job market for CNAs, with an emphasis on the potential for career advancement. Those looking to bridge into LPN or RN roles will find the landscape supportive, particularly as wages in the nursing sector have experienced significant increases following recent staffing crises.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $43,196 | $20.77 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $50,715 | $24.38 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $51,322 | $24.68 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $60,939 | $29.30 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $64,347 | $30.94 |
Median Salary Position
14.03% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Burlington
In Burlington, VT, the certified nursing assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $21,151 (2026 est.). At $51,322, the local median is 14.03% above the national median of $45,007.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Burlington: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Burlington Certified Nursing Assistant Pay Compares
Burlington median: $51,322/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Burlington Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Vermont Average | $46,572 | +10.20% more |
| National Average | $45,007 | +14.03% more |
Certified Nursing Assistants in Burlington, VT earn a median of $51,322 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.03% higher than the national median of $45,007 and 10.20% above the Vermont state average of $46,572.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Burlington has a cost of living 0.95% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Burlington, VT has a cost-of-living index of 100.949 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $51,322 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $50,840 — a 0.94% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$29,940
2025 BLS Actual
$48,190
2026 Current Est.
$51,322
2019–2027 Growth
+82.6%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Burlington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29,940 | Actual |
| 2020 | $31,230 | Actual |
| 2021 | $36,590 | Actual |
| 2022 | $37,870 | Actual |
| 2023 | $42,370 | Actual |
| 2024 | $44,750 | Actual |
| 2025 | $48,190 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $51,322 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $54,658 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Burlington metropolitan area, the median certified nursing assistant salary grew 61.0% from $29,940 (2019) to $48,190 (2025). At a 6.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $54,658 by 2027 — a total increase of $24,718 (82.56%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Burlington 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) | $43,196 – $50,715 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $50,715 – $51,322 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $51,322 – $60,939 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $60,939 – $64,347 |
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 Burlington
Burlington's job market currently employs about 1,060 certified nursing assistants, providing ample opportunity despite the area's cost-of-living index of 100.949, which is slightly above the national average. This living cost affects take-home pay and overall purchasing power for CNAs in the region. Among employers, skilled nursing facilities and hospitals tend to offer the highest wages, particularly for roles in intensive care units and rehabilitation hospitals. The disparity in salaries often reflects shift differentials, where those working nights may receive an additional $2-4 per hour, and weekends can carry a premium of $1-3. Maximizing pay in Burlington often involves seeking positions with agencies offering premium rates during staffing shortages or obtaining additional certifications like CMA, which can lead to bonuses. Understanding these dynamics, along with the pathways to advanced nursing roles, can significantly enhance earning potential for certified nursing assistants.
More salary data for Burlington, VT:
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 $48,190 for certified nursing assistantsin the Burlington 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