Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Oshkosh, WI: $47,488 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time certified nursing assistant in Oshkosh, WI earns a median $47,488/year (≈ $22.83/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Once you factor in Oshkosh's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 92.9), that paycheck buys what $51,101 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.0% above the Wisconsin state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In Oshkosh, Wisconsin, the average certified nursing assistant salary is a competitive $47,488 in 2026, reflecting a slight edge over the national median of $45,007. Salary ranges for CNAs here vary from $40,864 at the 10th percentile to $51,631 at the 90th percentile. This data is derived from official BLS OEWS surveys, highlighting the unique compensation dynamics in the area. Notably, shifts in the healthcare landscape, particularly the differing pay structures between skilled nursing facilities and hospitals, play a substantial role in shaping earning potential. For prospective CNAs in Oshkosh, understanding the job market and the factors that influence wages can better guide career decisions.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,864 | $19.65 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $42,142 | $20.27 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $47,488 | $22.83 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $50,534 | $24.29 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $51,631 | $24.83 |
Median Salary Position
5.51% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Oshkosh
In Oshkosh, WI, the certified nursing assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $10,767 (2026 est.). At $47,488, the local median is 5.51% above the national median of $45,007.
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At 40 hours/week in Oshkosh: You'd be above the median
How Oshkosh Certified Nursing Assistant Pay Compares
Oshkosh median: $47,488/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Oshkosh Pays |
|---|---|---|
| National Average | $45,007 | +5.51% more |
Certified Nursing Assistants in Oshkosh, WI earn a median of $47,488 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.51% higher than the national median of $45,007.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Oshkosh has a cost of living 7.07% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Oshkosh, WI has a cost-of-living index of 92.929 (below the national average of 100). A certified nursing assistant earning $47,488 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $51,101 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.61% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$29,830
2025 BLS Actual
$44,590
2026 Current Est.
$47,488
2019–2027 Growth
+69.5%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Oshkosh (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29,830 | Actual |
| 2020 | $30,330 | Actual |
| 2021 | $30,360 | Actual |
| 2022 | $36,440 | Actual |
| 2023 | $38,240 | Actual |
| 2024 | $40,130 | Actual |
| 2025 | $44,590 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $47,488 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $50,575 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Oshkosh metropolitan area, the median certified nursing assistant salary grew 49.5% from $29,830 (2019) to $44,590 (2025). At a 6.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $50,575 by 2027 — a total increase of $20,745 (69.54%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Oshkosh 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) | $40,864 – $42,142 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $42,142 – $47,488 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $47,488 – $50,534 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $50,534 – $51,631 |
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 Oshkosh
Exploring the local job market further reveals that around 900 certified nursing assistants are currently employed in Oshkosh, providing a solid foundation for job availability. The cost-of-living index, sitting at 92.929, indicates a favorable economic environment for CNAs, allowing for greater purchasing power despite the fluctuating wage landscape. Interestingly, skilled nursing facilities often offer more competitive salaries compared to hospitals, while agencies may provide premium pay during staffing shortages. Factors contributing to pay disparities include shift differentials—where nights command an extra $2-4 per hour—weekend premiums, and various certifications that can lead to higher wages. To maximize earning potential in this specific Oshkosh market, aspiring CNAs should consider roles that offer additional stipends, explore night and weekend shifts, and pursue bridge pathways to LPN or RN licensure, enhancing both experience and salary prospects.
More salary data for Oshkosh, 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 $44,590 for certified nursing assistantsin the Oshkosh 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