Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Bellevue, WA: $55,913 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time certified nursing assistant in Bellevue, WA earns a median $55,913/year (≈ $26.88/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Once you factor in Bellevue's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.4), that paycheck buys what $52,061 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 9.2% above the Washington state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Bellevue, Washington, the projected median annual salary for certified nursing assistants is $55,913 in 2026, reflecting a significant adjustment in wages following the upheaval of the post-COVID job market. The salary range for these roles spans from $42,666 to $72,790, showcasing a diverse spectrum of pay reflective of experience and facility type. These figures are derived from 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, and take into account regional price adjustments that influence local living expenses. As the job market redefines its expectations, Bellevue finds itself positioned favorably, offering competitive pay rates that exceed the national median by over 24%.
About the Bellevue Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($44,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $42,666 | $20.51 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $47,538 | $22.85 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $55,913 | $26.88 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $62,764 | $30.17 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $72,790 | $35.00 |
Median Salary Position
24.23% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Bellevue
In Bellevue, WA, the certified nursing assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $30,124 (2026 est.). At $55,913, the local median is 24.23% above the national median of $45,007.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Bellevue: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Bellevue Certified Nursing Assistant Pay Compares
Bellevue median: $55,913/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Bellevue Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Average | $51,202 | +9.20% more |
| National Average | $45,007 | +24.23% more |
Certified Nursing Assistants in Bellevue, WA earn a median of $55,913 per year (2026 est.), which is 24.23% higher than the national median of $45,007 and 9.20% above the Washington state average of $51,202.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Bellevue has a cost of living 7.40% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Bellevue, WA has a cost-of-living index of 107.4 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $55,913 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $52,061 — a 6.89% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$36,847
2025 BLS Actual
$52,500
2026 Current Est.
$55,913
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Bellevue (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $36,847 | Actual |
| 2020 | $38,325 | Actual |
| 2021 | $37,654 | Actual |
| 2022 | $44,425 | Actual |
| 2023 | $47,456 | Actual |
| 2024 | $48,196 | Actual |
| 2025 | $52,500 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $55,913 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $59,547 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Bellevue metropolitan area, the median certified nursing assistant salary grew 42.5% from $36,847 (2019) to $52,500 (2025). At a 6.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $59,547 by 2027 — a total increase of $22,700 (61.61%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bellevue 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) | $42,666 – $47,538 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $47,538 – $55,913 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $55,913 – $62,764 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $62,764 – $72,790 |
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 Bellevue
With 26 certified nursing assistants currently employed in Bellevue, the local job market is robust and continually evolving to meet demand. The cost of living index sits at 107.4, meaning expenses are higher than the national average, which impacts the overall purchasing power of wages. To maximize earnings in this environment, candidates should focus on employers that traditionally offer more competitive compensation, like hospitals and skilled nursing facilities, especially those that provide honors for shift differentials, weekend work, and additional stipends for certified medication administration. Those seeking to increase their earnings potential should also consider pathways to further qualifications such as transitioning from a certified nursing assistant to an LPN or RN, which can lead to significantly higher salaries and career advancement opportunities in Bellevue WA. Understanding these dynamics can position individuals for success in the evolving landscape of healthcare in the region.
More salary data for Bellevue, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do certified nursing assistants make in Bellevue, WA in 2026?
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Can certified nursing assistants make $100K in Bellevue?
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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 $52,500 for certified nursing assistantsin the Bellevue 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 Bellevue 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