Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Gilbert, AZ: $47,108 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time certified nursing assistant in Gilbert, AZ earns a median $47,108/year (≈ $22.65/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Once you factor in Gilbert's price level (1% below national, BEA RPP 98.5), that paycheck buys what $47,825 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.5% above the Arizona state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
As of 2026, certified nursing assistant salaries in Gilbert, AZ, have experienced a significant post-COVID reset. With a median annual salary projected at $47,108, this figure is notably above the national median of $45,007, indicating a robust local market for CNAs. The salary range is diverse, spanning from $37,623 at the 10th percentile to $61,585 at the 90th percentile. These estimates are derived from 2025 BLS data, factoring in state-level economic conditions and regional cost adjustments. As Gilbert continues to recover from COVID-related staffing challenges, the demand for certified nursing assistants remains strong, positioning the city favorably in the competitive healthcare market.
About the Gilbert Market
Salary estimated from Arizona average ($39,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,623 | $18.08 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $41,447 | $19.93 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $47,108 | $22.65 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $54,695 | $26.29 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $61,585 | $29.61 |
Median Salary Position
4.67% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Gilbert
In Gilbert, AZ, the certified nursing assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $23,962 (2026 est.). At $47,108, the local median is 4.67% above the national median of $45,007.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Gilbert: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Gilbert Certified Nursing Assistant Pay Compares
Gilbert median: $47,108/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Gilbert Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona Average | $45,959 | +2.50% more |
| National Average | $45,007 | +4.67% more |
Certified Nursing Assistants in Gilbert, AZ earn a median of $47,108 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.67% higher than the national median of $45,007 and 2.50% above the Arizona state average of $45,959.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Gilbert has a cost of living 1.50% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Gilbert, AZ has a cost-of-living index of 98.5 (below the national average of 100). A certified nursing assistant earning $47,108 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $47,825 in an average-cost city — an effective 1.52% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$31,045
2025 BLS Actual
$44,233
2026 Current Est.
$47,108
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Gilbert (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31,045 | Actual |
| 2020 | $32,290 | Actual |
| 2021 | $31,725 | Actual |
| 2022 | $37,430 | Actual |
| 2023 | $39,983 | Actual |
| 2024 | $39,389 | Actual |
| 2025 | $44,233 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $47,108 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $50,170 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Gilbert metropolitan area, the median certified nursing assistant salary grew 42.5% from $31,045 (2019) to $44,233 (2025). At a 6.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $50,170 by 2027 — a total increase of $19,125 (61.60%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Gilbert 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) | $37,623 – $41,447 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $41,447 – $47,108 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $47,108 – $54,695 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $54,695 – $61,585 |
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 Gilbert
In Gilbert, the job market for certified nursing assistants shows promising stability, with 49 individuals currently working in this role. The cost-of-living index in the city stands at 98.5, slightly below the national average, meaning that CNAs may find their purchasing power relatively strong compared to other regions. Top employers, including skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, and home health agencies, tend to offer competitive wages. The disparity in pay can often be attributed to factors such as shift differentials, which can increase hourly wages by $2-4 for overnight shifts and $1-3 for weekends. Additionally, those with certifications or working in high-acuity settings may benefit from higher pay grades. For aspiring CNAs, maximizing earning potential in Gilbert involves considering these shifts, pursuing certifications like the CMA, and seeking roles in facilities known for paying premium rates.
More salary data for Gilbert, AZ:
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 $44,233 for certified nursing assistantsin the Gilbert 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
Salary data for Gilbert 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