Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Houston, TX: $40,438 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time certified nursing assistant in Houston, TX earns a median $40,438/year (≈ $19.45/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Once you factor in Houston's price level (1% below national, BEA RPP 98.6), that paycheck buys what $41,000 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 6.6% above the Texas state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In Houston, Texas, certified nursing assistant salaries reflect a competitive job market, with a median annual income projected at $40,438 for 2026. This figure falls below the national median of $45,007, highlighting a discrepancy that could influence job seekers. The salary range for certified nursing assistants in the area spans from $34,730 at the 10th percentile to $50,428 at the 90th percentile, based on data derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The dynamics of pay can vary significantly depending on the work environment, as roles in skilled nursing facilities often differ from those in hospitals, resulting in distinct financial outcomes for CNAs. Understanding this structure is crucial for anyone considering a career in this field in Houston.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $34,730 | $16.70 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $38,713 | $18.62 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $40,438 | $19.45 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $49,097 | $23.61 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $50,428 | $24.24 |
Median Salary Position
10.15% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Houston
In Houston, TX, the certified nursing assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $15,698 (2026 est.). At $40,438, the local median is 10.15% below the national median of $45,007.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Houston: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Houston Certified Nursing Assistant Pay Compares
Houston median: $40,438/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Houston Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Texas Average | $37,934 | +6.60% more |
| National Average | $45,007 | -10.15% less |
Certified Nursing Assistants in Houston, TX earn a median of $40,438 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.15% lower than the national median of $45,007 and 6.60% above the Texas state average of $37,934.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Houston has a cost of living 1.37% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Houston, TX has a cost-of-living index of 98.629 (below the national average of 100). A certified nursing assistant earning $40,438 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $41,000 in an average-cost city — an effective 1.39% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$27,450
2025 BLS Actual
$37,970
2026 Current Est.
$40,438
2019–2027 Growth
+56.9%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Houston (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $27,450 | Actual |
| 2020 | $28,510 | Actual |
| 2021 | $30,620 | Actual |
| 2022 | $32,620 | Actual |
| 2023 | $35,760 | Actual |
| 2024 | $36,940 | Actual |
| 2025 | $37,970 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $40,438 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $43,067 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Houston metropolitan area, the median certified nursing assistant salary grew 38.3% from $27,450 (2019) to $37,970 (2025). At a 6.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $43,067 by 2027 — a total increase of $15,617 (56.89%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Houston 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) | $34,730 – $38,713 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $38,713 – $40,438 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $40,438 – $49,097 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $49,097 – $50,428 |
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 Houston
The local employment landscape is robust, with approximately 19,230 certified nursing assistants currently working in Houston. The cost of living in the area, with an index of 98.629, suggests that the purchasing power for these salaries is relatively favorable compared to the national average. Job opportunities can differ with the highest-paying employers typically found in hospitals—especially intensive care units and rehabilitation centers—alongside skilled nursing facilities. Factors contributing to the wage range include shift differentials, with night shifts potentially offering an additional $2 to $4 per hour, and weekend roles often providing a premium of $1 to $3. Strategies to maximize pay in this Houston market could involve seeking agency roles during high-demand periods, pursuing CMA certification stipends, or focusing on positions in high-acuity facilities. Understanding these variables will enhance earning potential and career progression toward LPN or RN pathways.
More salary data for Houston, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can certified nursing assistants make $100K in Houston?
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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 $37,970 for certified nursing assistantsin the Houston 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