Akron vs Cleveland: Certified Nursing Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare certified nursing assistant salaries between Akron, OH and Cleveland, OH. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Akron, OH | Cleveland, OH |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $41,801▲ | $41,546 |
| Hourly Rate | $20.10▲ | $19.98 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,915▲ | $37,786 |
| 25th Percentile | $40,108 | $40,310▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $47,030 | $47,925▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $48,671 | $49,746▲ |
| Total Employed | 3,170 | 13,060▲ |
Verdict
Akron and Cleveland are closely matched on overall certified nursing assistant compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Akron and Cleveland is $255 (0.61%). Akron's median is -7.12% compared to the US national median of $45,007.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Akron spans $9,756,Cleveland spans $11,960. Cleveland has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced certified nursing assistants.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Akron ($44,769 effective) pays 1.21% more than Cleveland ($44,234 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Akron if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($41,801/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $44,769)
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Choose Cleveland if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($49,746)
- ✓Larger job market (13,060 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, certified nursing assistant salaries in Akron grew 41.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 33.8% growth in Cleveland over the same period.
Akron, OH
$27,760 (2019) → $39,250 (2025)
Cleveland, OH
$29,150 (2019) → $39,010 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cleveland, OH
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays certified nursing assistants more: Akron or Cleveland?
What is the hourly rate difference between Akron and Cleveland?
Should I relocate from Akron to Cleveland as a certified nursing assistant?
What do entry-level certified nursing assistants earn in Akron vs Cleveland?
Related Comparisons
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
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 6.50% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
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