Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Shawnee, OK: $38,883 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time certified nursing assistant in Shawnee, OK earns a median $38,883/year (≈ $18.69/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Once you factor in Shawnee's price level (11% below national, BEA RPP 88.9), that paycheck buys what $43,738 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.8% below the Oklahoma state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, certified nursing assistants in Shawnee, Oklahoma can expect a median annual salary of $38,883. This figure reflects local estimates based on 2025 BLS data and adjustments for regional cost levels, showcasing a salary range from $30,857 at the 10th percentile to $47,445 at the 90th percentile. While these figures are lower than the national median of $45,007, they represent a stable entry point into a profession that often serves as a stepping stone toward becoming a licensed practical nurse (LPN) or registered nurse (RN). The local job market, despite its challenges, holds promise for those seeking careers in healthcare, particularly as facilities continue to seek reliable personnel amid ongoing staffing shortages.
About the Shawnee Market
Salary estimated from Oklahoma average ($31,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $30,857 | $14.84 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $35,895 | $17.25 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $38,883 | $18.69 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $42,259 | $20.32 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $47,445 | $22.81 |
Median Salary Position
13.61% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Shawnee
In Shawnee, OK, the certified nursing assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $16,588 (2026 est.). At $38,883, the local median is 13.61% below the national median of $45,007.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Shawnee: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Shawnee Certified Nursing Assistant Pay Compares
Shawnee median: $38,883/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Shawnee Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Oklahoma Average | $40,003 | -2.80% less |
| National Average | $45,007 | -13.61% less |
Certified Nursing Assistants in Shawnee, OK earn a median of $38,883 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.61% lower than the national median of $45,007 and 2.80% below the Oklahoma state average of $40,003.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Shawnee has a cost of living 11.10% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Shawnee, OK has a cost-of-living index of 88.9 (below the national average of 100). A certified nursing assistant earning $38,883 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $43,738 in an average-cost city — an effective 12.49% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$25,624
2025 BLS Actual
$36,510
2026 Current Est.
$38,883
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Shawnee (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $25,624 | Actual |
| 2020 | $26,652 | Actual |
| 2021 | $26,186 | Actual |
| 2022 | $30,894 | Actual |
| 2023 | $33,002 | Actual |
| 2024 | $26,782 | Actual |
| 2025 | $36,510 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $38,883 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $41,411 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Shawnee metropolitan area, the median certified nursing assistant salary grew 42.5% from $25,624 (2019) to $36,510 (2025). At a 6.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $41,411 by 2027 — a total increase of $15,787 (61.61%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Shawnee 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) | $30,857 – $35,895 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $35,895 – $38,883 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $38,883 – $42,259 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $42,259 – $47,445 |
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 Shawnee
The demand for certified nursing assistants in Shawnee remains steady, with only seven CNAs currently employed in the area. The cost of living in Shawnee, with a cost index of 88.9, suggests that while salaries may be lower than national averages, purchasing power can be more favorable. Employers such as skilled nursing facilities and hospitals often offer competitive pay, especially for shifts that require evening or weekend coverage. The pay differences stem from factors like shift differentials and the need for agency staffing during critical shortages. To maximize income, CNAs should consider obtaining additional certifications, such as the CMA designation, and be open to flexible scheduling. Those who work night shifts can typically see an increase of $2-$4 per hour, making this a viable strategy for enhancing earnings in Shawnee.
More salary data for Shawnee, OK:
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 $36,510 for certified nursing assistantsin the Shawnee 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 Shawnee 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