Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Amarillo, TX: $39,086 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time certified nursing assistant in Amarillo, TX earns a median $39,086/year (≈ $18.80/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Once you factor in Amarillo's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 91.8), that paycheck buys what $42,568 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.1% above the Texas state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, certified nursing assistants in Amarillo, Texas, can anticipate a median annual salary of $39,086, which reflects the ongoing demand for these essential healthcare providers amid a high turnover market. This figure is below the national median of $45,007, highlighting a price point influenced by local economic conditions. The salary range for CNAs in the area varies significantly, with entry-level positions paying approximately $33,068 and more experienced roles offering up to $51,503. These insights are derived from official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS surveys and underscore the importance of continuing education and advancement. Opportunities for bridging to Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) positions may lead to better pay and job stability, essential in Amarillo’s evolving job market.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $33,068 | $15.90 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $36,530 | $17.56 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $39,086 | $18.80 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $43,601 | $20.96 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $51,503 | $24.76 |
Median Salary Position
13.16% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Amarillo
In Amarillo, TX, the certified nursing assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $18,435 (2026 est.). At $39,086, the local median is 13.16% below the national median of $45,007.
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At 40 hours/week in Amarillo: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Amarillo Certified Nursing Assistant Pay Compares
Amarillo median: $39,086/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Amarillo Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Texas Average | $37,910 | +3.10% more |
| National Average | $45,007 | -13.16% less |
Certified Nursing Assistants in Amarillo, TX earn a median of $39,086 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.16% lower than the national median of $45,007 and 3.10% above the Texas state average of $37,910.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Amarillo has a cost of living 8.18% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Amarillo, TX has a cost-of-living index of 91.82 (below the national average of 100). A certified nursing assistant earning $39,086 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $42,568 in an average-cost city — an effective 8.91% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$27,470
2025 BLS Actual
$36,700
2026 Current Est.
$39,086
2019–2027 Growth
+51.5%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Amarillo (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $27,470 | Actual |
| 2020 | $28,870 | Actual |
| 2021 | $28,820 | Actual |
| 2022 | $29,460 | Actual |
| 2023 | $33,850 | Actual |
| 2024 | $36,020 | Actual |
| 2025 | $36,700 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $39,086 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $41,626 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Amarillo metropolitan area, the median certified nursing assistant salary grew 33.6% from $27,470 (2019) to $36,700 (2025). At a 6.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $41,626 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,156 (51.53%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Amarillo 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) | $33,068 – $36,530 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $36,530 – $39,086 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $39,086 – $43,601 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $43,601 – $51,503 |
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 Amarillo
With around 1,000 certified nursing assistants currently employed in Amarillo, the job market remains robust, despite competitive pressures from neighboring regions and the enduring impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on staffing levels. The cost of living index in Amarillo, at 91.82, indicates that residents can enjoy a lower-than-average cost of living, enhancing the purchasing power of their earnings. Among local employers, skilled nursing facilities and hospitals typically offer the highest pay rates, particularly for positions demanding variable skill levels and evening or weekend shifts, which can command an additional $2 to $4 per hour. Factors contributing to pay disparities include agency premium pay during shortages and acuity-based pay grades at facilities. Those looking to maximize their certified nursing assistant pay in Amarillo would benefit from seeking roles that offer these differential wages and considering additional certifications, like Certified Medication Aide (CMA), to enhance their marketability.
More salary data for Amarillo, TX:
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 $36,700 for certified nursing assistantsin the Amarillo 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
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