Entry-Level Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Lander, WY: $34,895 (2026)
Quick Answer:New certified nursing assistants entering the Lander, WY job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $34,895 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-1131, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Lander's local price level (BEA RPP 95.8 — 4% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $36,425 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($41,319) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the certified nursing assistant field in Lander, Wyoming, can expect starting salaries to range around $34,895, which is on the lower end of the salary spectrum for the region. This entry-level pay is significantly beneath the city’s projected median annual salary of $41,319, reflecting an initial gap that new CNAs will need to navigate. However, early-career professionals have the potential to grow their earnings substantially, as they may move up to the 25th percentile at $37,090 within the first few years, closing the gap toward the median. Given the projected growth trajectory, Lander appears to be a viable market for new graduates in this field, especially with the anticipated 6.50% annual growth rate, indicating numerous opportunities for career advancement both locally and within the broader healthcare system.
About the Lander Market
Salary estimated from Wyoming average ($36,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Lander
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 Lander
Entry-level certified nursing assistants in Lander, WY typically start between $34,895 and $37,090 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $12,962 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $41,319 — 8.19% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nursing program cost in Wyoming of $1,500 represents just 4.30% of the starting certified nursing assistant pay ($34,895/year) in Lander. 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 Lander
- 1Research the Lander market: entry-level certified nursing assistant pay ranges from $34,895 to $37,090, 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 Lander, 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 Lander for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Lander'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 Lander is $12,962 ( 37.15%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $34,895, experienced hygienists can earn up to $47,857.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$21,200
2025 BLS Actual
$32,765
2026 Current Est.
$34,895
2019–2027 Growth
+75.3%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Lander (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21,200 | Actual |
| 2020 | $21,962 | Actual |
| 2021 | $23,053 | Actual |
| 2022 | $27,060 | Actual |
| 2023 | $28,981 | Actual |
| 2024 | $27,593 | Actual |
| 2025 | $32,765 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $34,895 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $37,163 | Projected |
Entry-level certified nursing assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Lander, WY grew 54.6% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $21,200 in 2019 to $32,765 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $37,163. New graduates entering the Lander job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lander 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 Lander
Healthcare employers in Lander actively seek out new certified nursing assistants to fill critical staffing gaps, especially in skilled nursing facilities, which often provide paid training programs for entry-level roles. Hospitals typically prefer experienced CNAs but may offer apprenticeships for those willing to gain further skills. Additionally, home health agencies are looking for candidates who can adapt to flexible schedules, catering to varying patient needs. For those aiming to enhance their starting certified nursing assistant salary in Lander, establishing the right credentials is crucial. Wyoming state certification requires at least 75 hours of training plus a state exam, while certifications in CPR/BLS or specialized areas, such as medication aide training or dementia care, can play a significant role in boosting pay. Given the recent demand for CNAs amid staffing crises post-COVID, many professionals transition to higher roles, such as LPNs or RNs, which is a common pathway that new grads should consider for their first few years in or near Lander. A realistic expectation for salary growth in the initial years hinges on securing additional credentials and selecting employers that value ongoing education.
More salary data for Lander, WY:
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 Lander. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Lander is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
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