Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Richardson, TX: $38,394 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time certified nursing assistant in Richardson, TX earns a median $38,394/year (≈ $18.46/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Once you factor in Richardson's price level (4% below national, BEA RPP 96.0), that paycheck buys what $39,994 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.2% above the Texas state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In 2026, certified nursing assistants in Richardson, Texas, can expect a median annual salary of $38,394, reflecting the city's evolving healthcare landscape. This figure highlights the competitive pay structure between skilled nursing facilities and hospitals, where job roles often dictate salary differences. With a salary range from $29,004 at the 10th percentile to $46,813 at the 90th percentile, the local market offers a breadth of compensation opportunities. These numbers are based on estimates derived from 2025 BLS data, adjusted by regional price parities, revealing that while paths to higher salaries exist, they often depend on employer type and care setting. Being mindful of local job dynamics is crucial as Richardson continues to experience fluctuations in its healthcare staffing demands.
About the Richardson Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($34,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $29,004 | $13.94 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $34,586 | $16.62 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $38,394 | $18.46 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $42,812 | $20.59 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $46,813 | $22.50 |
Median Salary Position
14.69% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Richardson
In Richardson, TX, the certified nursing assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $17,809 (2026 est.). At $38,394, the local median is 14.69% below the national median of $45,007.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Richardson: You'd be above the median
How Richardson Certified Nursing Assistant Pay Compares
Richardson median: $38,394/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Richardson Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Texas Average | $37,939 | +1.20% more |
| National Average | $45,007 | -14.69% less |
Certified Nursing Assistants in Richardson, TX earn a median of $38,394 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.69% lower than the national median of $45,007 and 1.20% above the Texas state average of $37,939.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Richardson 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.
Richardson, TX has a cost-of-living index of 96 (below the national average of 100). A certified nursing assistant earning $38,394 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $39,994 in an average-cost city — an effective 4.17% boost.
Compare Purchasing Power
Select a city to see how your salary compares after cost of living
Select a city above to compare purchasing power
2019 BLS Actual
$25,302
2025 BLS Actual
$36,051
2026 Current Est.
$38,394
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Richardson (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $25,302 | Actual |
| 2020 | $26,317 | Actual |
| 2021 | $25,857 | Actual |
| 2022 | $30,506 | Actual |
| 2023 | $32,588 | Actual |
| 2024 | $33,044 | Actual |
| 2025 | $36,051 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $38,394 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $40,890 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Richardson metropolitan area, the median certified nursing assistant salary grew 42.5% from $25,302 (2019) to $36,051 (2025). At a 6.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $40,890 by 2027 — a total increase of $15,588 (61.61%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Richardson 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) | $29,004 – $34,586 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $34,586 – $38,394 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $38,394 – $42,812 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $42,812 – $46,813 |
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 Richardson
With only 24 certified nursing assistants employed in Richardson, the market is relatively small, yet the salaries offered are competitive, particularly when accounting for the cost of living index sitting at 96. This suggests that while wages might be lower than the national median of $45,007, the purchasing power remains decent locally. Among various employers, skilled nursing facilities and hospitals typically offer more favorable pay rates, especially for those willing to work night shifts or weekends where premiums can range from $1 to $4 per hour. Factors contributing to the wide salary range include staffing shortages, shift differentials, and bonuses for specialized certifications. For CNAs looking to increase their earning potential in Richardson, pursuing certifications, gaining experience in high-acuity environments, or transitioning to LPN or RN roles offers viable pathways to enhanced pay structures.
More salary data for Richardson, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do certified nursing assistants make in Richardson, TX in 2026?
Is Richardson, TX a good place to work as a certified nursing assistant?
Can certified nursing assistants make $100K in Richardson?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted certified nursing assistant salary in Richardson?
How much does a certified nursing assistant make per hour in Richardson?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Texas
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 $36,051 for certified nursing assistantsin the Richardson 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 Richardson 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