Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Bristol, VA: $40,911 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time certified nursing assistant in Bristol, VA earns a median $40,911/year (≈ $19.67/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Once you factor in Bristol's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.2), that paycheck buys what $39,642 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.9% below the Virginia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the projected certified nursing assistant salary in Bristol, Virginia, is set at $40,911, reflecting a shift in the local healthcare wage environment following the COVID-19 pandemic. This figure sits approximately 9.10% below the national median of $45,007, indicating a need for prospective CNAs in Bristol to consider both salary expectations and local market conditions. Certified nursing assistants in the area can anticipate a salary range from $34,974 at the lower end (P10) to $47,557 at the upper end (P90), providing a glimpse into the varying compensation based on experience and employer requirements. These estimates are derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional cost variations, underscoring the evolving landscape of healthcare roles in Bristol VA.
About the Bristol Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($35,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $34,974 | $16.82 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $36,902 | $17.74 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $40,911 | $19.67 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $44,775 | $21.52 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $47,557 | $22.87 |
Median Salary Position
9.1% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Bristol
In Bristol, VA, the certified nursing assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $12,583 (2026 est.). At $40,911, the local median is 9.1% 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: $40,911/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Bristol Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Average | $42,571 | -3.90% less |
| National Average | $45,007 | -9.10% less |
Certified Nursing Assistants in Bristol, VA earn a median of $40,911 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.10% lower than the national median of $45,007 and 3.90% below the Virginia state average of $42,571.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Bristol has a cost of living 3.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Bristol, VA has a cost-of-living index of 103.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $40,911 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $39,642 — a 3.1% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$26,961
2025 BLS Actual
$38,414
2026 Current Est.
$40,911
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 | $26,961 | Actual |
| 2020 | $28,042 | Actual |
| 2021 | $27,552 | Actual |
| 2022 | $32,506 | Actual |
| 2023 | $34,723 | Actual |
| 2024 | $34,734 | Actual |
| 2025 | $38,414 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $40,911 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $43,570 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Bristol metropolitan area, the median certified nursing assistant salary grew 42.5% from $26,961 (2019) to $38,414 (2025). At a 6.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $43,570 by 2027 — a total increase of $16,609 (61.60%) 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) | $34,974 – $36,902 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $36,902 – $40,911 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $40,911 – $44,775 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $44,775 – $47,557 |
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
With only six certified nursing assistants actively employed in Bristol, the job market for this role appears stable yet limited. The cost-of-living index at 103.2 suggests that while salaries may trail behind the national average, expenses in the area are somewhat elevated, impacting take-home purchasing power for professionals. Facilities such as skilled nursing centers and rehabilitation hospitals are typically among the better-paid employers, alongside home health agencies that may offer additional incentives. Factors contributing to the pay disparity include shift differentials, where working nights can earn an extra $2-4 per hour, or weekend shifts providing a $1-3 premium. For those looking to maximize their certified nursing assistant pay in Bristol, pursuing weekend-only roles or seeking positions with higher acuity patients can enhance earning potential. Transitioning into LPN or RN pathways may also yield significant long-term financial and professional benefits.
More salary data for Bristol, VA:
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 $38,414 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