Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Utica, NY: $46,391 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time certified nursing assistant in Utica, NY earns a median $46,391/year (≈ $22.30/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Once you factor in Utica's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 92.7), that paycheck buys what $50,056 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.7% above the New York state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, the certified nursing assistant salary in Utica is projected to reach a median of $46,391, reflecting a significant post-COVID wage adjustment within the healthcare sector. This figure falls within a salary range from $39,906 at the 10th percentile to $49,991 at the 90th percentile, as derived from the official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS data. Compared to the national median of $45,007, this represents a 3.08% increase, illustrating the competitive nature of the market for CNAs in Utica, NY. The local employment landscape features approximately 1,590 certified nursing assistants, indicating strong demand for this role in the community as healthcare facilities continue to stabilize after the pandemic.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,906 | $19.18 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40,364 | $19.40 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $46,391 | $22.30 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $49,586 | $23.85 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $49,991 | $24.04 |
Median Salary Position
3.08% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Utica
In Utica, NY, the certified nursing assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $10,085 (2026 est.). At $46,391, the local median is 3.08% above the national median of $45,007.
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At 40 hours/week in Utica: You'd be above the median
How Utica Certified Nursing Assistant Pay Compares
Utica median: $46,391/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Utica Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New York Average | $46,069 | +0.70% more |
| National Average | $45,007 | +3.08% more |
Certified Nursing Assistants in Utica, NY earn a median of $46,391 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.08% higher than the national median of $45,007 and 0.70% above the New York state average of $46,069.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Utica has a cost of living 7.32% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Utica, NY has a cost-of-living index of 92.678 (below the national average of 100). A certified nursing assistant earning $46,391 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $50,056 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.9% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$28,620
2025 BLS Actual
$43,560
2026 Current Est.
$46,391
2019–2027 Growth
+72.6%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Utica (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28,620 | Actual |
| 2020 | $31,100 | Actual |
| 2021 | $30,230 | Actual |
| 2022 | $34,990 | Actual |
| 2023 | $36,930 | Actual |
| 2024 | $38,810 | Actual |
| 2025 | $43,560 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $46,391 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $49,407 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Utica metropolitan area, the median certified nursing assistant salary grew 52.2% from $28,620 (2019) to $43,560 (2025). At a 6.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $49,407 by 2027 — a total increase of $20,787 (72.63%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Utica 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) | $39,906 – $40,364 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $40,364 – $46,391 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $46,391 – $49,586 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $49,586 – $49,991 |
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 Utica
Employers in Utica primarily include skilled nursing facilities and hospitals, which tend to offer the highest wages among various healthcare settings. The area's cost of living index of 92.678 suggests that while salaries may be higher than the national average, purchasing power remains crucial for CNAs. Understanding local pay dynamics is essential, as shift differentials can significantly impact earnings—working evenings can earn an extra $2-4 per hour, while weekend shifts may provide an additional $1-3. To maximize earnings, CNAs may consider taking on agency roles during staffing shortages or pursuing certifications like CMA for potential stipends. Exploring opportunities in hospice and rehabilitation hospitals may also enhance income potential, as these facilities often pay based on patient acuity, providing avenues for career advancement into nursing pathways.
More salary data for Utica, NY:
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 $43,560 for certified nursing assistantsin the Utica 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, 7-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