Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Kenosha, WI: $49,224 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time certified nursing assistant in Kenosha, WI earns a median $49,224/year (≈ $23.66/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Once you factor in Kenosha's price level (1% above national, BEA RPP 101.1), that paycheck buys what $48,680 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.7% above the Wisconsin state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, certified nursing assistants in Kenosha, Wisconsin, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $49,224, marking an increase compared to the national median of $45,007. The salary range for this profession spans from $41,013 at the lower tenth percentile to $53,580 at the higher ninetieth percentile. These estimates are based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, indicating a competitive pay environment in the region. With the ongoing shift towards more skilled healthcare positions, many CNAs view the role as a stepping stone towards obtaining higher credentials like Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or Registered Nurse (RN). This upward mobility in Kenosha's job market reflects the increasing demand for qualified professionals in various healthcare settings.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $41,013 | $19.71 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $42,238 | $20.31 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $49,224 | $23.66 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $49,980 | $24.03 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $53,580 | $25.76 |
Median Salary Position
9.37% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Kenosha
In Kenosha, WI, the certified nursing assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $12,567 (2026 est.). At $49,224, the local median is 9.37% above the national median of $45,007.
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At 40 hours/week in Kenosha: You'd be above the median
How Kenosha Certified Nursing Assistant Pay Compares
Kenosha median: $49,224/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Kenosha Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Wisconsin Average | $47,468 | +3.70% more |
| National Average | $45,007 | +9.37% more |
Certified Nursing Assistants in Kenosha, WI earn a median of $49,224 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.37% higher than the national median of $45,007 and 3.70% above the Wisconsin state average of $47,468.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Kenosha has a cost of living 1.12% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Kenosha, WI has a cost-of-living index of 101.118 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $49,224 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $48,680 — a 1.11% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$32,439
2025 BLS Actual
$46,220
2026 Current Est.
$49,224
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Kenosha (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32,439 | Actual |
| 2020 | $33,741 | Actual |
| 2021 | $33,150 | Actual |
| 2022 | $39,111 | Actual |
| 2023 | $41,780 | Actual |
| 2024 | $44,850 | Actual |
| 2025 | $46,220 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49,224 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $52,424 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Kenosha metropolitan area, the median certified nursing assistant salary grew 42.5% from $32,439 (2019) to $46,220 (2025). At a 6.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $52,424 by 2027 — a total increase of $19,985 (61.61%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Kenosha 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) | $41,013 – $42,238 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $42,238 – $49,224 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $49,224 – $49,980 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $49,980 – $53,580 |
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 Kenosha
The job market for certified nursing assistants in Kenosha shows strength, with around 710 individuals currently employed in this role. The cost of living index at 101.118 indicates that while living expenses are slightly above the national average, the pay scale remains supportive for maintaining a reasonable quality of life. Skilled nursing facilities, such as those specializing in rehabilitation or long-term care, often provide higher compensation compared to hospitals or home health agencies. Factors such as shift differentials, which can add an extra $2 to $4 per hour for night and weekend shifts, play a significant role in pay variation. For those looking to maximize their earnings, pursuing agency work during staffing shortages or obtaining certifications like Certified Medication Aide (CMA) can lead to better financial outcomes in the local market. These strategies enable individuals to tap into Kenosha's evolving healthcare landscape, ensuring that their skills align with current demand.
More salary data for Kenosha, WI:
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 $46,220 for certified nursing assistantsin the Kenosha 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, 2-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