Entry-Level Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Biloxi, MS: $27,510 (2026)
Quick Answer:New certified nursing assistants entering the Biloxi, MS job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $27,510 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-1131, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Biloxi's local price level (BEA RPP 85.7 — 14% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $32,100 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($33,965) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates entering the field as certified nursing assistants in Biloxi, Mississippi, the starting salary is projected at $27,510 in 2026. This figure compares to a median annual salary of $33,965, illustrating a gap that entry-level CNAs will need to bridge as they gain experience. As they progress through their careers, new CNAs can expect realistic salary growth that leads them from their initial pay through the $29,695 mark at the 25th percentile, eventually moving toward the median over the first few years. Given Biloxi’s current market conditions, the outlook seems promising for recent graduates, especially considering the rise in demand for healthcare services and the significant increases in wages for nursing assistants in recent years.
About the Biloxi Market
Salary estimated from Mississippi average ($28,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Biloxi
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 Biloxi
Entry-level certified nursing assistants in Biloxi, MS typically start between $27,510 and $29,695 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $12,579 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $33,965 — 24.53% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nursing program cost in Mississippi of $1,000 represents just 3.64% of the starting certified nursing assistant pay ($27,510/year) in Biloxi. 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 Biloxi
- 1Research the Biloxi market: entry-level certified nursing assistant pay ranges from $27,510 to $29,695, 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 MS often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Biloxi, 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 Biloxi for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Biloxi's below-average 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 Biloxi is $12,579 ( 45.73%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $27,510, experienced hygienists can earn up to $40,089.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$16,713
2025 BLS Actual
$25,831
2026 Current Est.
$27,510
2019–2027 Growth
+75.3%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Biloxi (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $16,713 | Actual |
| 2020 | $17,315 | Actual |
| 2021 | $18,175 | Actual |
| 2022 | $21,333 | Actual |
| 2023 | $22,848 | Actual |
| 2024 | $18,856 | Actual |
| 2025 | $25,831 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $27,510 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $29,298 | Projected |
Entry-level certified nursing assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Biloxi, MS grew 54.6% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $16,713 in 2019 to $25,831 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $29,298. New graduates entering the Biloxi job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Biloxi 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 Biloxi
In Biloxi, a variety of employers actively recruit new graduate certified nursing assistants. Skilled nursing facilities typically hire the majority of entry-level CNAs and often provide paid training programs to help them get started. While hospitals tend to favor applicants with more experience, they do have apprenticeship pipelines that new graduates can explore. In contrast, home health agencies look for candidates with flexible schedules. To enhance starting pay, new CNAs should obtain state certification, which encompasses at least 75 hours of training and passing a state exam. Additional credentials such as CPR/BLS certification, as well as optional training as a medication aide or in dementia care, can further boost earning potential. With a workforce recovering from recent staffing crises and a projected 6.50% annual growth rate, new CNAs can expect realistic salary advancements over their first few years as they consider pathways to advance into LPN or RN roles.
More salary data for Biloxi, MS:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for certified nursing assistants in Biloxi in 2026?
How fast do certified nursing assistant salaries grow in Biloxi?
Is nursing school worth it in Biloxi?
What do new certified nursing assistants make right out of school in Biloxi?
How do I become a certified nursing assistant in Mississippi?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Mississippi
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 Biloxi. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Biloxi 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