Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Gardner, KS: $37,937 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time certified nursing assistant in Gardner, KS earns a median $37,937/year (≈ $18.24/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Once you factor in Gardner's price level (9% below national, BEA RPP 90.9), that paycheck buys what $41,735 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.3% below the Kansas state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Certified nursing assistants in Gardner, Kansas can expect to earn a median annual salary of $37,937 in 2026, which remains notably lower than the national median of $45,007 for the same year. The salary range for CNAs in the region varies from $33,305 at the 10th percentile to $45,156 at the 90th, reflecting both the demand for skilled nursing and the structural pay differences between various healthcare settings. These figures are derived from 2025 BLS data, adjusted to account for regional price levels, emphasizing the local market's unique economic context. Given Gardner's job market dynamics, which currently employs only six certified nursing assistants, aspiring CNAs should be strategic in their search for roles that may lead to enhanced career opportunities and higher pay scales.
About the Gardner Market
Salary estimated from Kansas average ($32,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $33,305 | $16.01 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $34,855 | $16.75 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $37,937 | $18.24 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $42,061 | $20.22 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $45,156 | $21.70 |
Median Salary Position
15.71% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Gardner
In Gardner, KS, the certified nursing assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $11,851 (2026 est.). At $37,937, the local median is 15.71% below the national median of $45,007.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Gardner: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Gardner Certified Nursing Assistant Pay Compares
Gardner median: $37,937/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Gardner Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Kansas Average | $40,925 | -7.30% less |
| National Average | $45,007 | -15.71% less |
Certified Nursing Assistants in Gardner, KS earn a median of $37,937 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.71% lower than the national median of $45,007 and 7.30% below the Kansas state average of $40,925.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Gardner has a cost of living 9.10% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Gardner, KS has a cost-of-living index of 90.9 (below the national average of 100). A certified nursing assistant earning $37,937 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $41,735 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.01% boost.
Compare Purchasing Power
Select a city to see how your salary compares after cost of living
Select a city above to compare purchasing power
2019 BLS Actual
$25,001
2025 BLS Actual
$35,622
2026 Current Est.
$37,937
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Gardner (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $25,001 | Actual |
| 2020 | $26,004 | Actual |
| 2021 | $25,549 | Actual |
| 2022 | $30,143 | Actual |
| 2023 | $32,200 | Actual |
| 2024 | $26,974 | Actual |
| 2025 | $35,622 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $37,937 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $40,403 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Gardner metropolitan area, the median certified nursing assistant salary grew 42.5% from $25,001 (2019) to $35,622 (2025). At a 6.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $40,403 by 2027 — a total increase of $15,402 (61.61%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Gardner 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $33,305 – $34,855 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $34,855 – $37,937 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $37,937 – $42,061 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $42,061 – $45,156 |
CNA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual certified nursing assistant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Certified Nursing Assistant Job Market in Gardner
The local job market for certified nursing assistants in Gardner is relatively small, with just a handful of positions currently filled. However, the cost-of-living index stands at 90.9, suggesting that the lower living expenses can buffer the comparatively lower salary figures in the area. Among the healthcare providers, skilled nursing facilities tend to offer the most competitive pay, with possible opportunities for shift differentials that can provide an additional $2 to $4 per hour for night shifts and $1 to $3 for weekend work. Agency roles may also offer higher rates during staffing shortages. To maximize earnings, CNAs should consider pursuing additional certifications, such as CMA certification, or explore weekend-only shifts, which often come with premiums. Moreover, taking steps to bridge into LPN or RN programs can open pathways for higher wages in the future. Understanding these elements can significantly impact how much certified nursing assistants make in Gardner, KS.
More salary data for Gardner, KS:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do certified nursing assistants make in Gardner, KS in 2026?
Is Gardner, KS a good place to work as a certified nursing assistant?
Can certified nursing assistants make $100K in Gardner?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted certified nursing assistant salary in Gardner?
How much does a certified nursing assistant make per hour in Gardner?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Kansas
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
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. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $35,622 for certified nursing assistantsin the Gardner metropolitan area. A 6.50% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Gardner 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