Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Anniston, AL: $33,995 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time certified nursing assistant in Anniston, AL earns a median $33,995/year (≈ $16.35/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Once you factor in Anniston's price level (14% below national, BEA RPP 85.9), that paycheck buys what $39,553 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.7% below the Alabama state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, the certified nursing assistant salary in Anniston, AL, is projected to reach a median of $33,995, reflecting the significant wage adjustments resulting from the post-COVID healthcare landscape. The salary range for this role spans from $27,775 at the lower end (P10) to $41,397 at the upper end (P90), indicating a moderate level of earning potential for CNAs in the area. Derived from 2025 BLS OEWS data, these figures highlight the need for competitive compensation strategies in the local market, especially when compared to the national median of $45,007. As Anniston continues to recover from the challenges faced during and after the pandemic, job opportunities for certified nursing assistants appear promising, with a growing demand for skilled professionals in healthcare settings.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $27,775 | $13.36 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $31,290 | $15.05 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $33,995 | $16.35 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $38,351 | $18.44 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $41,397 | $19.90 |
Median Salary Position
24.47% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Anniston
In Anniston, AL, the certified nursing assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $13,622 (2026 est.). At $33,995, the local median is 24.47% below the national median of $45,007.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Anniston: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Anniston Certified Nursing Assistant Pay Compares
Anniston median: $33,995/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Anniston Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama Average | $35,671 | -4.70% less |
| National Average | $45,007 | -24.47% less |
Certified Nursing Assistants in Anniston, AL earn a median of $33,995 per year (2026 est.), which is 24.47% lower than the national median of $45,007 and 4.70% below the Alabama state average of $35,671.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Anniston has a cost of living 14.05% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Anniston, AL has a cost-of-living index of 85.949 (below the national average of 100). A certified nursing assistant earning $33,995 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $39,553 in an average-cost city — an effective 16.35% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$23,350
2025 BLS Actual
$31,920
2026 Current Est.
$33,995
2019–2027 Growth
+55.0%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Anniston (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $23,350 | Actual |
| 2020 | $24,050 | Actual |
| 2021 | $22,720 | Actual |
| 2022 | $24,500 | Actual |
| 2023 | $28,810 | Actual |
| 2024 | $30,750 | Actual |
| 2025 | $31,920 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $33,995 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $36,204 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Anniston metropolitan area, the median certified nursing assistant salary grew 36.7% from $23,350 (2019) to $31,920 (2025). At a 6.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $36,204 by 2027 — a total increase of $12,854 (55.05%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Anniston 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $27,775 – $31,290 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $31,290 – $33,995 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $33,995 – $38,351 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $38,351 – $41,397 |
CNA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual certified nursing assistant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Certified Nursing Assistant Job Market in Anniston
With approximately 660 certified nursing assistants employed in Anniston, the local job market displays a robust need for this essential healthcare position. The cost of living index in the area stands at 85.949, making it an attractive environment for those entering the field, as salaries can stretch further in a lower-cost area. Employers in skilled nursing facilities, rehabilitation hospitals, and hospice care tend to offer higher pay, often influenced by factors such as shift differentials and weekend premiums. Night shifts may command an additional $2-4 per hour, while weekend work can yield $1-3 more. To enhance earning potential in Anniston, CNAs should consider pursuing additional certifications, exploring agency roles during staffing shortages, and targeting high-acuity facilities where pay scales are more advantageous. Ultimately, understanding the nuances and variations in certified nursing assistant pay in Anniston can provide an edge in maximizing career earnings.
More salary data for Anniston, AL:
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
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 BLS reported a median annual salary of $31,920 for certified nursing assistantsin the Anniston metropolitan area. A 6.50% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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