Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Plano, TX: $39,617 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time certified nursing assistant in Plano, TX earns a median $39,617/year (≈ $19.04/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Once you factor in Plano's price level (4% below national, BEA RPP 96.0), that paycheck buys what $41,268 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.5% above the Texas state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the certified nursing assistant salary in Plano is projected to reach a median of $39,617. This figure is significantly below the national median of $45,007, reflecting local economic conditions and labor market dynamics. With a salary range extending from $29,750 at the 10th percentile to $49,166 at the 90th percentile, there are various earnings opportunities within the field. These estimates derive from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional price differences, and highlight the ongoing demand for certified nursing assistants in the area. The potential for wage growth is supported by a robust job market as nursing facilities strive to retain qualified staff amid evolving healthcare demands.
About the Plano Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($34,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $29,750 | $14.30 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $33,403 | $16.06 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $39,617 | $19.04 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $44,462 | $21.37 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $49,166 | $23.63 |
Median Salary Position
11.98% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Plano
In Plano, TX, the certified nursing assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $19,416 (2026 est.). At $39,617, the local median is 11.98% below the national median of $45,007.
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At 40 hours/week in Plano: You'd be above the median
How Plano Certified Nursing Assistant Pay Compares
Plano median: $39,617/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Plano Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Texas Average | $37,911 | +4.50% more |
| National Average | $45,007 | -11.98% less |
Certified Nursing Assistants in Plano, TX earn a median of $39,617 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.98% lower than the national median of $45,007 and 4.50% above the Texas state average of $37,911.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Plano 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.
Plano, TX has a cost-of-living index of 96 (below the national average of 100). A certified nursing assistant earning $39,617 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $41,268 in an average-cost city — an effective 4.17% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$26,108
2025 BLS Actual
$37,199
2026 Current Est.
$39,617
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Plano (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26,108 | Actual |
| 2020 | $27,155 | Actual |
| 2021 | $26,680 | Actual |
| 2022 | $31,477 | Actual |
| 2023 | $33,625 | Actual |
| 2024 | $34,097 | Actual |
| 2025 | $37,199 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $39,617 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $42,192 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Plano metropolitan area, the median certified nursing assistant salary grew 42.5% from $26,108 (2019) to $37,199 (2025). At a 6.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $42,192 by 2027 — a total increase of $16,084 (61.61%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Plano 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) | $29,750 – $33,403 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $33,403 – $39,617 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $39,617 – $44,462 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $44,462 – $49,166 |
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 Plano
Analyzing the local job market, there are currently 57 certified nursing assistants employed in Plano, TX. The cost of living index stands at 96, indicating that take-home pay for CNAs may meet local housing and lifestyle costs more effectively than in higher-cost regions. Among the employers, skilled nursing facilities and hospitals often offer higher wages, particularly for positions that require specialized skills or experience in critical care units. Factors such as shift differentials, with nighttime roles typically receiving an additional $2-4 per hour, and bonuses for weekend shifts can further enhance earnings. To maximize pay, CNAs may consider pursuing additional certifications or seeking roles in high-demand settings where hourly rates are elevated due to staffing shortages. The pathway toward licensure as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) may also present opportunities for both professional growth and increased financial rewards in the future.
More salary data for Plano, 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 $37,199 for certified nursing assistantsin the Plano 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 Plano 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