Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in District of Columbia: $48,702 (2026)
Quick Answer:Across District of Columbia's 1 metropolitan areas, the average median certified nursing assistant pay sits at $48,702/year heading into 2026 — a figure projected from 2025 BLS OEWS wage data for SOC 31-1131. Because District of Columbia sits at BEA RPP 117.0 (17% above the U.S. baseline), that statewide median translates to roughly $41,626 in nationally-comparable purchasing power. Highest-paying metros: Washington ($45,730).
In the District of Columbia, certified nursing assistants can expect an average median salary of $48,702 in 2026, which is approximately 8.2% higher than the national median of $45,007. Washington, the only metro area, sees both the highest and lowest pay for CNAs at $48,702, indicating a lack of substantial wage variation within the city. This salary level is driven by several factors, including the high cost of living, state licensing requirements, and the demand for healthcare services in urban areas. The District's specific licensing requirements and scope of practice laws underscore a structured certification process that can influence job prospects and earnings. With a projected growth rate of 6.50% for CNAs by 2026, job opportunities are expected to increase, driven by an aging population and a consistent need for healthcare support services. Currently, there are about 25,520 certified nursing assistants employed in the District, reflecting the ongoing need for these essential roles in healthcare facilities. Overall, the job market for CNAs in the District of Columbia appears to be stable and offers competitive salaries compared to national averages.
District of Columbia Certified Nursing Assistant Salary Range
Overall salary range in District of Columbia: $38,404 (lowest entry-level) to $58,990 (highest top earner)
District of Columbia vs National Average
District of Columbia certified nursing assistants earn 8.21% more than the national median (+$3,695/year difference).
District of Columbia Certified Nursing Assistant Salary Distribution (2026)
Certified Nursing Assistant salaries in District of Columbia range from $38,404 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $58,990 (top earners, 90th percentile), with a median of $48,702. The District of Columbia median is $3,695 above the US national median of $45,007. The average hourly rate is $23.42/hr. Approximately 25,520 certified nursing assistants are employed across 1 cities.
2019 BLS Actual
$30,980
2025 BLS Actual
$45,730
2026 Current Est.
$48,702
2019–2027 Growth
+67.4%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in District of Columbia (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30,980 | Actual |
| 2020 | $32,150 | Actual |
| 2021 | $35,800 | Actual |
| 2022 | $37,110 | Actual |
| 2023 | $41,440 | Actual |
| 2024 | $43,330 | Actual |
| 2025 | $45,730 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $48,702 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $51,868 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the District of Columbia metropolitan area, the median certified nursing assistant salary grew 47.6% from $30,980 (2019) to $45,730 (2025). At a 6.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $51,868 by 2027 — a total increase of $20,888 (67.42%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the District of Columbia 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.
Top 1 Highest Paying Cities in District of Columbia
Salary by Experience Level in District of Columbia
| Experience Level | Estimated Annual |
|---|---|
| Entry Level (0-2 years) | $38,404 |
| Mid Career (3-7 years) | $48,702 |
| Experienced (7+ years) | $58,990 |
Estimates based on BLS percentile data averaged across District of Columbia metro areas. Individual pay varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
All 1 Cities in District of Columbia
| # | City | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Washington | $48,702 |
More District of Columbia Salary Data
Hourly Rates
Explore certified nursing assistant hourly pay in District of Columbia cities.
Explore More Certified Nursing Assistant Salary Data
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do certified nursing assistants make in District of Columbia in 2026?
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How does District of Columbia certified nursing assistant pay compare to the national average?
What is the entry-level certified nursing assistant salary in District of Columbia?
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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
Statewide 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. A 6.50% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to each metro area's reported salary to estimate current 2026 certified nursing assistant compensation across District of Columbia. State averages are employment-weighted across 1 metro areas — larger metro areas with more certified nursing assistantscontribute proportionally more to the average, producing figures that better reflect typical compensation. Individual pay varies by city, employer, certifications, and experience.
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