Entry-Level Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Bremerton, WA: $44,805 (2026)
Quick Answer:New certified nursing assistants entering the Bremerton, WA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $44,805 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-1131, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Bremerton's local price level (BEA RPP 105.6 — 6% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $42,426 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($52,355) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the certified nursing assistant field in Bremerton, WA, can expect a starting salary around $44,805 annually. This figure may appear modest compared to the city's median annual salary of $52,355, indicating a clear growth trajectory for entry-level professionals. As new CNAs gain further experience, their earnings can rise to approximately $49,001, and ultimately reach the median as they advance through their careers. Opening potential doors in this evolving job market makes Bremerton a promising place for recent graduates, especially in light of the ongoing nursing staffing shortages.
Career Earnings Timeline in Bremerton
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 Bremerton
Entry-level certified nursing assistants in Bremerton, WA typically start between $44,805 and $49,001 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $16,188 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $52,355 — 16.33% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nursing program cost in Washington of $2,500 represents just 5.58% of the starting certified nursing assistant pay ($44,805/year) in Bremerton. 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 Bremerton
- 1Research the Bremerton market: entry-level certified nursing assistant pay ranges from $44,805 to $49,001, 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 WA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Bremerton, 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 Bremerton for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Bremerton's moderate 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 Bremerton is $16,188 ( 36.13%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $44,805, experienced hygienists can earn up to $60,993.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$25,800
2025 BLS Actual
$42,070
2026 Current Est.
$44,805
2019–2027 Growth
+84.9%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Bremerton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $25,800 | Actual |
| 2020 | $28,340 | Actual |
| 2021 | $30,460 | Actual |
| 2022 | $34,040 | Actual |
| 2023 | $38,840 | Actual |
| 2024 | $40,130 | Actual |
| 2025 | $42,070 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $44,805 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $47,717 | Projected |
Entry-level certified nursing assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Bremerton, WA grew 63.1% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $25,800 in 2019 to $42,070 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $47,717. New graduates entering the Bremerton job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bremerton 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 Bremerton
Employers in Bremerton that actively recruit entry-level CNAs often prioritize skilled nursing facilities, which typically offer training programs to help new hires transition into the workforce effectively. While hospitals may lean toward hiring experienced CNAs, they also have apprenticeship programs that could allow new graduates to gain valuable experience. Flexible positions at home health agencies can be advantageous for those seeking varied schedules. For new entrants looking to enhance their hiring prospects, obtaining state CNA certification, completing CPR/BLS training, and considering dementia care certifications can significantly increase starting pay in Washington. Additionally, the staffing crisis witnessed in post-COVID times has led to increased wages in the field; therefore, early-career professionals can realistically expect their entry-level pay to grow as they build skills and experience, providing a strong pathway toward more advanced roles like LPN and RN in the coming years.
More salary data for Bremerton, WA:
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
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 Bremerton. 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