CNA Salary

Entry-Level Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Cheyenne, WY: $37,179 (2026)

Quick Answer:New certified nursing assistants entering the Cheyenne, WY job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $37,179 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-1131, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Cheyenne's local price level (BEA RPP 96.54% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $38,531 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($49,331) within a few years of clinical practice.

$37,179
Starting Salary
$17.87/hr
Starting Hourly
$37,179
Entry Level
$49,331
Career Median Target

Official BLS data · View source

Certified Nursing Assistant Entry Level Salary in Cheyenne, WY — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
Cheyenne, WY certified nursing assistant entry level salary overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

In Cheyenne, WY, the entry-level certified nursing assistant salary reflects a starting pay structure that aligns with the financial realities of new graduates in the field. With a projected starting salary of $37,179, new CNAs will encounter a significant gap when compared to the median annual salary of $49,331 for the city. This initial pay rate may seem discouraging at first, but growth potential exists as entry-level workers transition into higher pay tiers within 3-5 years, reaching approximately $40,992 at the 25th percentile and potentially more as they gain experience. Given the current job market and the ongoing demand for healthcare professionals in Cheyenne, recent graduates can find promising opportunities despite a modest starting salary.

Career Earnings Timeline in Cheyenne

Year 0-2

New Graduate

$37,179/yr
Year 2-5

Early Career

$40,992/yr
Year 5-10

Mid Career

$49,331/yr
Year 10+

Experienced

$52,835/yr

Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.

2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Cheyenne

Vertical bar chart of 10th through 90th percentile salaries for certified nursing assistants in Cheyenne. The median salary is $49,331, compared to the national median of $45,007.$33.5K$42.1K$50.7K$59.3K$67.9K$37.2K10th Pctl$41.0K25th Pctl$49.3KMedian$52.8K75th Pctl$64.6K90th PctlUS Median$45.0K

Entry-level certified nursing assistants in Cheyenne, WY typically start between $37,179 and $40,992 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $27,456 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $49,3319.61% above the national median.

Source: BLS OEWS projected to 2026. Percentiles reflect the distribution of certified nursing assistant pay in the Cheyenne metro area.

Return on Investment

$1,500
Avg WY Program Cost
$37,179
Starting Salary
4.03%
Cost-to-Salary Ratio
<1 yr
Payback Estimate

The average nursing program cost in Wyoming of $1,500 represents just 4.03% of the starting certified nursing assistant pay ($37,179/year) in Cheyenne. 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 Cheyenne

  • 1Research the Cheyenne market: entry-level certified nursing assistant pay ranges from $37,179 to $40,992, 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 WY often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
  • 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Cheyenne, 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 Cheyenne for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
  • 5Cheyenne'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 Cheyenne is $27,456 ( 73.85%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $37,179, experienced hygienists can earn up to $64,635.

Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.

2019 BLS Actual

$26,590

2025 BLS Actual

$34,910

2026 Current Est.

$37,179

2019–2027 Growth

+48.9%

Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Cheyenne (20192027)

2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Salary trajectory chart for certified nursing assistants in Cheyenne. Baseline $26,590 in 2025, projected to $39,596 by 2027.$24.0K$28.5K$33.1K$37.6K$42.2K2019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$26.6K$27.7K$28.9K$29.4K$35.6K$35.6K$34.9K$37.2K$39.6K
YearAnnual SalaryStatus
2019$26,590Actual
2020$27,680Actual
2021$28,920Actual
2022$29,350Actual
2023$35,570Actual
2024$35,560Actual
2025$34,910Actual
2026(current)$37,179Estimated
2027$39,596Projected

Entry-level certified nursing assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Cheyenne, WY grew 31.3% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $26,590 in 2019 to $34,910 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $39,596. New graduates entering the Cheyenne job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.

Note: Historical values (20192025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Cheyenne metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 20262026 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 Cheyenne

Opportunities for new graduate certified nursing assistants in Cheyenne are diverse, particularly within skilled nursing facilities that commonly offer paid training programs specifically tailored for recent hires. Hospitals, while they typically prefer experienced candidates, may provide apprenticeship-style pathways for those willing to learn on the job. Home health agencies also represent a viable option for flexible-schedule candidates, meeting the needs of patients in their homes. To enhance earning potential, new CNAs should focus on obtaining state certification and additional credentials such as CPR/BLS training or optional medication aide certification, which can lead to higher starting pay. Moreover, the past few years have seen a notable increase in wages within nursing facilities due to high turnover rates in the industry, as many facilities have responded to staffing crises by raising wages dramatically. New CNAs should realistically expect incremental salary growth during their first few years in the field, often working towards bridging into LPN or RN roles, particularly as they accumulate experience and certifications unique to Wyoming’s requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the starting salary for certified nursing assistants in Cheyenne in 2026?

Entry-level certified nursing assistants in Cheyenne start at approximately $37,179/year (10th percentile), based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 6.50% annual growth). This is the typical range for new graduates with less than 1 year of clinical experience. The starting hourly equivalent is approximately $17.87/hour for full-time work. Starting pay depends on the practice type (private vs. large organization), patient volume, location within the metro area, and whether the position includes benefits.

How fast do certified nursing assistant salaries grow in Cheyenne?

Most certified nursing assistants in Cheyenne progress from the entry-level salary of $37,179 to the area median of $49,331 within 3–5 years of clinical experience. Top earners with specializations and certifications reach $64,635 (90th percentile). The biggest salary jumps typically come in years 2–5 as clinical skills develop, and again when obtaining advanced certifications or expanded-function credentials. Salary growth after 10 years tends to plateau unless moving into management or education roles.

Is nursing school worth it in Cheyenne?

With a starting salary of $37,179/year in Cheyenne and typical program costs ranging from $20,000–$80,000 for the required degree, graduates can expect a strong return on investment. Most new certified nursing assistants recoup their tuition within 1–3 years of working full-time. The profession also offers excellent work-life balance, flexible scheduling, low unemployment rates, and growing demand driven by an aging population's care needs.

What do new certified nursing assistants make right out of school in Cheyenne?

New nursing graduates in Cheyenne typically start near the 10th percentile at $37,179/year, or approximately $17.87/hour. Starting pay varies based on the practice type, patient volume, geographic location within the metro area, and whether the compensation package includes benefits like health insurance and retirement contributions. Graduates with internships at high-production practices often secure higher starting offers.

How do I become a certified nursing assistant in Wyoming?

To become a licensed certified nursing assistant in Wyoming, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and completion of a state-approved nursing assistant training program are required., then pass the required national and state licensing examinations. Most states, including Wyoming, also require a clinical licensing exam. After obtaining licensure, you must maintain it through continuing education credits. Some certified nursing assistants pursue advanced degrees for career advancement into education, research, or public health roles.

Related Pages

Nearby Cities in Wyoming

EC

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.

Clinically reviewed by Michael Rodriguez, CNAData verified by Sara Patel, RN

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 Cheyenne. 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

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