Hickory vs Raleigh: Certified Nursing Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare certified nursing assistant salaries between Hickory, NC and Raleigh, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Hickory, NC | Raleigh, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $39,863 | $42,291▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $19.17 | $20.33▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $33,271▲ | $32,653 |
| 25th Percentile | $38,904 | $39,213▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $42,408 | $48,362▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $47,776 | $50,843▲ |
| Total Employed | 2,780 | 6,420▲ |
Verdict
Raleigh, NC offers better overall compensation for certified nursing assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Hickory.
The salary gap between Hickory and Raleigh is $2,428 (6.09%). Raleigh's median is -6.03% compared to the US national median of $45,007.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Hickory spans $14,505,Raleigh spans $18,190. Raleigh 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, Hickory ($45,050 effective) pays 4.56% more than Raleigh ($43,085 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Hickory if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $45,050)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Raleigh if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($42,291/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($50,843)
- ✓Larger job market (6,420 employed)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, certified nursing assistant salaries in Hickory grew 49.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 51.6% growth in Raleigh over the same period.
Hickory, NC
$25,120 (2019) → $37,430 (2025)
Raleigh, NC
$26,200 (2019) → $39,710 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Hickory, NC
Raleigh, NC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays certified nursing assistants more: Hickory or Raleigh?
What is the hourly rate difference between Hickory and Raleigh?
Should I relocate from Hickory to Raleigh as a certified nursing assistant?
What do entry-level certified nursing assistants earn in Hickory vs Raleigh?
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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