Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Meridian, ID: $41,444 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time certified nursing assistant in Meridian, ID earns a median $41,444/year (≈ $19.93/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Once you factor in Meridian's price level (5% below national, BEA RPP 95.3), that paycheck buys what $43,488 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.4% above the Idaho state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, a certified nursing assistant in Meridian, Idaho can expect a median annual salary of $41,444, reflecting the unique dynamics of the local healthcare market. The salary range for this role spans from $33,961 at the lower tenth percentile to approximately $52,494 at the upper ninetieth percentile. These figures are derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS data, accounting for local cost variations. Certified nursing assistants often experience differing pay scales between skilled nursing facilities and hospital environments, with skilled nursing typically offering lower wages and hospitals providing more competitive compensation packages. This variance highlights the need for job seekers in Meridian to assess their options carefully, especially as the demand for healthcare services continues to rise in the region.
About the Meridian Market
Salary estimated from Idaho average ($34,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $33,961 | $16.33 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $36,912 | $17.74 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $41,444 | $19.93 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $45,751 | $21.99 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $52,494 | $25.24 |
Median Salary Position
7.92% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Meridian
In Meridian, ID, the certified nursing assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $18,533 (2026 est.). At $41,444, the local median is 7.92% below the national median of $45,007.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Meridian: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Meridian Certified Nursing Assistant Pay Compares
Meridian median: $41,444/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Meridian Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Idaho Average | $41,279 | +0.40% more |
| National Average | $45,007 | -7.92% less |
Certified Nursing Assistants in Meridian, ID earn a median of $41,444 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.92% lower than the national median of $45,007 and 0.40% above the Idaho state average of $41,279.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Meridian has a cost of living 4.70% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Meridian, ID has a cost-of-living index of 95.3 (below the national average of 100). A certified nursing assistant earning $41,444 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $43,488 in an average-cost city — an effective 4.93% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$27,312
2025 BLS Actual
$38,915
2026 Current Est.
$41,444
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Meridian (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $27,312 | Actual |
| 2020 | $28,408 | Actual |
| 2021 | $27,911 | Actual |
| 2022 | $32,929 | Actual |
| 2023 | $35,176 | Actual |
| 2024 | $32,523 | Actual |
| 2025 | $38,915 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $41,444 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $44,138 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Meridian metropolitan area, the median certified nursing assistant salary grew 42.5% from $27,312 (2019) to $38,915 (2025). At a 6.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $44,138 by 2027 — a total increase of $16,826 (61.61%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Meridian 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) | $33,961 – $36,912 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $36,912 – $41,444 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $41,444 – $45,751 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $45,751 – $52,494 |
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 Meridian
An essential aspect of the local job market is the current employment of about 30 certified nursing assistants in Meridian, ID. With a cost-of-living index reading 95.3, take-home pay in this area affords a favorable purchasing power compared to many other regions. Notably, facilities such as hospitals and rehabilitation centers tend to offer higher wages, particularly for CNAs working in specialty areas like ICUs. The gap in pay can be influenced by factors such as shift differentials, which can add $2-4 per hour for night shifts and $1-3 for weekend work. Additionally, CNAs looking to maximize earnings might pursue positions that offer premiums for agency work or weekend-only roles. Fostering an upward trajectory in one's career through additional certifications or transitioning to an LPN/RN role could also significantly enhance earning potential in the evolving health landscape.
More salary data for Meridian, ID:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Career Resources
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 $38,915 for certified nursing assistantsin the Meridian 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 Meridian 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