Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay in Seattle, WA: $26.63 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a certified nursing assistant working in Seattle, WA runs $26.63 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $55,369 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Weighted against Seattle's regional price level (BEA RPP 111.1, 11% above national), each hour of work buys what $23.96 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $33,228 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Seattle, the hourly compensation for a certified nursing assistant (CNA) is projected to be $26.63 in 2026, significantly above the national median hourly rate of $21.64. This elevated pay creates an appealing environment for both part-time and per-diem workers, who may typically find themselves in skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, or providing home health services. For those considering a part-time role, working three days a week could yield a respectable income while maintaining a flexible schedule. The hourly rate in Seattle ranges from $23.58 at the entry level to upwards of $34.45 for the most experienced CNAs. These figures are based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, providing a promising outlook for those entering or currently in the field.
Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $23.58 | $188.63 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.63 | $197.07 |
| Median (P50) | $26.63 | $213.00 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $30.69 | $245.55 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $34.45 | $275.62 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Seattle
Based on $26.63/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $26.63/hr, a certified nursing assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Seattle, WA can expect to earn approximately $55,380 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $31,950. With a cost-of-living index of 111.13 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Seattle.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Seattle
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,065.00 | $4,615 | $55,380 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $639.00 | $2,769 | $33,228 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $426.00 | $1,846 | $22,152 |
Compare CNA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Certified Nursing Assistant (Seattle) | $26.63 |
| 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 Seattle, WA earn a median of $55,369 per year (2026 est.), which is 23.02% higher than the national median of $45,007 and 8.20% above the Washington state average of $51,173.
Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $26.63/hr = $33,228/year (purchasing power: $29,899).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $55,380/year (purchasing power: $49,832).
CoL index: 111.133 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$16.79/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$25.00/hr
2026 Current Est.
$26.63/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+68.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Seattle (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $16.79/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $18.06/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $18.21/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $21.34/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $23.29/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $24.37/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $25.00/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $26.63/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $28.36/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for certified nursing assistants in Seattle grew 48.9% from $16.79/hr (2019) to $25.00/hr (2025). At a 6.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $28.36/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 Seattle 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 Seattle
When looking at part-time earnings, a certified nursing assistant working 24 hours a week can expect to take home around $33,177 annually, a respectable amount compared to larger, full-time salaries. For those seeking more flexible work, per diem certified nursing assistant pay in Seattle can range broadly, with agency rates falling between $22 and $32 hourly; weekend shifts often offer premiums that can elevate pay to $30-$45 per hour in areas with high demand. Hourly rates can vary significantly based on the type of employer; skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, and home health agencies each offer their own ranges. Some CNAs might accept lower hourly rates in exchange for benefits like health insurance, which is a trade-off that's important to consider. Additionally, practical negotiation strategies in Seattle might involve presenting your experience or seeking flexible scheduling to help maximize your compensation, particularly when discussing shift differentials or premium assignments.
More salary data for Seattle, 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 Seattle. 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