Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay in Tacoma, WA: $26.18 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a certified nursing assistant working in Tacoma, WA runs $26.18 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $54,446 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Weighted against Tacoma's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $24.37 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $32,670 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Tacoma, Washington, the certified nursing assistant hourly pay stands at a median of $26.18 per hour, which is notably higher than the national average of $21.64 per hour. This elevated rate reflects not only the competitive job market in the region but also the growing demand for CNAs across various care settings, including skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, and home health care environments. For a part-time certified nursing assistant working three days a week, the hourly rate translates to approximately $1,000 monthly, while per-diem CNAs can experience varying pay scales based on their assignments, often ranging within the local market standards. The hourly pay varies significantly, with entry-level positions starting around $20.42 and experienced, top-earning professionals making up to $34.54 per hour, allowing those in this profession to choose their level of commitment and income potential based on their circumstances.
About the Tacoma 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) | $20.42 | $163.33 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.65 | $181.22 |
| Median (P50) | $26.18 | $209.42 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $30.58 | $244.61 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $34.54 | $276.30 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Tacoma
Based on $26.18/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $26.18/hr, a certified nursing assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Tacoma, WA can expect to earn approximately $54,450 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $31,413. With a cost-of-living index of 107.40 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Tacoma.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Tacoma
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,047.11 | $4,537 | $54,450 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $628.26 | $2,722 | $32,670 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $418.84 | $1,815 | $21,780 |
Compare CNA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Certified Nursing Assistant (Tacoma) | $26.18 |
| 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 Tacoma, WA earn a median of $54,446 per year (2026 est.), which is 20.97% higher than the national median of $45,007 and 6.40% above the Washington state average of $51,171.
Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $26.18/hr = $32,670/year (purchasing power: $30,419).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $54,450/year (purchasing power: $50,698).
CoL index: 107.4 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$17.25/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$24.58/hr
2026 Current Est.
$26.18/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Tacoma (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $17.25/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $17.94/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.63/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $20.80/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $22.22/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $23.01/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $24.58/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $26.18/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $27.88/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for certified nursing assistants in Tacoma grew 42.5% from $17.25/hr (2019) to $24.58/hr (2025). At a 6.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $27.88/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 Tacoma 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 Tacoma
A deeper analysis of part-time earning potential reveals that a certified nursing assistant working 24 hours a week can expect to take home around $32,610 annually, whereas full-time colleagues enjoy the benefits of a more stable income. Those who opt for agency or per-diem work may find lucrative opportunities, as many agencies bill CNAs at rates between $22 and $32 per hour. In addition, weekend-only roles can yield even higher premiums, sometimes exceeding $30 per hour in markets facing staffing shortages. It's essential to understand how hourly rates differ by workplace; skilled nursing facilities and hospitals may offer distinct pay scales compared to home health agencies or assisted living communities. CNAs must weigh the benefits of higher hourly rates against potential employment perks like health insurance, as those who choose to prioritize stability may accept slightly lower wages in exchange for comprehensive benefits. Effective negotiation strategies—such as highlighting experience or specialized skills—can also enhance earning potential in Tacoma's competitive landscape.
More salary data for Tacoma, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for certified nursing assistants in Tacoma in 2026?
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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 Tacoma. 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 Tacoma 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