Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Fairfax, VA: $40,639 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time certified nursing assistant in Fairfax, VA earns a median $40,639/year (≈ $19.54/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Once you factor in Fairfax's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.2), that paycheck buys what $39,379 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.5% below the Virginia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
With a projected median annual salary of $40,639 for 2026, certified nursing assistants in Fairfax, Virginia, earn slightly less than the national median of $45,007. Local salaries range from $34,054 at the lower end to $46,777 for the top earners. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS data and regional cost adjustments, highlight the balance CNAs in Fairfax may need to strike between their earnings potential and the cost of living, which stands at a cost-of-living index of 103.2. As more CNAs seek to advance their careers through certifications or educational programs, many find opportunities to bridge into LPN or RN roles to enhance their financial standings and professional satisfaction.
About the Fairfax Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($35,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $34,054 | $16.37 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $36,287 | $17.44 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $40,639 | $19.54 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $44,070 | $21.18 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $46,777 | $22.49 |
Median Salary Position
9.71% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Fairfax
In Fairfax, VA, the certified nursing assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $12,723 (2026 est.). At $40,639, the local median is 9.71% below the national median of $45,007.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Fairfax: You'd be above the median
How Fairfax Certified Nursing Assistant Pay Compares
Fairfax median: $40,639/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Fairfax Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Average | $42,554 | -4.50% less |
| National Average | $45,007 | -9.71% less |
Certified Nursing Assistants in Fairfax, VA earn a median of $40,639 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.71% lower than the national median of $45,007 and 4.50% below the Virginia state average of $42,554.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Fairfax has a cost of living 3.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Fairfax, VA has a cost-of-living index of 103.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $40,639 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $39,379 — a 3.1% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$26,782
2025 BLS Actual
$38,159
2026 Current Est.
$40,639
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Fairfax (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26,782 | Actual |
| 2020 | $27,856 | Actual |
| 2021 | $27,369 | Actual |
| 2022 | $32,290 | Actual |
| 2023 | $34,493 | Actual |
| 2024 | $34,484 | Actual |
| 2025 | $38,159 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $40,639 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $43,281 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Fairfax metropolitan area, the median certified nursing assistant salary grew 42.5% from $26,782 (2019) to $38,159 (2025). At a 6.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $43,281 by 2027 — a total increase of $16,499 (61.60%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Fairfax 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) | $34,054 – $36,287 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $36,287 – $40,639 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $40,639 – $44,070 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $44,070 – $46,777 |
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 Fairfax
The job market for certified nursing assistants in Fairfax is competitive, although only four CNAs are currently employed in the area. This limited workforce can impact pay rates, given the growing demand for healthcare services. The cost-of-living index suggests that CNAs may have to carefully manage their expenses to maximize take-home pay. Among local employers, skilled nursing facilities and hospitals, particularly in ICUs and medical/surgical floors, tend to offer the highest salaries. Additionally, shift differentials can add significantly to earnings, with weekend work yielding premium pay of $1-3 per hour and night shifts offering $2-4 more per hour. The disparity in salaries often reflects the acuity levels in certain facilities, where higher demand leads to more competitive compensation packages. For CNAs in Fairfax VA, pursuing higher certifications and selecting shifts wisely can significantly boost overall earnings, making the path toward enhanced credentials appealing not just for career growth but also for increased financial stability.
More salary data for Fairfax, VA:
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 $38,159 for certified nursing assistantsin the Fairfax 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 Fairfax 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