Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Helena, MT: $45,284 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time certified nursing assistant in Helena, MT earns a median $45,284/year (≈ $21.77/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Once you factor in Helena's price level (4% below national, BEA RPP 95.7), that paycheck buys what $47,331 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 8.1% above the Montana state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, the certified nursing assistant salary in Helena, MT is projected to reach a median annual value of $45,284, which slightly exceeds the national average of $45,007. The salary range for this occupation varies significantly, with the lowest 10% earning approximately $40,033 and the highest 90% making around $53,314. These figures are derived from official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) surveys and reflect a post-COVID wage reset that has established a new pay floor for this vital role in the healthcare system. The consistent demand for certified nursing assistants in Helena has led to increased competition among employers, which is evident in these salary trends.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,033 | $19.24 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40,917 | $19.67 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $45,284 | $21.77 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $51,780 | $24.89 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $53,314 | $25.63 |
Median Salary Position
0.62% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Helena
In Helena, MT, the certified nursing assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $13,281 (2026 est.). At $45,284, the local median is 0.62% above the national median of $45,007.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Helena: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Helena Certified Nursing Assistant Pay Compares
Helena median: $45,284/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Helena Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Montana Average | $41,891 | +8.10% more |
| National Average | $45,007 | +0.62% more |
Certified Nursing Assistants in Helena, MT earn a median of $45,284 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.62% higher than the national median of $45,007 and 8.10% above the Montana state average of $41,891.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Helena has a cost of living 4.33% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Helena, MT has a cost-of-living index of 95.675 (below the national average of 100). A certified nursing assistant earning $45,284 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $47,331 in an average-cost city — an effective 4.52% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$29,842
2025 BLS Actual
$42,520
2026 Current Est.
$45,284
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Helena (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29,842 | Actual |
| 2020 | $31,040 | Actual |
| 2021 | $30,496 | Actual |
| 2022 | $35,980 | Actual |
| 2023 | $38,435 | Actual |
| 2024 | $40,640 | Actual |
| 2025 | $42,520 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $45,284 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $48,227 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Helena metropolitan area, the median certified nursing assistant salary grew 42.5% from $29,842 (2019) to $42,520 (2025). At a 6.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $48,227 by 2027 — a total increase of $18,385 (61.61%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Helena 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) | $40,033 – $40,917 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $40,917 – $45,284 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $45,284 – $51,780 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $51,780 – $53,314 |
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 Helena
A closer look at the job market reveals that there are around 290 certified nursing assistants employed in Helena, suggesting a stable demand for these professionals. Given the cost of living index in Helena is 95.675, which is below the national average, the purchasing power for CNAs is relatively favorable, allowing them to stretch their earnings further. Major employers in the area include skilled nursing facilities and hospitals, which tend to offer higher wages, especially for night shifts and weekends, where pay can increase by $2-4 per hour. The disparity in salaries across facilities can also be attributed to factors such as agency premiums during staffing shortages and certification stipends for CNAs working in higher acuity settings. For those looking to maximize their earnings in the Helena market, pursuing additional certifications or specializing in high-demand areas could lead to substantial financial benefits and a clearer pathway toward advancement into LPN or RN roles.
More salary data for Helena, MT:
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 $42,520 for certified nursing assistantsin the Helena 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 2-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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