Entry-Level Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Pearl, MS: $31,374 (2026)
Quick Answer:New certified nursing assistants entering the Pearl, MS job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $31,374 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-1131, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Pearl's local price level (BEA RPP 85.7 — 14% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $36,609 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($38,206) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Starting a career as a certified nursing assistant in Pearl, MS, can yield a starting certified nursing assistant salary of about $31,374 in 2026. This figure, which reflects entry-level earnings, indicates that new graduates may find themselves earning significantly less than the median salary for CNAs in the area, which stands at $38,206. However, for new grads, there is a clear growth pathway from starting salaries as they gain experience. Within a few years, many CNAs can expect to move up through the salary brackets, reaching the 25th percentile at around $33,839 and eventually aspiring towards the median. Given the ongoing demand for healthcare workers, Pearl seems to be a favorable market for recent graduates entering the field.
About the Pearl Market
Salary estimated from Mississippi average ($28,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Pearl
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 Pearl
Entry-level certified nursing assistants in Pearl, MS typically start between $31,374 and $33,839 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $13,062 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $38,206 — 15.11% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nursing program cost in Mississippi of $1,000 represents just 3.19% of the starting certified nursing assistant pay ($31,374/year) in Pearl. 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 Pearl
- 1Research the Pearl market: entry-level certified nursing assistant pay ranges from $31,374 to $33,839, 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 Pearl, 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 Pearl for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Pearl'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 Pearl is $13,062 ( 41.63%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $31,374, experienced hygienists can earn up to $44,436.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$19,061
2025 BLS Actual
$29,459
2026 Current Est.
$31,374
2019–2027 Growth
+75.3%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Pearl (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $19,061 | Actual |
| 2020 | $19,746 | Actual |
| 2021 | $20,727 | Actual |
| 2022 | $24,329 | Actual |
| 2023 | $26,057 | Actual |
| 2024 | $19,297 | Actual |
| 2025 | $29,459 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $31,374 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $33,413 | Projected |
Entry-level certified nursing assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Pearl, MS grew 54.6% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $19,061 in 2019 to $29,459 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $33,413. New graduates entering the Pearl job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Pearl 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 Pearl
Multiple employers in Pearl are eager to onboard new certified nursing assistants, particularly skilled nursing facilities, which often have paid training programs. Though hospital systems tend to prefer candidates with experience, they also offer apprenticeship opportunities that facilitate entry into the field. The home health sector is another area with a demand for flexible candidates willing to provide personalized care. For new CNAs, obtaining state certification, CPR/BLS training, and considering optional credentials like medication aide or dementia care certifications can enhance earning potential. The job market for CNAs has seen increased volatility recently due to post-COVID turnover, with many facilities offering wage increases of 20-40% to compete for workers. As a result, new professionals typically see salary growth within their first few years, making it a strategic time to enter this evolving field in Pearl, MS.
More salary data for Pearl, MS:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Pearl. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Pearl 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