Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Billings, MT: $41,695 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time certified nursing assistant in Billings, MT earns a median $41,695/year (≈ $20.04/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Once you factor in Billings's price level (6% below national, BEA RPP 93.5), that paycheck buys what $44,581 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.5% below the Montana state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, the projected median annual salary for certified nursing assistants (CNAs) in Billings, Montana, is estimated to be $41,695, which falls short of the national average of $45,007. This salary is part of a broader range where earnings start at approximately $40,395 for the lower percentile and can go up to around $53,229 for the higher end, providing a solid base for these healthcare workers. Such figures are derived from official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS surveys that reflect job market trends. With the career trajectory often leading CNAs to pursue advanced certifications, such as LPNs, there's potential for increased earnings and opportunities within the healthcare field.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,395 | $19.43 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40,577 | $19.51 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $41,695 | $20.04 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $51,503 | $24.76 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $53,229 | $25.59 |
Median Salary Position
7.36% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Billings
In Billings, MT, the certified nursing assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $12,834 (2026 est.). At $41,695, the local median is 7.36% below the national median of $45,007.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Billings: You'd be in the entry-level range
How Billings Certified Nursing Assistant Pay Compares
Billings median: $41,695/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Billings Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Montana Average | $41,904 | -0.50% less |
| National Average | $45,007 | -7.36% less |
Certified Nursing Assistants in Billings, MT earn a median of $41,695 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.36% lower than the national median of $45,007 and 0.50% below the Montana state average of $41,904.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Billings has a cost of living 6.47% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Billings, MT has a cost-of-living index of 93.526 (below the national average of 100). A certified nursing assistant earning $41,695 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $44,581 in an average-cost city — an effective 6.92% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$29,270
2025 BLS Actual
$39,150
2026 Current Est.
$41,695
2019–2027 Growth
+51.7%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Billings (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29,270 | Actual |
| 2020 | $30,570 | Actual |
| 2021 | $29,780 | Actual |
| 2022 | $36,300 | Actual |
| 2023 | $39,240 | Actual |
| 2024 | $41,170 | Actual |
| 2025 | $39,150 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $41,695 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $44,405 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Billings metropolitan area, the median certified nursing assistant salary grew 33.8% from $29,270 (2019) to $39,150 (2025). At a 6.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $44,405 by 2027 — a total increase of $15,135 (51.71%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Billings 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) | $40,395 – $40,577 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $40,577 – $41,695 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $41,695 – $51,503 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $51,503 – $53,229 |
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 Billings
Looking at the local employment market, Billings has approximately 950 certified nursing assistants, creating a relatively stable job environment. The cost of living index stands at 93.526, indicating that while salaries may not reach the national average, they still offer reasonable purchasing power within the community. Among the highest-paying employers in Billings are skilled nursing facilities, rehabilitation hospitals, and acute care hospitals, where factors like shift differentials for night and weekend shifts can enhance earnings by $2 to $4 per hour. Moreover, agency staffing often commands premium pay during shortages. Maximizing pay for CNAs in Billings involves seeking weekend-only positions, gaining additional certifications like CMA, and being flexible with shifts, which can significantly impact overall compensation.
More salary data for Billings, MT:
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 $39,150 for certified nursing assistantsin the Billings 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
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