Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Liberal, KS: $38,157 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time certified nursing assistant in Liberal, KS earns a median $38,157/year (≈ $18.35/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Once you factor in Liberal's price level (9% below national, BEA RPP 90.9), that paycheck buys what $41,977 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 6.7% below the Kansas state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Certified nursing assistants in Liberal, Kansas, are expected to earn a median annual salary of $38,157 in 2026, which reflects a 15.22% decrease compared to the national median of $45,007 for the same year. Local estimates indicate a salary range from $33,700 at the 10th percentile to $45,825 at the 90th percentile, suggesting that job roles in high-demand settings such as skilled nursing facilities may offer better compensation than positions in hospitals or home health agencies. These figures are derived from 2025 BLS data projected to 2026, informed by regional cost adjustments. In Liberal, the job market for certified nursing assistants remains modest, with only four positions currently filled, emphasizing the importance of understanding the local salary context for those pursuing or currently engaged in this vital work.
About the Liberal Market
Salary estimated from Kansas average ($32,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $33,700 | $16.20 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $35,325 | $16.99 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $38,157 | $18.35 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $40,337 | $19.39 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $45,825 | $22.03 |
Median Salary Position
15.22% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Liberal
In Liberal, KS, the certified nursing assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $12,125 (2026 est.). At $38,157, the local median is 15.22% below the national median of $45,007.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Liberal: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Liberal Certified Nursing Assistant Pay Compares
Liberal median: $38,157/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Liberal Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Kansas Average | $40,897 | -6.70% less |
| National Average | $45,007 | -15.22% less |
Certified Nursing Assistants in Liberal, KS earn a median of $38,157 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.22% lower than the national median of $45,007 and 6.70% below the Kansas state average of $40,897.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Liberal 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.
Liberal, KS has a cost-of-living index of 90.9 (below the national average of 100). A certified nursing assistant earning $38,157 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $41,977 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.01% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$25,146
2025 BLS Actual
$35,828
2026 Current Est.
$38,157
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Liberal (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $25,146 | Actual |
| 2020 | $26,155 | Actual |
| 2021 | $25,697 | Actual |
| 2022 | $30,317 | Actual |
| 2023 | $32,386 | Actual |
| 2024 | $27,129 | Actual |
| 2025 | $35,828 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $38,157 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $40,637 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Liberal metropolitan area, the median certified nursing assistant salary grew 42.5% from $25,146 (2019) to $35,828 (2025). At a 6.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $40,637 by 2027 — a total increase of $15,491 (61.60%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Liberal 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) | $33,700 – $35,325 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $35,325 – $38,157 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $38,157 – $40,337 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $40,337 – $45,825 |
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 Liberal
In examining the nuances of certified nursing assistant pay in Liberal, KS, the local employment landscape presents unique challenges and opportunities. With a cost-of-living index of 90.9, the purchasing power in Liberal is below the national average, impacting take-home earnings despite competitive starting salaries. High-paying employers in the area typically include skilled nursing facilities and rehabilitation hospitals, where choices around work schedules can significantly influence hourly rates. For instance, agencies often offer shift differentials for night and weekend work, attracting candidates willing to take on additional hours. Certified nursing assistants can maximize their compensation by seeking out these premium shifts, as well as considering positions that may include certifications like CMA for added stipends. Furthermore, bridging into LPN or RN roles can significantly enhance payout potential over time, making ongoing education a wise investment in this evolving healthcare market.
More salary data for Liberal, KS:
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
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 $35,828 for certified nursing assistantsin the Liberal 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 Liberal 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