Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Papillion, NE: $38,306 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time certified nursing assistant in Papillion, NE earns a median $38,306/year (≈ $18.41/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Once you factor in Papillion's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 91.5), that paycheck buys what $41,864 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.0% below the Nebraska state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Certified nursing assistants in Papillion, Nebraska, can expect a median annual salary of $38,306 in 2026, which reflects the economic realities of the local healthcare landscape compared to national expectations. This figure represents a salary range extending from $33,827 at the lower end (P10) to $44,500 at the upper threshold (P90). These estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data projected to 2026, highlight the competitive yet modest compensation typical for CNAs in the area. While the pay for certified nursing assistants in Papillion falls short of the national median of $45,007, the local job market presents unique opportunities and challenges, especially when considering the distinct pay scales between skilled nursing facilities and hospitals.
About the Papillion Market
Salary estimated from Nebraska average ($34,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $33,827 | $16.26 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $35,338 | $16.99 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $38,306 | $18.41 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $41,792 | $20.10 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $44,500 | $21.40 |
Median Salary Position
14.89% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Papillion
In Papillion, NE, the certified nursing assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $10,673 (2026 est.). At $38,306, the local median is 14.89% below the national median of $45,007.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Papillion: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Papillion Certified Nursing Assistant Pay Compares
Papillion median: $38,306/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Papillion Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Nebraska Average | $41,189 | -7.00% less |
| National Average | $45,007 | -14.89% less |
Certified Nursing Assistants in Papillion, NE earn a median of $38,306 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.89% lower than the national median of $45,007 and 7.00% below the Nebraska state average of $41,189.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Papillion has a cost of living 8.50% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Papillion, NE has a cost-of-living index of 91.5 (below the national average of 100). A certified nursing assistant earning $38,306 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $41,864 in an average-cost city — an effective 9.29% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$25,244
2025 BLS Actual
$35,968
2026 Current Est.
$38,306
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Papillion (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $25,244 | Actual |
| 2020 | $26,257 | Actual |
| 2021 | $25,797 | Actual |
| 2022 | $30,436 | Actual |
| 2023 | $32,512 | Actual |
| 2024 | $28,938 | Actual |
| 2025 | $35,968 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $38,306 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $40,796 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Papillion metropolitan area, the median certified nursing assistant salary grew 42.5% from $25,244 (2019) to $35,968 (2025). At a 6.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $40,796 by 2027 — a total increase of $15,552 (61.61%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Papillion 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) | $33,827 – $35,338 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $35,338 – $38,306 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $38,306 – $41,792 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $41,792 – $44,500 |
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 Papillion
In Papillion, the job market for certified nursing assistants remains relatively small, with only five employed in the area, reflecting the need for targeted recruitment strategies. The cost of living index is notably lower than the national average at 91.5, which enhances the purchasing power of local salaries despite the lower wage scales. Among various employers, skilled nursing facilities and assisted living communities typically offer more competitive pay compared to hospitals, which often leverage certified nursing assistants for less demanding roles on medical/surgical floors. Factors contributing to income variability in Papillion include shift differentials that can add $2-$4 per hour for overnight shifts and premium pay for weekend hours. Taking advantage of these additional pay opportunities, along with seeking positions in high-demand settings, can help CNAs maximize their earnings in this local market. Additionally, pursuing pathways to LPN or RN certifications can significantly improve career outlooks and income potential in the future.
More salary data for Papillion, NE:
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 $35,968 for certified nursing assistantsin the Papillion 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 Papillion 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