Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in South Milwaukee, WI: $45,116 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time certified nursing assistant in South Milwaukee, WI earns a median $45,116/year (≈ $21.69/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Once you factor in South Milwaukee's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 93.4), that paycheck buys what $48,304 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.0% below the Wisconsin state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In South Milwaukee, a certified nursing assistant salary in South Milwaukee is projected to reach a median annual figure of $45,116 in 2026, showing a modest increase over national averages, which are set at $45,007. Jobs in this field reflect a range from $37,621 at the 10th percentile to $54,202 at the 90th percentile, providing a clear view of the potential earnings based on experience and work settings. This data, derived from 2025 BLS estimates and adjusted for regional economic factors, illustrates the new wage floor for nursing assistants in the post-COVID market, where wages across the sector have seen significant adjustments to attract talent. With growing demand in South Milwaukee, the local market stands poised for more opportunities for certified nursing assistants to secure stable employment and competitive pay.
About the South Milwaukee Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($38,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,621 | $18.08 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40,007 | $19.23 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $45,116 | $21.69 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $47,706 | $22.94 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $54,202 | $26.06 |
Median Salary Position
0.24% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in South Milwaukee
In South Milwaukee, WI, the certified nursing assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $16,581 (2026 est.). At $45,116, the local median is 0.24% above the national median of $45,007.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in South Milwaukee: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How South Milwaukee Certified Nursing Assistant Pay Compares
South Milwaukee median: $45,116/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | South Milwaukee Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Wisconsin Average | $47,490 | -5.00% less |
| National Average | $45,007 | +0.24% more |
Certified Nursing Assistants in South Milwaukee, WI earn a median of $45,116 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.24% higher than the national median of $45,007 and 5.00% below the Wisconsin state average of $47,490.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
South Milwaukee has a cost of living 6.60% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
South Milwaukee, WI has a cost-of-living index of 93.4 (below the national average of 100). A certified nursing assistant earning $45,116 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $48,304 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.07% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$29,732
2025 BLS Actual
$42,362
2026 Current Est.
$45,116
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in South Milwaukee (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29,732 | Actual |
| 2020 | $30,924 | Actual |
| 2021 | $30,383 | Actual |
| 2022 | $35,846 | Actual |
| 2023 | $38,292 | Actual |
| 2024 | $33,719 | Actual |
| 2025 | $42,362 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $45,116 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $48,048 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the South Milwaukee metropolitan area, the median certified nursing assistant salary grew 42.5% from $29,732 (2019) to $42,362 (2025). At a 6.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $48,048 by 2027 — a total increase of $18,316 (61.60%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the South Milwaukee 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) | $37,621 – $40,007 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $40,007 – $45,116 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $45,116 – $47,706 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $47,706 – $54,202 |
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 South Milwaukee
As of 2025, South Milwaukee employed six certified nursing assistants, and with a cost-of-living index of 93.4, the purchasing power in the area is slightly less than the national average, making it crucial for CNAs to optimize their income. Among various employers, skilled nursing facilities often offer the most competitive salaries, particularly when factoring in shift differentials and weekend premiums. Positions that require working nights can add an additional $2-4 per hour, which further increases earnings potential. The variation in pay levels can also be attributed to staffing shortages, agency premium rates, and additional bonuses for certifications such as CMA. To maximize pay in South Milwaukee, aspiring CNAs should seek roles in high-need areas and consider further certification routes that can facilitate a transition to LPN or RN positions, enhancing their career trajectory within the healthcare landscape.
More salary data for South Milwaukee, 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 $42,362 for certified nursing assistantsin the South Milwaukee 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 South Milwaukee 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