Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Independence, KY: $40,868 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time certified nursing assistant in Independence, KY earns a median $40,868/year (≈ $19.65/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Once you factor in Independence's price level (11% below national, BEA RPP 89.3), that paycheck buys what $45,765 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.8% below the Kentucky state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Independence, Kentucky, the projected median annual salary for certified nursing assistants (CNA) in 2026 is $40,868, reflecting the ongoing evolution of healthcare pay structures. The salary range for this role spans from $33,840 at the 10th percentile to $49,106 at the 90th percentile, illustrating the differences in earnings based on experience, shift differentials, and employer type. These figures are derived from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for local economic factors, and highlight a compensation landscape where skilled nursing facilities and hospitals provide varying levels of pay. Given the demand for CNAs in the area, along with the projected annual growth rate of 6.50% in this occupation, those seeking to enter or advance in this field may find promising opportunities in Independence's job market.
About the Independence Market
Salary estimated from Kentucky average ($32,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $33,840 | $16.27 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $36,277 | $17.44 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $40,868 | $19.65 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $45,363 | $21.81 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $49,106 | $23.61 |
Median Salary Position
9.2% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Independence
In Independence, KY, the certified nursing assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $15,266 (2026 est.). At $40,868, the local median is 9.2% below the national median of $45,007.
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At 40 hours/week in Independence: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Independence Certified Nursing Assistant Pay Compares
Independence median: $40,868/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Independence Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Kentucky Average | $41,198 | -0.80% less |
| National Average | $45,007 | -9.20% less |
Certified Nursing Assistants in Independence, KY earn a median of $40,868 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.20% lower than the national median of $45,007 and 0.80% below the Kentucky state average of $41,198.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Independence has a cost of living 10.70% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Independence, KY has a cost-of-living index of 89.3 (below the national average of 100). A certified nursing assistant earning $40,868 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $45,765 in an average-cost city — an effective 11.98% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$26,933
2025 BLS Actual
$38,374
2026 Current Est.
$40,868
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Independence (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26,933 | Actual |
| 2020 | $28,013 | Actual |
| 2021 | $27,523 | Actual |
| 2022 | $32,472 | Actual |
| 2023 | $34,687 | Actual |
| 2024 | $28,350 | Actual |
| 2025 | $38,374 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $40,868 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $43,525 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Independence metropolitan area, the median certified nursing assistant salary grew 42.5% from $26,933 (2019) to $38,374 (2025). At a 6.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $43,525 by 2027 — a total increase of $16,592 (61.60%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Independence 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) | $33,840 – $36,277 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $36,277 – $40,868 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $40,868 – $45,363 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $45,363 – $49,106 |
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 Independence
Currently, only five certified nursing assistants are employed in Independence, creating a tight-knit job market that can affect salary dynamics. With a cost-of-living index of 89.3, wages in this region provide a somewhat lower purchasing power compared to more urbanized areas. Employers in skilled nursing facilities typically offer competitive compensation, but those in hospitals, especially in critical care and rehabilitation settings, tend to pay more due to increased acuity levels and staffing demands. The salary variability reflects factors such as shift differentials—often yielding additional pay for nighttime and weekend shifts—and agency staffing premiums during shortages. For CNAs looking to maximize their earnings, pursuing additional certifications, such as becoming a Certified Medication Aide (CMA), or seeking weekend-only roles may prove advantageous in the Independence, KY market.
More salary data for Independence, KY:
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 $38,374 for certified nursing assistantsin the Independence 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 Independence 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