Entry-Level Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Mountain Home, ID: $31,792 (2026)
Quick Answer:New certified nursing assistants entering the Mountain Home, ID job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $31,792 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-1131, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Mountain Home's local price level (BEA RPP 95.3 — 5% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $33,360 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($38,932) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the entry-level certified nursing assistant salary in Mountain Home, ID, reflects the local market dynamics, starting at around $31,792 for new graduates. This figure highlights a noticeable gap of roughly $7,140 below the city's median salary of $38,932 for CNAs. However, there is potential for upward mobility within the first few years; as new nurses accumulate experience, they can expect their earnings to trend towards the 25th percentile at $36,567 and potentially reach the median within three to five years. Given these salary projections coupled with an annual growth rate of 6.50%, Mountain Home presents a viable, albeit modest, market for entry-level CNAs, especially considering the ongoing demand in this field.
About the Mountain Home Market
Salary estimated from Idaho average ($34,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Mountain Home
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Mountain Home
Entry-level certified nursing assistants in Mountain Home, ID typically start between $31,792 and $36,567 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $14,425 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $38,932 — 13.5% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nursing program cost in Idaho of $1,500 represents just 4.72% of the starting certified nursing assistant pay ($31,792/year) in Mountain Home. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on state nurse aide registry-approved CNA training programs meeting federal CMS requirements. Tuition varies widely between free employer-sponsored programs, community college courses, and private training schools.
CNA Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Mountain Home
- 1Research the Mountain Home market: entry-level certified nursing assistant pay ranges from $31,792 to $36,567, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the nursing field — employers in ID often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Mountain Home, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Mountain Home for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Mountain Home's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Certified Nursing Assistant Compensation Range
The certified nursing assistant wage spread in Mountain Home is $14,425 ( 45.37%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $31,792, experienced hygienists can earn up to $46,217.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$19,315
2025 BLS Actual
$29,852
2026 Current Est.
$31,792
2019–2027 Growth
+75.3%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Mountain Home (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $19,315 | Actual |
| 2020 | $20,010 | Actual |
| 2021 | $21,004 | Actual |
| 2022 | $24,654 | Actual |
| 2023 | $26,404 | Actual |
| 2024 | $24,655 | Actual |
| 2025 | $29,852 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $31,792 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $33,859 | Projected |
Entry-level certified nursing assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Mountain Home, ID grew 54.6% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $19,315 in 2019 to $29,852 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $33,859. New graduates entering the Mountain Home job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Mountain Home 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.
Starting Your nursing Career in Mountain Home
Employers in Mountain Home actively seek new graduates, particularly in skilled nursing facilities where many offer paid training programs to newly certified nurse assistants. While local hospitals may prefer hiring experienced CNAs, they provide valuable apprenticeship opportunities for those willing to learn on the job. Home health agencies also require candidates who are flexible and able to accommodate varied schedules. Attaining state CNA certification, which involves a minimum of 75 hours of federally mandated training and a state exam, is essential for boosting starting pay in ID. Additional credentials, such as CPR/BLS certification and optional medication aide training, can lead to better pay prospects. For a successful career trajectory, new CNAs should consider gaining experience in their first few years, as turnover in the workforce has been significant since COVID-19, leading to increased wages in many facilities. Realistically, early-career CNAs can aim for incremental salary increases as they enhance their skills and potentially pursue further education to bridge into LPN or RN positions.
More salary data for Mountain Home, ID:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for certified nursing assistants in Mountain Home in 2026?
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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
Entry-level 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 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new nursing graduates. A 6.50% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Mountain Home. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Mountain Home 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