Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Laurel, MS: $35,672 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time certified nursing assistant in Laurel, MS earns a median $35,672/year (≈ $17.15/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Once you factor in Laurel's price level (14% below national, BEA RPP 85.7), that paycheck buys what $41,624 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.5% below the Mississippi state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, certified nursing assistants in Laurel, Mississippi, can expect a median annual salary of $35,672. This figure reflects a broader salary range from $31,156 at the lower end to $40,974 at the higher end, demonstrating the potential for significant earnings based on experience, responsibilities, and working conditions. These estimates, drawn from 2025 BLS state-level data and regional price considerations, highlight the earning power of CNAs in areas where demand is growing yet remains competitive. For those considering transitioning from a CNA to an LPN or RN, advancing credentials can substantially increase salary potential, positioning individuals favorably within a job market that is slowly recovering from the staffing challenges intensified by recent health crises.
About the Laurel Market
Salary estimated from Mississippi average ($28,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $31,156 | $14.97 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $32,657 | $15.70 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $35,672 | $17.15 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $38,736 | $18.63 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $40,974 | $19.70 |
Median Salary Position
20.74% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Laurel
In Laurel, MS, the certified nursing assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $9,818 (2026 est.). At $35,672, the local median is 20.74% below the national median of $45,007.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Laurel: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Laurel Certified Nursing Assistant Pay Compares
Laurel median: $35,672/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Laurel Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Mississippi Average | $38,565 | -7.50% less |
| National Average | $45,007 | -20.74% less |
Certified Nursing Assistants in Laurel, MS earn a median of $35,672 per year (2026 est.), which is 20.74% lower than the national median of $45,007 and 7.50% below the Mississippi state average of $38,565.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Laurel has a cost of living 14.30% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Laurel, MS has a cost-of-living index of 85.7 (below the national average of 100). A certified nursing assistant earning $35,672 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $41,624 in an average-cost city — an effective 16.69% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$23,508
2025 BLS Actual
$33,495
2026 Current Est.
$35,672
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Laurel (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $23,508 | Actual |
| 2020 | $24,452 | Actual |
| 2021 | $24,024 | Actual |
| 2022 | $28,343 | Actual |
| 2023 | $30,277 | Actual |
| 2024 | $22,193 | Actual |
| 2025 | $33,495 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $35,672 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $37,991 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Laurel metropolitan area, the median certified nursing assistant salary grew 42.5% from $23,508 (2019) to $33,495 (2025). At a 6.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $37,991 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,483 (61.61%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Laurel 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) | $31,156 – $32,657 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $32,657 – $35,672 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $35,672 – $38,736 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $38,736 – $40,974 |
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 Laurel
The local job market in Laurel currently employs six certified nursing assistants, pointing to a modest demand for this essential role. With a cost-of-living index of 85.7, residents benefit from a lower economic burden, allowing their salaries to stretch further in terms of purchasing power. Among local employers, skilled nursing facilities and hospitals often offer the most competitive wages, especially for night and weekend shifts, which command premium pay ranging typically from $1 to $4 more per hour. The disparity in salaries can often be attributed to factors such as staffing shortages, shift differentials, and additional certifications like CMA. For aspiring CNAs looking to maximize their pay, seeking out positions that offer higher rates for weekend work or specializations in acute care settings may prove beneficial in the Laurel market.
More salary data for Laurel, MS:
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 $33,495 for certified nursing assistantsin the Laurel 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 Laurel 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