Entry-Level Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Brandon, MS: $30,874 (2026)
Quick Answer:New certified nursing assistants entering the Brandon, MS job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $30,874 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-1131, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Brandon's local price level (BEA RPP 85.7 — 14% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $36,026 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($36,760) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the field as certified nursing assistants in Brandon, Mississippi, can expect to earn around $30,874 annually, representing the lower end of the salary spectrum. While this starting certified nursing assistant salary in Brandon may seem modest compared to the city’s median annual income of $36,760, there is a clear growth trajectory within the first few years of employment. New CNAs can anticipate moving from this entry-level pay to a more realistic range of approximately $33,067 within three to five years, with continued experience eventually leading to the median salary. Given this potential for growth, Brandon remains a favorable market for entry-level nursing assistants, particularly as the demand for healthcare workers continues to rise.
About the Brandon Market
Salary estimated from Mississippi average ($28,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Brandon
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 Brandon
Entry-level certified nursing assistants in Brandon, MS typically start between $30,874 and $33,067 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $13,991 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $36,760 — 18.32% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nursing program cost in Mississippi of $1,000 represents just 3.24% of the starting certified nursing assistant pay ($30,874/year) in Brandon. 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 Brandon
- 1Research the Brandon market: entry-level certified nursing assistant pay ranges from $30,874 to $33,067, 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 Brandon, 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 Brandon for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Brandon'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 Brandon is $13,991 ( 45.32%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $30,874, experienced hygienists can earn up to $44,865.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$18,757
2025 BLS Actual
$28,990
2026 Current Est.
$30,874
2019–2027 Growth
+75.3%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Brandon (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $18,757 | Actual |
| 2020 | $19,432 | Actual |
| 2021 | $20,397 | Actual |
| 2022 | $23,942 | Actual |
| 2023 | $25,642 | Actual |
| 2024 | $18,995 | Actual |
| 2025 | $28,990 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30,874 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32,881 | Projected |
Entry-level certified nursing assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Brandon, MS grew 54.6% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $18,757 in 2019 to $28,990 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $32,881. New graduates entering the Brandon job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Brandon 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 Brandon
A variety of employers in Brandon actively seek to hire new certified nursing assistants. Skilled nursing facilities are among the largest employers and typically provide paid training programs, making them especially appealing for recent graduates. Hospitals may prefer candidates with experience but often offer apprenticeship pipelines that can help new CNAs gain invaluable skills while earning. Additionally, home health agencies are on the lookout for flexible-schedule candidates. Enhancing credentials through continued education can also lead to better pay; certifications in CPR/BLS, medication administration, or specialized training in dementia care are beneficial. Given the significant turnover in the CNA workforce following the COVID pandemic and the 20-40% wage increases in many markets from 2020 to 2024, new CNAs in Brandon have solid opportunities to advance their careers, usually transitioning toward LPN or RN roles within a few years. Realistically, these entry-level professionals may see their salaries increase as they gain experience and pursue further training.
More salary data for Brandon, MS:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for certified nursing assistants in Brandon in 2026?
How fast do certified nursing assistant salaries grow in Brandon?
Is nursing school worth it in Brandon?
What do new certified nursing assistants make right out of school in Brandon?
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 Brandon. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Brandon 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