Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Nevada: $48,609 (2026)
Quick Answer:Across Nevada's 9 metropolitan areas, the average median certified nursing assistant pay sits at $48,609/year heading into 2026 — a figure projected from 2025 BLS OEWS wage data for SOC 31-1131. Because Nevada sits at BEA RPP 98.3 (2% below the U.S. baseline), that statewide median translates to roughly $49,450 in nationally-comparable purchasing power. Highest-paying metros: Carson City ($46,880), Reno ($46,760), Las Vegas ($45,350).
In 2026, salaries for certified nursing assistants (CNAs) in Nevada are projected to average $48,609, which reflects an 8.0% increase over the national median of $45,007. This salary range varies significantly across the state. Carson City leads with the highest pay at $49,927, while Fernley features the lowest at $40,894, resulting in a salary gap of $9,033. Factors driving this difference include the cost of living, local demand for healthcare services, and the concentration of healthcare facilities. Additionally, Nevada has specific state licensing requirements and a defined scope of practice for CNAs, which can influence salary levels and job opportunities. The demand for CNAs is expected to rise, with a projected annual growth rate of 6.50%, indicating strong job market prospects. The total employment for CNAs in the state is estimated at 7,861, with key cities such as Reno ($49,799), Las Vegas ($48,298), North Las Vegas ($48,095), and Henderson ($47,847) also offering competitive wages. Overall, the job outlook for CNAs in Nevada appears favorable, driven by an aging population and an ongoing need for healthcare support.
Nevada Certified Nursing Assistant Salary Range
Overall salary range in Nevada: $33,479 (lowest entry-level) to $62,879 (highest top earner)
Nevada vs National Average
Nevada certified nursing assistants earn 8.00% more than the national median (+$3,602/year difference).
Nevada Certified Nursing Assistant Salary Distribution (2026)
Certified Nursing Assistant salaries in Nevada range from $39,548 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $54,472 (top earners, 90th percentile), with a median of $48,609. The Nevada median is $3,602 above the US national median of $45,007. The average hourly rate is $23.38/hr. Approximately 7,861 certified nursing assistants are employed across 9 cities.
2019 BLS Actual
$34,066
2025 BLS Actual
$45,642
2026 Current Est.
$48,609
2019–2027 Growth
+52.0%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Nevada (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $34,066 | Actual |
| 2020 | $33,668 | Actual |
| 2021 | $36,576 | Actual |
| 2022 | $38,629 | Actual |
| 2023 | $42,028 | Actual |
| 2024 | $45,258 | Actual |
| 2025 | $45,642 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $48,609 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $51,768 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Nevada metropolitan area, the median certified nursing assistant salary grew 34.0% from $34,066 (2019) to $45,642 (2025). At a 6.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $51,768 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,702 (51.96%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Nevada 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.
Top 5 Highest Paying Cities in Nevada
Lowest Paying Cities in Nevada
Best Value Cities for Certified Nursing Assistants in Nevada
When adjusted for local cost of living, these Nevada cities offer the most purchasing power for certified nursing assistants.
| City | Nominal Salary | CoL Index | Adjusted Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carson City | $49,927 | 98.13 | $50,878 |
| Reno | $49,799 | 101.014 | $49,299 |
| North Las Vegas | $48,095 | 98.3 | $48,927 |
| Henderson | $47,847 | 98.3 | $48,674 |
| Las Vegas | $48,298 | 100.215 | $48,194 |
Adjusted salary = nominal salary × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average. Lower index = lower cost of living.
Salary by Experience Level in Nevada
| Experience Level | Estimated Annual |
|---|---|
| Entry Level (0-2 years) | $39,548 |
| Mid Career (3-7 years) | $48,609 |
| Experienced (7+ years) | $54,472 |
Estimates based on BLS percentile data averaged across Nevada metro areas. Individual pay varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
All 9 Cities in Nevada
| # | City | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Carson City | $49,927 |
| 2 | Reno | $49,799 |
| 3 | Las Vegas | $48,298 |
| 4 | North Las Vegas | $48,095 |
| 5 | Henderson | $47,847 |
| 6 | Sparks | $44,636 |
| 7 | Mesquite | $41,606 |
| 8 | Elko | $41,397 |
| 9 | Fernley | $40,894 |
More Nevada Salary Data
Hourly Rates
Explore certified nursing assistant hourly pay in Nevada cities.
Senior / Experienced
Top earner salaries for experienced certified nursing assistants.
Explore More Certified Nursing Assistant Salary Data
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do certified nursing assistants make in Nevada in 2026?
What is the highest paying city for certified nursing assistants in Nevada?
How does Nevada certified nursing assistant pay compare to the national average?
What is the entry-level certified nursing assistant salary in Nevada?
How many certified nursing assistants are employed in Nevada?
Which Nevada city offers the best value for certified nursing assistants?
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
Statewide 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. A 6.50% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to each metro area's reported salary to estimate current 2026 certified nursing assistant compensation across Nevada. State averages are employment-weighted across 9 metro areas — larger metro areas with more certified nursing assistantscontribute proportionally more to the average, producing figures that better reflect typical compensation. Individual pay varies by city, employer, certifications, and experience.
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