Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Idaho: $41,525 (2026)
Quick Answer:Across Idaho's 16 metropolitan areas, the average median certified nursing assistant pay sits at $41,525/year heading into 2026 — a figure projected from 2025 BLS OEWS wage data for SOC 31-1131. Because Idaho sits at BEA RPP 95.3 (5% below the U.S. baseline), that statewide median translates to roughly $43,573 in nationally-comparable purchasing power. Highest-paying metros: Boise ($40,187), Nampa ($39,883), Coeur d'Alene ($39,820).
The projected average median salary for certified nursing assistants (CNAs) in Idaho for 2026 is $41,525, which is approximately 7.7% lower than the national median of $45,007. Within the state, there is a significant salary range, with the highest-paying city being Boise at $42,799, while Pocatello offers the lowest salary at $38,691. This gap of $4,108 can be attributed to differences in the cost of living, demand for healthcare services, and local facility funding in these areas. Idaho's licensing requirements for CNAs involve completing a state-approved training program and passing a competency exam, which establishes a baseline for practice. The demand for CNAs is driven by an aging population and the increasing need for long-term and in-home care services. The job market for CNAs in Idaho is projected to grow at an annual rate of 6.50%, reflecting a robust demand for this role across various healthcare settings. The top five cities for CNA salaries in Idaho are Boise at $42,799, Nampa at $42,475, Coeur d'Alene at $42,408, Boise City at $41,769, and Caldwell at $41,615, underscoring the potential for employment in urban areas with expanding healthcare needs.
Idaho Certified Nursing Assistant Salary Range
Overall salary range in Idaho: $16,433 (lowest entry-level) to $54,050 (highest top earner)
Idaho vs National Average
Idaho certified nursing assistants earn 7.74% less than the national median ($-3,482/year difference).
Idaho Certified Nursing Assistant Salary Distribution (2026)
Certified Nursing Assistant salaries in Idaho range from $26,077 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $50,774 (top earners, 90th percentile), with a median of $41,525. The Idaho median is $3,482 below the US national median of $45,007. The average hourly rate is $19.96/hr. Approximately 6,655 certified nursing assistants are employed across 16 cities.
2019 BLS Actual
$28,837
2025 BLS Actual
$38,991
2026 Current Est.
$41,525
2019–2027 Growth
+53.4%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Idaho (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28,837 | Actual |
| 2020 | $29,353 | Actual |
| 2021 | $29,447 | Actual |
| 2022 | $35,031 | Actual |
| 2023 | $37,154 | Actual |
| 2024 | $37,878 | Actual |
| 2025 | $38,991 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $41,525 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $44,224 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Idaho metropolitan area, the median certified nursing assistant salary grew 35.2% from $28,837 (2019) to $38,991 (2025). At a 6.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $44,224 by 2027 — a total increase of $15,387 (53.36%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Idaho 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 5 Highest Paying Cities in Idaho
Lowest Paying Cities in Idaho
| City | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Pocatello | $38,691 |
| Mountain Home | $38,932 |
| Eagle | $39,319 |
| Post Falls | $39,687 |
| Kuna | $39,931 |
Best Value Cities for Certified Nursing Assistants in Idaho
When adjusted for local cost of living, these Idaho cities offer the most purchasing power for certified nursing assistants.
| City | Nominal Salary | CoL Index | Adjusted Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lewiston | $41,397 | 91.16 | $45,411 |
| Boise | $42,799 | 95.3 | $44,910 |
| Twin Falls | $41,184 | 92.108 | $44,713 |
| Nampa | $42,475 | 95.3 | $44,570 |
| Caldwell | $41,615 | 95.3 | $43,667 |
Adjusted salary = nominal salary × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average. Lower index = lower cost of living.
Salary by Experience Level in Idaho
| Experience Level | Estimated Annual |
|---|---|
| Entry Level (0-2 years) | $26,077 |
| Mid Career (3-7 years) | $41,525 |
| Experienced (7+ years) | $50,774 |
Estimates based on BLS percentile data averaged across Idaho metro areas. Individual pay varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
All 16 Cities in Idaho
| # | City | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Boise | $42,799 |
| 2 | Nampa | $42,475 |
| 3 | Coeur d'Alene | $42,408 |
| 4 | Boise City | $41,769 |
| 5 | Caldwell | $41,615 |
| 6 | Meridian | $41,444 |
| 7 | Lewiston | $41,397 |
| 8 | Twin Falls | $41,184 |
| 9 | Rexburg | $40,902 |
| 10 | Moscow | $40,258 |
| 11 | Idaho Falls | $40,172 |
| 12 | Kuna | $39,931 |
| 13 | Post Falls | $39,687 |
| 14 | Eagle | $39,319 |
| 15 | Mountain Home | $38,932 |
| 16 | Pocatello | $38,691 |
More Idaho Salary Data
Hourly Rates
Explore certified nursing assistant hourly pay in Idaho cities.
Senior / Experienced
Top earner salaries for experienced certified nursing assistants.
Explore More Certified Nursing Assistant Salary Data
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do certified nursing assistants make in Idaho in 2026?
What is the highest paying city for certified nursing assistants in Idaho?
How does Idaho certified nursing assistant pay compare to the national average?
What is the entry-level certified nursing assistant salary in Idaho?
How many certified nursing assistants are employed in Idaho?
Which Idaho city offers the best value for certified nursing assistants?
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 Idaho. State averages are employment-weighted across 16 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