Chandler vs Lake Havasu City: Certified Nursing Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare certified nursing assistant salaries between Chandler, AZ and Lake Havasu City, AZ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Chandler, AZ | Lake Havasu City, AZ |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $48,571▲ | $45,944 |
| Hourly Rate | $23.36▲ | $22.09 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $35,987 | $39,512▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $40,543▲ | $39,863 |
| 75th Percentile | $55,228▲ | $51,024 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $61,437▲ | $58,266 |
| Total Employed | 49 | 490▲ |
Verdict
Chandler, AZ offers better overall compensation for certified nursing assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Lake Havasu City.
The salary gap between Chandler and Lake Havasu City is $2,627 (5.72%). Chandler's median is +7.92% compared to the US national median of $45,007.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Chandler spans $25,450,Lake Havasu City spans $18,754. Chandler has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Chandler ($49,311 effective) pays 0.99% more than Lake Havasu City ($48,826 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Chandler if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($48,571/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($61,437)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $49,311)
- ✓You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle
Choose Lake Havasu City if…
- ✓Larger job market (490 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, certified nursing assistant salaries in Chandler grew 14.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 47.2% growth in Lake Havasu City over the same period.
Chandler, AZ
$39,844 (2024) → $45,607 (2025)
Lake Havasu City, AZ
$29,310 (2019) → $43,140 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Chandler, AZ
Lake Havasu City, AZ
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays certified nursing assistants more: Chandler or Lake Havasu City?
What is the hourly rate difference between Chandler and Lake Havasu City?
Should I relocate from Chandler to Lake Havasu City as a certified nursing assistant?
What do entry-level certified nursing assistants earn in Chandler vs Lake Havasu City?
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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
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