Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay in Federal Way, WA: $24.39 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a certified nursing assistant working in Federal Way, WA runs $24.39 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $50,722 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Weighted against Federal Way's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $22.71 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $30,437 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For certified nursing assistants (CNAs) in Federal Way, the projected median hourly pay stands at $24.39, significantly higher than the national average of $21.64. This attractive hourly rate highlights the earning potential for part-time workers, who often find themselves in varied environments such as skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, and home health settings. For example, working three days a week typically allows CNAs to accumulate a steady income while balancing personal commitments. The hourly wage also reflects a broad range based on experience and skill, with entry-level positions starting around $19.52 and seasoned professionals drawing up to $30.32 per hour. Such figures reinforce the growth in certified nursing assistant hourly pay in Federal Way, making this sector an appealing option for individuals seeking flexible employment opportunities.
About the Federal Way Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($44,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $19.52 | $156.17 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.35 | $170.83 |
| Median (P50) | $24.39 | $195.11 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $27.47 | $219.73 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $30.32 | $242.56 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Federal Way
Based on $24.39/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $24.39/hr, a certified nursing assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Federal Way, WA can expect to earn approximately $50,728 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $29,266. With a cost-of-living index of 107.40 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Federal Way.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Federal Way
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $975.54 | $4,227 | $50,728 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $585.32 | $2,536 | $30,437 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $390.22 | $1,691 | $20,291 |
Compare CNA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Certified Nursing Assistant (Federal Way) | $24.39 |
| 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 Federal Way, WA earn a median of $50,722 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.70% higher than the national median of $45,007 and 0.90% below the Washington state average of $51,182.
Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $24.39/hr = $30,437/year (purchasing power: $28,340).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $50,728/year (purchasing power: $47,233).
CoL index: 107.4 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$16.07/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.90/hr
2026 Current Est.
$24.39/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Federal Way (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $16.07/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $16.72/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $16.42/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $19.38/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $20.70/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $22.51/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.90/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $24.39/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $25.97/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for certified nursing assistants in Federal Way grew 42.5% from $16.07/hr (2019) to $22.90/hr (2025). At a 6.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $25.97/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 Federal Way 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 Federal Way
Examining the part-time earning potential for CNAs reveals a landscape where each worker's income can vary substantially based on their choices. A CNA working 24 hours per week can still take home a competitive income, although much lower than what a full-time position would yield annually. Meanwhile, for those pursuing per diem roles or agency assignments, rates can fluctuate with agency CNAs billing between $22 and $32 per hour, and premium weekend shifts potentially reaching $30 to $45. Local employers, including skilled nursing facilities and hospitals, often offer differing compensation packages, which may include benefits like health insurance—a trade-off some CNAs consider when evaluating lower hourly rates against the value of these benefits. For those in pursuit of the best hourly pay in Federal Way, negotiating for weekend shifts, considering partnerships with staffing agencies, and understanding industry standards will be essential strategies for maximizing earning potential.
More salary data for Federal Way, WA:
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
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 Federal Way. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Federal Way 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