Houston vs Wichita Falls: Certified Nursing Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare certified nursing assistant salaries between Houston, TX and Wichita Falls, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Houston, TX | Wichita Falls, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $40,438▲ | $40,332 |
| Hourly Rate | $19.45▲ | $19.39 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $34,730▲ | $32,280 |
| 25th Percentile | $38,713▲ | $37,584 |
| 75th Percentile | $49,097▲ | $49,043 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $50,428 | $50,864▲ |
| Total Employed | 19,230▲ | 950 |
Verdict
Houston, TX offers better overall compensation for certified nursing assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Wichita Falls.
The salary gap between Houston and Wichita Falls is $106 (0.26%). Houston's median is -10.15% compared to the US national median of $45,007.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Houston spans $15,698,Wichita Falls spans $18,584. Wichita Falls has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced certified nursing assistants.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Wichita Falls ($45,057 effective) pays 9.90% more than Houston ($41,000 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Houston if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($40,438/year)
- ✓Larger job market (19,230 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Choose Wichita Falls if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($50,864)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $45,057)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, certified nursing assistant salaries in Houston grew 38.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 64.4% growth in Wichita Falls over the same period.
Houston, TX
$27,450 (2019) → $37,970 (2025)
Wichita Falls, TX
$23,040 (2019) → $37,870 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Houston, TX
Wichita Falls, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays certified nursing assistants more: Houston or Wichita Falls?
What is the hourly rate difference between Houston and Wichita Falls?
Should I relocate from Houston to Wichita Falls as a certified nursing assistant?
What do entry-level certified nursing assistants earn in Houston vs Wichita Falls?
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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
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 6.50% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
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