Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Leander, TX: $36,802 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time certified nursing assistant in Leander, TX earns a median $36,802/year (≈ $17.69/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Once you factor in Leander's price level (4% below national, BEA RPP 96.0), that paycheck buys what $38,335 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.0% below the Texas state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the projected median annual salary for certified nursing assistants in Leander, TX, is set at $36,802, reflecting the recent adjustments in the wake of the post-COVID wage reset. The local salary range spans from $29,847 at the 10th percentile to $44,793 at the 90th percentile, providing a spectrum of earning potential for professionals in this field. These figures are based on estimates derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional cost-of-living factors. While Leander's salaries are positioned below the national median of $45,007, they illustrate a steady recovery as the demand for aid in healthcare settings continues to grow, particularly in light of the ongoing staffing shortages that have impacted the CNA workforce.
About the Leander Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($34,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $29,847 | $14.35 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $32,503 | $15.62 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $36,802 | $17.69 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $40,999 | $19.71 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $44,793 | $21.53 |
Median Salary Position
18.23% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Leander
In Leander, TX, the certified nursing assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $14,946 (2026 est.). At $36,802, the local median is 18.23% below the national median of $45,007.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Leander: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Leander Certified Nursing Assistant Pay Compares
Leander median: $36,802/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Leander Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Texas Average | $37,940 | -3.00% less |
| National Average | $45,007 | -18.23% less |
Certified Nursing Assistants in Leander, TX earn a median of $36,802 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.23% lower than the national median of $45,007 and 3.00% below the Texas state average of $37,940.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Leander has a cost of living 4.00% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Leander, TX has a cost-of-living index of 96 (below the national average of 100). A certified nursing assistant earning $36,802 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $38,335 in an average-cost city — an effective 4.17% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$24,253
2025 BLS Actual
$34,556
2026 Current Est.
$36,802
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Leander (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $24,253 | Actual |
| 2020 | $25,226 | Actual |
| 2021 | $24,784 | Actual |
| 2022 | $29,241 | Actual |
| 2023 | $31,236 | Actual |
| 2024 | $31,674 | Actual |
| 2025 | $34,556 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $36,802 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $39,194 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Leander metropolitan area, the median certified nursing assistant salary grew 42.5% from $24,253 (2019) to $34,556 (2025). At a 6.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $39,194 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,941 (61.60%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Leander 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) | $29,847 – $32,503 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $32,503 – $36,802 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $36,802 – $40,999 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $40,999 – $44,793 |
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 Leander
The local job market for certified nursing assistants is relatively small, with only 11 CNAs employed in the area. Leander's cost-of-living index stands at 96, which suggests that while salaries may seem lower compared to national standards, the purchasing power for certified nursing assistant pay in Leander TX is more favorable and helps offset expenses. Leading employers in the region include skilled nursing facilities and assisted living communities, where pay scales can vary widely based on factors like shift differentials and acuity levels. Night shits can command an extra $2-4 per hour, while weekend shifts often offer a bonus of $1-3. To maximize earning potential in Leander, aspiring CNAs should consider acquiring additional certifications, such as for medication administration, or target agencies experiencing staffing shortages that may offer premium pay rates. With a steady growth rate of 6.50% projected in the coming years, those entering this field have opportunities to grow and advance, paving their way towards higher roles such as Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or Registered Nurse (RN).
More salary data for Leander, 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 $34,556 for certified nursing assistantsin the Leander 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 Leander 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