Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Dunedin, FL: $37,746 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time certified nursing assistant in Dunedin, FL earns a median $37,746/year (≈ $18.15/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Once you factor in Dunedin's price level (1% above national, BEA RPP 100.8), that paycheck buys what $37,446 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.2% below the Florida state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the certified nursing assistant salary in Dunedin is projected to be a median of $37,746, reflecting a post-COVID reset in wage expectations within the healthcare sector. This figure falls within a salary range that spans from $32,047 at the 10th percentile to $45,137 at the 90th percentile. As these estimates are derived from 2025 BLS state-level data and adjusted for regional cost-of-living factors, they present a clear picture of the earning potential for certified nursing assistants (CNAs) in this coastal Florida city. Comparatively, certified nursing assistant pay in Dunedin FL is approximately 16.13% lower than the national median of $45,007, indicating a localized wage structure that may still be influenced by the post-pandemic labor market dynamics.
About the Dunedin Market
Salary estimated from Florida average ($35,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $32,047 | $15.41 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $34,208 | $16.44 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $37,746 | $18.15 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $41,765 | $20.08 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $45,137 | $21.70 |
Median Salary Position
16.13% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Dunedin
In Dunedin, FL, the certified nursing assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $13,090 (2026 est.). At $37,746, the local median is 16.13% below the national median of $45,007.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Dunedin: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Dunedin Certified Nursing Assistant Pay Compares
Dunedin median: $37,746/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Dunedin Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Florida Average | $39,401 | -4.20% less |
| National Average | $45,007 | -16.13% less |
Certified Nursing Assistants in Dunedin, FL earn a median of $37,746 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.13% lower than the national median of $45,007 and 4.20% below the Florida state average of $39,401.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Dunedin has a cost of living 0.80% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Dunedin, FL has a cost-of-living index of 100.8 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $37,746 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $37,446 — a 0.79% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$24,875
2025 BLS Actual
$35,442
2026 Current Est.
$37,746
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Dunedin (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $24,875 | Actual |
| 2020 | $25,873 | Actual |
| 2021 | $25,420 | Actual |
| 2022 | $29,991 | Actual |
| 2023 | $32,037 | Actual |
| 2024 | $33,812 | Actual |
| 2025 | $35,442 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $37,746 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $40,199 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Dunedin metropolitan area, the median certified nursing assistant salary grew 42.5% from $24,875 (2019) to $35,442 (2025). At a 6.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $40,199 by 2027 — a total increase of $15,324 (61.60%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Dunedin 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) | $32,047 – $34,208 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $34,208 – $37,746 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $37,746 – $41,765 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $41,765 – $45,137 |
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 Dunedin
The job market for certified nursing assistants in Dunedin is relatively stable, with six employed professionals currently working in the area. Given the town's cost-of-living index at 100.8, CNAs may find their take-home purchasing power slightly constrained compared to national averages. To maximize earnings, those in this field should consider positions in skilled nursing facilities and hospitals, which typically offer better compensation than home health agencies or rehabilitation centers. Engagement in roles with shift differentials—such as night shifts that can provide an additional $2-4/hour—can also significantly boost financial outcomes, especially in times of acute staffing shortages. A focus on advanced certifications, like those for Certified Medication Aides (CMA), alongside exploring weekend-only premium roles, further shapes a path toward obtaining higher wages and bridging into LPN or RN positions in Dunedin.
More salary data for Dunedin, FL:
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 $35,442 for certified nursing assistantsin the Dunedin 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 Dunedin 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