Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Independence, MO: $39,579 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time certified nursing assistant in Independence, MO earns a median $39,579/year (≈ $19.03/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Once you factor in Independence's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 89.6), that paycheck buys what $44,173 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.1% above the Missouri state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the certified nursing assistant salary in Independence, Missouri, is projected to reach a median annual income of $39,579, reflecting a substantial post-COVID wage reset that has established a new floor in the local market. The salary range for certified nursing assistants will likely vary from $32,373 at the 10th percentile to $51,577 at the 90th percentile, illustrating the diversity of compensation based on experience, skills, and specific job demands. These estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data with regional cost adjustments, indicate a competitive yet challenging work environment for CNAs in Independence when compared to the national median of $45,007. This discrepancy suggests a unique local economy that may limit earnings potential, although opportunities for career growth and wage enhancement abound in nursing facilities and related healthcare establishments.
About the Independence Market
Salary estimated from Missouri average ($31,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $32,373 | $15.56 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $35,175 | $16.91 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $39,579 | $19.03 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $43,584 | $20.96 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $51,577 | $24.79 |
Median Salary Position
12.06% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Independence
In Independence, MO, the certified nursing assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $19,204 (2026 est.). At $39,579, the local median is 12.06% below the national median of $45,007.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Independence: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Independence Certified Nursing Assistant Pay Compares
Independence median: $39,579/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Independence Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Missouri Average | $38,765 | +2.10% more |
| National Average | $45,007 | -12.06% less |
Certified Nursing Assistants in Independence, MO earn a median of $39,579 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.06% lower than the national median of $45,007 and 2.10% above the Missouri state average of $38,765.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Independence has a cost of living 10.40% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Independence, MO has a cost-of-living index of 89.6 (below the national average of 100). A certified nursing assistant earning $39,579 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $44,173 in an average-cost city — an effective 11.61% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$26,083
2025 BLS Actual
$37,163
2026 Current Est.
$39,579
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 | $26,083 | Actual |
| 2020 | $27,129 | Actual |
| 2021 | $26,654 | Actual |
| 2022 | $31,447 | Actual |
| 2023 | $33,593 | Actual |
| 2024 | $28,347 | Actual |
| 2025 | $37,163 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $39,579 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $42,151 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Independence metropolitan area, the median certified nursing assistant salary grew 42.5% from $26,083 (2019) to $37,163 (2025). At a 6.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $42,151 by 2027 — a total increase of $16,068 (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) | $32,373 – $35,175 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $35,175 – $39,579 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $39,579 – $43,584 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $43,584 – $51,577 |
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
As of 2026, Independence employs approximately 30 certified nursing assistants, reflecting a limited but stable workforce in the area. The cost of living index is recorded at 89.6, which is below the national average, signifying that while salaries may be lower than the national median, the purchasing power for CNAs can be relatively favorable. High-paying employers in the area include skilled nursing facilities and hospitals, particularly in departments such as ICUs and acute care, where the demand for CNAs is pressing. Factors contributing to wage variability include shift differentials, with night shifts usually offering an increase of $2-4 per hour and weekend work providing an added premium of $1-3 per hour. Understanding these dynamics can be beneficial for those considering positions in Independence MO, as seeking out weekend-only roles or facilities that offer agency premium pay during staffing shortages can help bolster overall earnings. Additionally, pursuing further certification, such as a CMA, can also enhance compensation potential, paving a pathway for future advancement toward LPN or RN roles.
More salary data for Independence, MO:
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 $37,163 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