Entry-Level Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Laramie, WY: $34,835 (2026)
Quick Answer:New certified nursing assistants entering the Laramie, WY job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $34,835 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-1131, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Laramie's local price level (BEA RPP 95.8 — 4% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $36,362 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($42,614) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Laramie, WY, the entry-level certified nursing assistant salary is projected to start at approximately $34,835 in 2026, establishing a foundation for new graduates to build meaningful careers in healthcare. This starting pay is notably lower than the median annual salary of $42,614 for experienced CNAs in the region, highlighting the financial gap that entry-level professionals will need to bridge. For recent graduates, the upward trajectory is promising; as one gains experience, salaries may increase to around $37,628 at the 25th percentile. Within the first three to five years in the field, motivated CNAs can expect to approach or even reach the median salary as they gain skills and prove their value in the workforce. Given the ongoing demand for healthcare professionals in Laramie, this market presents a viable opportunity for new CNAs, especially in the current climate of post-COVID recovery.
About the Laramie Market
Salary estimated from Wyoming average ($36,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Laramie
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 Laramie
Entry-level certified nursing assistants in Laramie, WY typically start between $34,835 and $37,628 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $14,543 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $42,614 — 5.32% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nursing program cost in Wyoming of $1,500 represents just 4.31% of the starting certified nursing assistant pay ($34,835/year) in Laramie. 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 Laramie
- 1Research the Laramie market: entry-level certified nursing assistant pay ranges from $34,835 to $37,628, 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 Laramie, 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 Laramie for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Laramie'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 Laramie is $14,543 ( 41.75%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $34,835, experienced hygienists can earn up to $49,378.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$21,164
2025 BLS Actual
$32,709
2026 Current Est.
$34,835
2019–2027 Growth
+75.3%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Laramie (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21,164 | Actual |
| 2020 | $21,925 | Actual |
| 2021 | $23,014 | Actual |
| 2022 | $27,013 | Actual |
| 2023 | $28,931 | Actual |
| 2024 | $27,547 | Actual |
| 2025 | $32,709 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $34,835 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $37,099 | Projected |
Entry-level certified nursing assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Laramie, WY grew 54.6% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $21,164 in 2019 to $32,709 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $37,099. New graduates entering the Laramie job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Laramie 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 Laramie
In terms of employment opportunities, Laramie offers several pathways for entry-level certified nursing assistants. Skilled nursing facilities are the primary employers, frequently providing paid training programs for new hires. While hospital systems may prefer candidates with experience, they also offer apprenticeship pipelines for certified nursing assistants looking to enhance their skills. In addition, home health care agencies often seek CNAs who can adapt to flexible schedules. To boost earning potential, new graduates should consider obtaining relevant certifications such as CPR/BLS, a medication aide credential, or specialized training in dementia care. Given the competitive environment that has emerged since the COVID-19 pandemic, where turnover in the CNA workforce surged, there are significant opportunities for growth. Most CNAs aspire to bridge into roles as licensed practical nurses (LPNs) or registered nurses (RNs) as they progress in their careers. Realistically, new CNAs in Laramie can expect salary increases throughout their first three years, moving beyond just entry-level positions as they develop their skills and gain on-the-job experience.
More salary data for Laramie, 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 Laramie. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Laramie 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