Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Clearwater, FL: $40,172 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time certified nursing assistant in Clearwater, FL earns a median $40,172/year (≈ $19.31/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Once you factor in Clearwater's price level (1% above national, BEA RPP 100.8), that paycheck buys what $39,853 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.0% above the Florida state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Clearwater, FL, certified nursing assistants can expect a median annual salary of $40,172 in 2026, reflecting a competitive local market compared to the national average of $45,007. The salary range for this position varies significantly, with entry-level pay starting around $30,620 (P10) and experienced professionals earning up to $52,042 (P90). These estimates are drawn from BLS state-level data, adjusted for regional cost variations. It's important to consider that many certified nursing assistants in Clearwater are employed in skilled nursing facilities rather than hospitals, often resulting in differing pay scales that can influence overall compensation.
About the Clearwater Market
Salary estimated from Florida average ($35,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $30,620 | $14.72 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $34,007 | $16.35 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $40,172 | $19.31 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $46,488 | $22.35 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $52,042 | $25.02 |
Median Salary Position
10.74% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Clearwater
In Clearwater, FL, the certified nursing assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $21,422 (2026 est.). At $40,172, the local median is 10.74% below the national median of $45,007.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Clearwater: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Clearwater Certified Nursing Assistant Pay Compares
Clearwater median: $40,172/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Clearwater Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Florida Average | $39,384 | +2.00% more |
| National Average | $45,007 | -10.74% less |
Certified Nursing Assistants in Clearwater, FL earn a median of $40,172 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.74% lower than the national median of $45,007 and 2.00% above the Florida state average of $39,384.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Clearwater has a cost of living 0.80% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Clearwater, FL has a cost-of-living index of 100.8 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $40,172 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $39,853 — a 0.79% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$26,474
2025 BLS Actual
$37,720
2026 Current Est.
$40,172
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Clearwater (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26,474 | Actual |
| 2020 | $27,536 | Actual |
| 2021 | $27,054 | Actual |
| 2022 | $31,918 | Actual |
| 2023 | $34,096 | Actual |
| 2024 | $35,871 | Actual |
| 2025 | $37,720 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $40,172 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $42,783 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Clearwater metropolitan area, the median certified nursing assistant salary grew 42.5% from $26,474 (2019) to $37,720 (2025). At a 6.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $42,783 by 2027 — a total increase of $16,309 (61.60%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Clearwater 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) | $30,620 – $34,007 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $34,007 – $40,172 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $40,172 – $46,488 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $46,488 – $52,042 |
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 Clearwater
The job market for certified nursing assistants in Clearwater includes about 19 employed in this field, a number that contributes to the regional understanding of availability and demand. The local cost of living index stands at 100.8, indicating slightly higher living costs than the national average, which impacts purchasing power for nurses in this area. Employers such as hospitals and skilled nursing facilities typically offer the highest salaries, with potential for significant pay differentials generated by factors like shift differentials, premium pay for weekends, and agency rates during staffing shortages. For those looking to maximize their certified nursing assistant pay in Clearwater, FL, pursuing shifts with higher demand or advanced certifications can enhance earnings while providing a pathway to transition into higher roles such as LPN or RN.
More salary data for Clearwater, FL:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can certified nursing assistants make $100K in Clearwater?
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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 $37,720 for certified nursing assistantsin the Clearwater 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 Clearwater 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