Entry-Level Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Topeka, KS: $37,360 (2026)
Quick Answer:New certified nursing assistants entering the Topeka, KS job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $37,360 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-1131, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Topeka's local price level (BEA RPP 88.8 — 11% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $42,063 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($41,237) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the workforce as certified nursing assistants in Topeka, KS, can expect starting salaries around $37,360. While this figure sits below the city's median annual salary of $41,237, it reflects a common entry point for those just launching their careers. Over the first few years, early-career CNAs may see their pay rise toward the $40,502 mark, allowing for a clearer pathway to reach the median salary as they gain experience and tenure. Given the growing demand for CNAs, bolstered by an expected growth rate of 6.50% annually, Topeka presents a supportive market for new graduates eager to establish themselves in the healthcare field.
Career Earnings Timeline in Topeka
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Topeka
Entry-level certified nursing assistants in Topeka, KS typically start between $37,360 and $40,502 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $12,088 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $41,237 — 8.38% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nursing program cost in Kansas of $1,200 represents just 3.21% of the starting certified nursing assistant pay ($37,360/year) in Topeka. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on state nurse aide registry-approved CNA training programs meeting federal CMS requirements. Tuition varies widely between free employer-sponsored programs, community college courses, and private training schools.
CNA Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Topeka
- 1Research the Topeka market: entry-level certified nursing assistant pay ranges from $37,360 to $40,502, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the nursing field — employers in KS often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Topeka, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Topeka for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Topeka's below-average cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Certified Nursing Assistant Compensation Range
The certified nursing assistant wage spread in Topeka is $12,088 ( 32.36%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $37,360, experienced hygienists can earn up to $49,448.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$22,340
2025 BLS Actual
$35,080
2026 Current Est.
$37,360
2019–2027 Growth
+78.1%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Topeka (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22,340 | Actual |
| 2020 | $23,500 | Actual |
| 2021 | $23,630 | Actual |
| 2022 | $28,570 | Actual |
| 2023 | $30,990 | Actual |
| 2024 | $35,260 | Actual |
| 2025 | $35,080 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $37,360 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $39,789 | Projected |
Entry-level certified nursing assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Topeka, KS grew 57.0% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $22,340 in 2019 to $35,080 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $39,789. New graduates entering the Topeka job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Topeka 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.
Starting Your nursing Career in Topeka
Among the key employers in Topeka actively hiring entry-level CNAs are skilled nursing facilities, which often have structured hiring programs and paid training for new graduates. Hospitals may prefer candidates with experience but provide apprenticeship opportunities for those eager to learn in a clinical setting. Home health agencies also look for flexible candidates to accommodate varied patient needs. To enhance earning potential, certifications such as CPR/BLS and optional roles like a medication aide can be advantageous. In the first few years, realistic salary growth may be around 5-10% annually, especially as the market rebound from post-COVID staffing challenges creates more opportunities for advancement within the profession. Many CNAs find their career trajectory naturally progresses toward becoming licensed practical nurses or registered nurses, solidifying their long-term place in the healthcare workforce.
More salary data for Topeka, KS:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for certified nursing assistants in Topeka in 2026?
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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
Entry-level 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 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new nursing graduates. A 6.50% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Topeka. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
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