Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Charlotte, NC: $41,993 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time certified nursing assistant in Charlotte, NC earns a median $41,993/year (≈ $20.19/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Once you factor in Charlotte's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.3), that paycheck buys what $43,137 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.3% above the North Carolina state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, the certified nursing assistant salary in Charlotte, NC, is projected to reach a median of $41,993. This figure falls below the national median of $45,007, reflecting a difference that highlights both local economic conditions and market demand. Salary ranges offer insight into variability, with entry-level pay starting at $35,922 and experienced professionals earning up to $52,238. These projections, based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, signal promising opportunities as the workforce is expected to grow significantly at an annual rate of 6.50%. For many CNAs in Charlotte, pursuing further credentials like LPN can elevate their career, creating pathways for higher salaries and wider employment prospects in a buoyant local job market.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $35,922 | $17.27 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $39,927 | $19.19 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $41,993 | $20.19 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $49,256 | $23.69 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $52,238 | $25.11 |
Median Salary Position
6.7% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Charlotte
In Charlotte, NC, the certified nursing assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $16,316 (2026 est.). At $41,993, the local median is 6.7% below the national median of $45,007.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Charlotte: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Charlotte Certified Nursing Assistant Pay Compares
Charlotte median: $41,993/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Charlotte Pays |
|---|---|---|
| North Carolina Average | $41,049 | +2.30% more |
| National Average | $45,007 | -6.70% less |
Certified Nursing Assistants in Charlotte, NC earn a median of $41,993 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.70% lower than the national median of $45,007 and 2.30% above the North Carolina state average of $41,049.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Charlotte has a cost of living 2.65% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Charlotte, NC has a cost-of-living index of 97.348 (below the national average of 100). A certified nursing assistant earning $41,993 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $43,137 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.72% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$27,100
2025 BLS Actual
$39,430
2026 Current Est.
$41,993
2019–2027 Growth
+65.0%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Charlotte (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $27,100 | Actual |
| 2020 | $29,040 | Actual |
| 2021 | $29,620 | Actual |
| 2022 | $33,620 | Actual |
| 2023 | $37,270 | Actual |
| 2024 | $38,580 | Actual |
| 2025 | $39,430 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $41,993 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $44,722 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Charlotte metropolitan area, the median certified nursing assistant salary grew 45.5% from $27,100 (2019) to $39,430 (2025). At a 6.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $44,722 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,622 (65.03%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Charlotte 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) | $35,922 – $39,927 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $39,927 – $41,993 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $41,993 – $49,256 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $49,256 – $52,238 |
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 Charlotte
The job market in Charlotte is robust, with 13,580 certified nursing assistants currently employed. Cost of living considerations are essential; with a cost of living index at 97.348, CNAs often have relatively favorable purchasing power in comparison to many other regions. Notably, the highest-paying job opportunities can be found in skilled nursing facilities and hospitals, especially in specialized departments such as ICUs or during evening and weekend shifts, where CNAs can earn a differential of $2-$4 or receive agency premiums during staffing shortages. The pay gap evident between the lowest and highest salaries can be attributed to factors such as shift differentials, the availability of weekend and holiday premiums, and additional stipends for certified medication aides. To maximize earnings, CNAs should consider pursuing extra certifications, being flexible with shifts, and staying abreast of high-demand areas within the healthcare market in Charlotte, NC.
More salary data for Charlotte, NC:
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 $39,430 for certified nursing assistantsin the Charlotte 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