Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Towson, MD: $45,373 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time certified nursing assistant in Towson, MD earns a median $45,373/year (≈ $21.81/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Once you factor in Towson's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 109.3), that paycheck buys what $41,512 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.8% below the Maryland state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the certified nursing assistant salary in Towson, MD, is projected to reach a median of $45,373, slightly above the national median of $45,007. The salary range for certified nursing assistants in the area varies between $38,139 and $56,554, reflecting the diverse settings in which they work. Local estimates derived from 2025 BLS data highlight the advantages and drawbacks of working in skilled nursing facilities versus hospitals. Generally, positions in hospitals, especially medical and surgical units, tend to offer higher compensation compared to skilled nursing facilities. This pay differential is significant in the competitive landscape of Towson’s healthcare system as employers vie to attract and retain skilled staff in an evolving workforce.
About the Towson Market
Salary estimated from Maryland average ($39,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,139 | $18.34 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40,940 | $19.68 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $45,373 | $21.81 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $51,485 | $24.75 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $56,554 | $27.19 |
Median Salary Position
0.81% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Towson
In Towson, MD, the certified nursing assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $18,415 (2026 est.). At $45,373, the local median is 0.81% above the national median of $45,007.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Towson: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Towson Certified Nursing Assistant Pay Compares
Towson median: $45,373/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Towson Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Maryland Average | $49,212 | -7.80% less |
| National Average | $45,007 | +0.81% more |
Certified Nursing Assistants in Towson, MD earn a median of $45,373 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.81% higher than the national median of $45,007 and 7.80% below the Maryland state average of $49,212.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Towson has a cost of living 9.30% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Towson, MD has a cost-of-living index of 109.3 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $45,373 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $41,512 — a 8.51% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$29,901
2025 BLS Actual
$42,604
2026 Current Est.
$45,373
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Towson (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29,901 | Actual |
| 2020 | $31,101 | Actual |
| 2021 | $30,557 | Actual |
| 2022 | $36,051 | Actual |
| 2023 | $38,511 | Actual |
| 2024 | $42,037 | Actual |
| 2025 | $42,604 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $45,373 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $48,323 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Towson metropolitan area, the median certified nursing assistant salary grew 42.5% from $29,901 (2019) to $42,604 (2025). At a 6.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $48,323 by 2027 — a total increase of $18,422 (61.61%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Towson 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) | $38,139 – $40,940 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $40,940 – $45,373 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $45,373 – $51,485 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $51,485 – $56,554 |
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 Towson
The local job market for certified nursing assistants remains moderately stable, with 11 individuals currently employed in this role. However, the cost of living in Towson, with an index of 109.3, suggests that take-home pay may not stretch as far as it would in less expensive regions. Among the facilities with the highest pay are hospitals and dialysis centers, where acuity-based facility pay grades can significantly impact earnings. Factors such as shift differentials, which commonly add $2-$4 per hour for evening and weekend shifts, also contribute to the notable spread between salaries. To enhance earning potential, CNAs in Towson should consider seeking employment in agencies that offer premium pay during staffing shortages or specialty roles that accommodate weekend-only schedules. Pursuing certification as a medication administration technician (CMA) or exploring pathways to transition into LPN or RN positions can further bolster income prospects in this market.
More salary data for Towson, MD:
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 $42,604 for certified nursing assistantsin the Towson 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 Towson 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