Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Portsmouth, VA: $41,190 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time certified nursing assistant in Portsmouth, VA earns a median $41,190/year (≈ $19.80/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Once you factor in Portsmouth's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.2), that paycheck buys what $39,913 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.2% below the Virginia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, certified nursing assistants in Portsmouth, Virginia, can expect a median annual salary of $41,190, reflecting a competitive position in the local job market. The salary range for this role varies significantly, with entry-level positions starting around $33,347 and experienced professionals earning up to $49,771. These figures are based on estimates derived from BLS state-level data and reflect cost adjustments for the Portsmouth area. Although this compensation is slightly below the national median of $45,007, the growth outlook is promising, with an expected annual growth rate of 6.50% over the next five years. This upward trend highlights the ongoing demand for certified nursing assistants and the potential for career advancement, particularly through pathways leading to LPN or RN licensure.
About the Portsmouth Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($35,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $33,347 | $16.03 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $36,240 | $17.42 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $41,190 | $19.80 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $45,765 | $22.00 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $49,771 | $23.93 |
Median Salary Position
8.48% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Portsmouth
In Portsmouth, VA, the certified nursing assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $16,424 (2026 est.). At $41,190, the local median is 8.48% below the national median of $45,007.
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At 40 hours/week in Portsmouth: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Portsmouth Certified Nursing Assistant Pay Compares
Portsmouth median: $41,190/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Portsmouth Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Average | $42,552 | -3.20% less |
| National Average | $45,007 | -8.48% less |
Certified Nursing Assistants in Portsmouth, VA earn a median of $41,190 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.48% lower than the national median of $45,007 and 3.20% below the Virginia state average of $42,552.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Portsmouth has a cost of living 3.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Portsmouth, VA has a cost-of-living index of 103.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $41,190 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $39,913 — a 3.1% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$27,145
2025 BLS Actual
$38,676
2026 Current Est.
$41,190
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Portsmouth (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $27,145 | Actual |
| 2020 | $28,234 | Actual |
| 2021 | $27,739 | Actual |
| 2022 | $32,727 | Actual |
| 2023 | $34,960 | Actual |
| 2024 | $34,951 | Actual |
| 2025 | $38,676 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $41,190 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $43,867 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Portsmouth metropolitan area, the median certified nursing assistant salary grew 42.5% from $27,145 (2019) to $38,676 (2025). At a 6.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $43,867 by 2027 — a total increase of $16,722 (61.60%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Portsmouth 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) | $33,347 – $36,240 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $36,240 – $41,190 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $41,190 – $45,765 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $45,765 – $49,771 |
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 Portsmouth
The job market for certified nursing assistants in Portsmouth is relatively small, with only 17 individuals currently employed in this capacity. Despite this limited pool, the local cost of living index of 103.2 suggests that expenses in Portsmouth are slightly above the national average, impacting the purchasing power of earnings in this field. Among local employers, skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, and home health agencies tend to offer higher salaries, particularly when factoring in shift differentials—nights can yield an additional $2-4 per hour, while weekends often provide $1-3 more. The pay discrepancies can also stem from agency premium pay during staffing shortages and stipends for Certified Medication Aide (CMA) certifications. For those looking to maximize their certified nursing assistant pay in Portsmouth, taking advantage of shift premiums and pursuing additional certifications can lead to more lucrative opportunities.
More salary data for Portsmouth, VA:
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 $38,676 for certified nursing assistantsin the Portsmouth 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 Portsmouth 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