Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Sun Prairie, WI: $46,143 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time certified nursing assistant in Sun Prairie, WI earns a median $46,143/year (≈ $22.18/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Once you factor in Sun Prairie's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 93.4), that paycheck buys what $49,404 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.8% below the Wisconsin state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, certified nursing assistants in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin can expect a median annual salary of $46,143, which reflects a modest premium compared to the national median of $45,007. The local pay scale ranges from $36,606 at the lower end to $56,290 at the higher end, demonstrating the opportunities available for those who choose to advance in their careers. For many CNAs in Sun Prairie, the pathway to becoming a licensed practical nurse (LPN) or registered nurse (RN) can considerably increase earning potential. Given the area's growing demand for healthcare services, the strategic bridging from a certified nursing assistant to a higher credential can enhance job prospects and salary substantially, ensuring a financially stable future in the local job market.
About the Sun Prairie Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($38,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $36,606 | $17.59 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $42,587 | $20.48 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $46,143 | $22.18 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $51,873 | $24.94 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $56,290 | $27.06 |
Median Salary Position
2.52% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Sun Prairie
In Sun Prairie, WI, the certified nursing assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $19,684 (2026 est.). At $46,143, the local median is 2.52% above the national median of $45,007.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Sun Prairie: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Sun Prairie Certified Nursing Assistant Pay Compares
Sun Prairie median: $46,143/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Sun Prairie Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Wisconsin Average | $47,472 | -2.80% less |
| National Average | $45,007 | +2.52% more |
Certified Nursing Assistants in Sun Prairie, WI earn a median of $46,143 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.52% higher than the national median of $45,007 and 2.80% below the Wisconsin state average of $47,472.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Sun Prairie 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.
Sun Prairie, WI has a cost-of-living index of 93.4 (below the national average of 100). A certified nursing assistant earning $46,143 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $49,404 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.07% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$30,409
2025 BLS Actual
$43,327
2026 Current Est.
$46,143
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Sun Prairie (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30,409 | Actual |
| 2020 | $31,629 | Actual |
| 2021 | $31,075 | Actual |
| 2022 | $36,663 | Actual |
| 2023 | $39,164 | Actual |
| 2024 | $34,486 | Actual |
| 2025 | $43,327 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $46,143 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $49,143 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Sun Prairie metropolitan area, the median certified nursing assistant salary grew 42.5% from $30,409 (2019) to $43,327 (2025). At a 6.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $49,143 by 2027 — a total increase of $18,734 (61.61%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Sun Prairie 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) | $36,606 – $42,587 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $42,587 – $46,143 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $46,143 – $51,873 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $51,873 – $56,290 |
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 Sun Prairie
The local job market features a small but dedicated workforce, with only nine certified nursing assistants employed in the Sun Prairie area. The cost of living index stands at 93.4, suggesting that the purchasing power of CNAs salaries is favorably positioned against national averages. Skilled nursing facilities and home health agencies are among the highest-paying employers in the region, particularly for roles that require higher acuity care or additional responsibilities. Pay disparities are often influenced by shift differentials, which can add $2-4/hour for nights and $1-3/hour for weekends, along with premiums for agency work during shortages. To maximize earnings in this specific market, CNAs should consider pursuing further certifications like the CMA and be flexible with their schedules, potentially taking on weekend-only shifts or working in high-demand settings such as rehabilitation hospitals and dialysis centers.
More salary data for Sun Prairie, 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 $43,327 for certified nursing assistantsin the Sun Prairie 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 Sun Prairie 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