Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Tahlequah, OK: $38,409 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time certified nursing assistant in Tahlequah, OK earns a median $38,409/year (≈ $18.47/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Once you factor in Tahlequah's price level (11% below national, BEA RPP 88.9), that paycheck buys what $43,205 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.0% below the Oklahoma state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, certified nursing assistant salaries in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, present an intriguing picture within the healthcare field. With a projected median annual salary of $38,409, CNAs in this area earn noticeably less than the national median of $45,007, reflecting a 14.66% pay gap. The salary range varies from $32,720 at the lower end to $43,297 for the highest earners, indicating opportunities for advancement and growth. Such projections derive from 2025 BLS data and take into account local economic conditions and regional price adjustments. As the healthcare job market continues to evolve in Tahlequah, it's essential for aspiring CNAs to recognize the potential for upward mobility, especially for those who pursue further credentials such as LPN or RN.
About the Tahlequah Market
Salary estimated from Oklahoma average ($31,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $32,720 | $15.73 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $34,561 | $16.61 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $38,409 | $18.47 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $41,901 | $20.15 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $43,297 | $20.82 |
Median Salary Position
14.66% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Tahlequah
In Tahlequah, OK, the certified nursing assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $10,577 (2026 est.). At $38,409, the local median is 14.66% below the national median of $45,007.
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At 40 hours/week in Tahlequah: You'd be above the median
How Tahlequah Certified Nursing Assistant Pay Compares
Tahlequah median: $38,409/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Tahlequah Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Oklahoma Average | $40,010 | -4.00% less |
| National Average | $45,007 | -14.66% less |
Certified Nursing Assistants in Tahlequah, OK earn a median of $38,409 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.66% lower than the national median of $45,007 and 4.00% below the Oklahoma state average of $40,010.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Tahlequah 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.
Tahlequah, OK has a cost-of-living index of 88.9 (below the national average of 100). A certified nursing assistant earning $38,409 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $43,205 in an average-cost city — an effective 12.49% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$25,312
2025 BLS Actual
$36,065
2026 Current Est.
$38,409
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Tahlequah (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $25,312 | Actual |
| 2020 | $26,328 | Actual |
| 2021 | $25,867 | Actual |
| 2022 | $30,518 | Actual |
| 2023 | $32,600 | Actual |
| 2024 | $26,456 | Actual |
| 2025 | $36,065 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $38,409 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $40,906 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Tahlequah metropolitan area, the median certified nursing assistant salary grew 42.5% from $25,312 (2019) to $36,065 (2025). At a 6.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $40,906 by 2027 — a total increase of $15,594 (61.61%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Tahlequah 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) | $32,720 – $34,561 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $34,561 – $38,409 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $38,409 – $41,901 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $41,901 – $43,297 |
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 Tahlequah
In terms of job opportunities, only four certified nursing assistants are currently employed in Tahlequah, creating a niche market that could benefit those entering the field. The cost-of-living index stands at 88.9, which contributes positively to purchasing power, making salaries appear somewhat more substantial. Among the various healthcare settings, skilled nursing facilities and home health agencies typically offer the highest compensation due to acute staffing needs. The variance in certified nursing assistant pay in Tahlequah, OK, can be influenced by factors such as shift differentials, which provide an additional $2 to $4 per hour for nights or weekends, alongside premiums for agency staffing during shortages. To maximize earnings, CNAs should consider pursuing shifts that offer these differentials and aim to earn certifications like CMA, which can also enhance marketability and salary potential.
More salary data for Tahlequah, 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 $36,065 for certified nursing assistantsin the Tahlequah 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 Tahlequah 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