Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay in Bellingham, WA: $24.60 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a certified nursing assistant working in Bellingham, WA runs $24.60 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $51,163 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Weighted against Bellingham's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.3, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $23.81 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $30,703 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Bellingham, Washington, certified nursing assistants (CNAs) can expect to earn a median hourly pay of $24.60 in 2026, which is notably higher than the national average of $21.64 per hour. This competitive wage allows for enhanced living standards, especially for those working part-time, such as three days a week. In typical caregiving settings—ranging from skilled nursing facilities to home health environments—the hourly earnings can vary significantly, with entry-level positions starting at around $21.97 and top earners making approximately $30.24, as reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics based on 2025 data projected to 2026. With nearly 800 certified nursing assistants employed in the area, these hourly rates reflect the ongoing demand and the critical role they play in patient care throughout Bellingham.
Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $21.97 | $175.77 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.01 | $192.04 |
| Median (P50) | $24.60 | $196.81 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $27.76 | $222.12 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $30.24 | $241.88 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Bellingham
Based on $24.60/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $24.60/hr, a certified nursing assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Bellingham, WA can expect to earn approximately $51,171 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $29,522. With a cost-of-living index of 103.33 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Bellingham.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Bellingham
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $984.06 | $4,264 | $51,171 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $590.44 | $2,559 | $30,703 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $393.62 | $1,706 | $20,468 |
Compare CNA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Certified Nursing Assistant (Bellingham) | $24.60 |
| Licensed Practical Nurse (National Avg) | $29.34 |
| Home Health / Personal Care Aide (National Avg) | $16.80 |
| Medical Assistant (National Avg) | $19.70 |
| Psychiatric Aide (National Avg) | $18.50 |
Certified Nursing Assistants in Bellingham, WA earn a median of $51,163 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.68% higher than the national median of $45,007.
Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $24.60/hr = $30,703/year (purchasing power: $29,712).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $51,171/year (purchasing power: $49,520).
CoL index: 103.334 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$15.21/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$23.10/hr
2026 Current Est.
$24.60/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+72.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Bellingham (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $15.21/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $16.17/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.31/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $18.43/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $20.26/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $23.01/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $23.10/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $24.60/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $26.20/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for certified nursing assistants in Bellingham grew 51.9% from $15.21/hr (2019) to $23.10/hr (2025). At a 6.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $26.20/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem certified nursing assistants can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bellingham 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.
Working as an Hourly Certified Nursing Assistant in Bellingham
For those considering part-time or per-diem work, the financial outlook can be promising. Working just three days a week for a total of 24 hours can yield an annual income significantly influencing their budgeting. Per diem certified nursing assistants in Bellingham can command rates between $22 and $32 per hour, with premium weekend contracts often exceeding $30 to $45 per hour. Although travel CNA contracts are less common, they can offer considerable pay, ranging from $1,000 to $1,800 per week. The hourly wages can vary based on the type of employer, with skilled nursing facilities generally offering less than hospitals or specialized care centers. Some CNAs may opt for lower hourly rates in exchange for benefits such as health insurance, posing a critical decision that impacts overall compensation. Effective negotiation skills are vital in this context; emphasizing flexibility in scheduling may yield better hourly offers from potential employers in Bellingham’s evolving healthcare market.
More salary data for Bellingham, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for certified nursing assistants in Bellingham in 2026?
How much do part-time certified nursing assistants make in Bellingham?
Are certified nursing assistants in Bellingham paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time certified nursing assistant make per year in Bellingham?
Do certified nursing assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Bellingham?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Washington
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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 6.50% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for certified nursing assistants in Bellingham. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
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