Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Pendleton, OR: $49,962 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time certified nursing assistant in Pendleton, OR earns a median $49,962/year (≈ $24.02/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Once you factor in Pendleton's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 102.6), that paycheck buys what $48,696 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.9% below the Oregon state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the certified nursing assistant salary in Pendleton, OR, is projected to reach a median annual income of $49,962, reflecting a notable increase within the post-COVID wage landscape. This salary represents a competitive position, surpassing the national median of $45,007 by approximately 11.01%. Local estimates, which adapt to the regional cost adjustments, indicate a salary range for this profession between $42,568 at the 10th percentile and $56,267 at the 90th percentile. This upward shift in pay provides a solid foundation as Pendleton’s healthcare employment dynamics continue to evolve, potentially attracting more individuals to the essential role of certified nursing assistants in the community.
About the Pendleton Market
Salary estimated from Oregon average ($42,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $42,568 | $20.47 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $45,003 | $21.64 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $49,962 | $24.02 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $54,583 | $26.24 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $56,267 | $27.05 |
Median Salary Position
11.01% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Pendleton
In Pendleton, OR, the certified nursing assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $13,699 (2026 est.). At $49,962, the local median is 11.01% above the national median of $45,007.
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At 40 hours/week in Pendleton: You'd be above the median
How Pendleton Certified Nursing Assistant Pay Compares
Pendleton median: $49,962/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Pendleton Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Oregon Average | $51,990 | -3.90% less |
| National Average | $45,007 | +11.01% more |
Certified Nursing Assistants in Pendleton, OR earn a median of $49,962 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.01% higher than the national median of $45,007 and 3.90% below the Oregon state average of $51,990.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Pendleton has a cost of living 2.60% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Pendleton, OR has a cost-of-living index of 102.6 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $49,962 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $48,696 — a 2.53% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$32,926
2025 BLS Actual
$46,913
2026 Current Est.
$49,962
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Pendleton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32,926 | Actual |
| 2020 | $34,247 | Actual |
| 2021 | $33,647 | Actual |
| 2022 | $39,697 | Actual |
| 2023 | $42,406 | Actual |
| 2024 | $41,396 | Actual |
| 2025 | $46,913 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49,962 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $53,210 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Pendleton metropolitan area, the median certified nursing assistant salary grew 42.5% from $32,926 (2019) to $46,913 (2025). At a 6.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $53,210 by 2027 — a total increase of $20,284 (61.60%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Pendleton 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) | $42,568 – $45,003 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $45,003 – $49,962 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $49,962 – $54,583 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $54,583 – $56,267 |
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 Pendleton
With only five certified nursing assistants currently employed in Pendleton, the local job market remains relatively niche, emphasizing the importance of wage competitiveness. The cost-of-living index in the area sits at 102.6, slightly above the national average, impacting the purchasing power of earnings. Healthcare providers, especially skilled nursing facilities and assisted living communities, are typically the highest-paying employers, especially for night shifts and weekend work, where pay can increase by $1 to $4 per hour. Additionally, factors such as staffing shortages can lead to agency premium pay, while those holding additional certifications like CMA may have access to higher wages. For aspiring CNAs, maximizing earnings could involve pursuing night or weekend shifts, taking advantage of premium pay structures, and considering pathways for advancement into LPN or RN roles.
More salary data for Pendleton, OR:
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 $46,913 for certified nursing assistantsin the Pendleton 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 Pendleton 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