Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Sarasota, FL: $43,178 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time certified nursing assistant in Sarasota, FL earns a median $43,178/year (≈ $20.76/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Once you factor in Sarasota's price level (1% above national, BEA RPP 100.8), that paycheck buys what $42,835 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 9.6% above the Florida state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, certified nursing assistants in Sarasota, Florida, can expect a median annual salary of $43,178. This figure reveals a competitive salary range stretching between $33,956 at the lower tenth percentile and $51,227 at the upper ninetieth percentile. Estimates derived from BLS state-level data and regional price parities indicate that while Sarasota's pay is approximately 4.06% less than the national median of $45,007, the city maintains a favorable compensation level compared to similar markets in the state. Navigating between skilled nursing facilities and hospitals can create significant disparities in pay. Consequently, understanding the employment context and working environment is essential for those entering the certified nursing assistant job market in Sarasota.
About the Sarasota Market
Salary estimated from Florida average ($35,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $33,956 | $16.33 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $37,338 | $17.96 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $43,178 | $20.76 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $47,307 | $22.75 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $51,227 | $24.63 |
Median Salary Position
4.06% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Sarasota
In Sarasota, FL, the certified nursing assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $17,271 (2026 est.). At $43,178, the local median is 4.06% below the national median of $45,007.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Sarasota: You'd be above the median
How Sarasota Certified Nursing Assistant Pay Compares
Sarasota median: $43,178/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Sarasota Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Florida Average | $39,396 | +9.60% more |
| National Average | $45,007 | -4.06% less |
Certified Nursing Assistants in Sarasota, FL earn a median of $43,178 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.06% lower than the national median of $45,007 and 9.60% above the Florida state average of $39,396.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Sarasota has a cost of living 0.80% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Sarasota, FL has a cost-of-living index of 100.8 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $43,178 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $42,835 — a 0.79% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$28,455
2025 BLS Actual
$40,543
2026 Current Est.
$43,178
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Sarasota (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28,455 | Actual |
| 2020 | $29,597 | Actual |
| 2021 | $29,079 | Actual |
| 2022 | $34,307 | Actual |
| 2023 | $36,648 | Actual |
| 2024 | $35,446 | Actual |
| 2025 | $40,543 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $43,178 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $45,985 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Sarasota metropolitan area, the median certified nursing assistant salary grew 42.5% from $28,455 (2019) to $40,543 (2025). At a 6.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $45,985 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,530 (61.61%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Sarasota 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) | $33,956 – $37,338 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $37,338 – $43,178 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $43,178 – $47,307 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $47,307 – $51,227 |
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 Sarasota
In the local job market, only 10 certified nursing assistants are currently employed, reflecting a tight labor pool amid strong demand. With a cost-of-living index of 100.8, slightly above the national average, many CNAs in Sarasota might find their purchasing power limited despite decent pay. The most lucrative positions are typically found in hospitals or skilled nursing facilities, with home health agencies offering varied rates depending on experience and client needs. Factors contributing to pay variations include shift differentials—where night shifts can command an extra $2 to $4 per hour and weekends might yield another $1 to $3—as well as the potential for agency premium pay during staffing crises. For those looking to maximize their income in Sarasota FL, pursuing certifications like CMA or seeking weekend-only roles can provide additional financial benefits, paving pathways to further career advancements toward LPN or RN roles.
More salary data for Sarasota, FL:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do certified nursing assistants make in Sarasota, FL in 2026?
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Can certified nursing assistants make $100K in Sarasota?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted certified nursing assistant salary in Sarasota?
How much does a certified nursing assistant make per hour in Sarasota?
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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 $40,543 for certified nursing assistantsin the Sarasota 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 Sarasota 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