Entry-Level Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Riverton, WY: $35,826 (2026)
Quick Answer:New certified nursing assistants entering the Riverton, WY job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $35,826 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-1131, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Riverton's local price level (BEA RPP 95.8 — 4% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $37,397 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($40,266) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Riverton, the starting certified nursing assistant salary in 2026 is projected at $35,826, reflecting the realities for new graduates entering the workforce. This initial pay is notably below the city's median annual salary of $40,266, which means new CNAs can expect to earn less than their more experienced counterparts right away. However, there is a growth trajectory that new entrants should consider; salaries can rise to $37,341 at the 25th percentile and potentially reach the median after several years in the field. Riverton currently presents a decent job market for aspiring CNAs, with hospitals and nursing facilities likely to see an uptick in demand for these critical roles, especially in the wake of staffing shortages exacerbated by recent turnover trends.
About the Riverton Market
Salary estimated from Wyoming average ($36,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Riverton
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 Riverton
Entry-level certified nursing assistants in Riverton, WY typically start between $35,826 and $37,341 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $11,247 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $40,266 — 10.53% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nursing program cost in Wyoming of $1,500 represents just 4.19% of the starting certified nursing assistant pay ($35,826/year) in Riverton. 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 Riverton
- 1Research the Riverton market: entry-level certified nursing assistant pay ranges from $35,826 to $37,341, 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 Riverton, 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 Riverton for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Riverton'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 Riverton is $11,247 ( 31.39%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $35,826, experienced hygienists can earn up to $47,073.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$21,765
2025 BLS Actual
$33,639
2026 Current Est.
$35,826
2019–2027 Growth
+75.3%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Riverton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21,765 | Actual |
| 2020 | $22,548 | Actual |
| 2021 | $23,668 | Actual |
| 2022 | $27,781 | Actual |
| 2023 | $29,754 | Actual |
| 2024 | $28,345 | Actual |
| 2025 | $33,639 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $35,826 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $38,154 | Projected |
Entry-level certified nursing assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Riverton, WY grew 54.6% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $21,765 in 2019 to $33,639 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $38,154. New graduates entering the Riverton job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Riverton 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 Riverton
To secure employment, new graduates should look to skilled nursing facilities as they frequently hire entry-level CNAs, often offering paid training to enhance employability immediately. Hospital systems may be less inclined to onboard new CNAs without experience but can provide apprenticeship programs that help kickstart careers. Additionally, home health agencies often seek candidates who can work flexible hours. Building credentials is vital for higher starting pay in Wyoming; certifications such as CPR/BLS and optional credentials like medication aide or dementia care will increase a candidate’s appeal. Given that the CNA workforce has faced significant turnover post-COVID, job prospects are better than some anticipate, but realistic salary growth in the first few years can be modest unless one transitions into roles like LPN or RN, which typically demand a higher level of education and training.
More salary data for Riverton, 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 Riverton. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Riverton 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