Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Ellensburg, WA: $48,827 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time certified nursing assistant in Ellensburg, WA earns a median $48,827/year (≈ $23.47/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Once you factor in Ellensburg's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.4), that paycheck buys what $45,463 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.6% below the Washington state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Ellensburg, Washington, the median annual certified nursing assistant salary is projected to be $48,827 in 2026, reflecting a notable post-COVID wage reset in the healthcare sector. This figure not only surpasses the national median by approximately 8.49%, but it also sits within a competitive salary range from $41,062 at the lower end (P10) to up to $56,128 for the highest earners (P90). These salary estimates, derived from 2025 BLS state-level data and adjusted for regional price parities, illustrate the robust demand for certified nursing assistants in the area. As the local job market adapts following significant turnover in the wake of the pandemic, opportunities and compensation are becoming increasingly appealing for those entering the field.
About the Ellensburg Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($44,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $41,062 | $19.75 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $43,549 | $20.94 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $48,827 | $23.47 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $52,903 | $25.43 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $56,128 | $26.99 |
Median Salary Position
8.49% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Ellensburg
In Ellensburg, WA, the certified nursing assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $15,066 (2026 est.). At $48,827, the local median is 8.49% above the national median of $45,007.
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At 40 hours/week in Ellensburg: You'd be above the median
How Ellensburg Certified Nursing Assistant Pay Compares
Ellensburg median: $48,827/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Ellensburg Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Average | $51,181 | -4.60% less |
| National Average | $45,007 | +8.49% more |
Certified Nursing Assistants in Ellensburg, WA earn a median of $48,827 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.49% higher than the national median of $45,007 and 4.60% below the Washington state average of $51,181.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Ellensburg has a cost of living 7.40% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Ellensburg, WA has a cost-of-living index of 107.4 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $48,827 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $45,463 — a 6.89% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$32,178
2025 BLS Actual
$45,847
2026 Current Est.
$48,827
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Ellensburg (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32,178 | Actual |
| 2020 | $33,469 | Actual |
| 2021 | $32,883 | Actual |
| 2022 | $38,795 | Actual |
| 2023 | $41,442 | Actual |
| 2024 | $45,080 | Actual |
| 2025 | $45,847 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $48,827 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $52,001 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Ellensburg metropolitan area, the median certified nursing assistant salary grew 42.5% from $32,178 (2019) to $45,847 (2025). At a 6.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $52,001 by 2027 — a total increase of $19,823 (61.60%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Ellensburg 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) | $41,062 – $43,549 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $43,549 – $48,827 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $48,827 – $52,903 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $52,903 – $56,128 |
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 Ellensburg
The employment landscape for certified nursing assistants in Ellensburg comprises six individuals working within the sector. While this number may seem modest, the current cost of living index of 107.4 indicates that the purchasing power for these workers is slightly above the national average. Job opportunities are prevalent within skilled nursing facilities and assisted living communities, which tend to offer the best pay, sometimes complemented by shift differentials for night and weekend work. Factors contributing to the variance in wages include premiums for agency staffing during shortages, certification stipends for Certified Medication Aides (CMA), and varying pay scales based on patient acuity levels. For those seeking to maximize their certified nursing assistant pay in Ellensburg WA, it would be beneficial to focus on securing shifts during high-demand periods or pursuing additional certifications that can open up more advanced roles within the healthcare system.
More salary data for Ellensburg, WA:
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 $45,847 for certified nursing assistantsin the Ellensburg 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 Ellensburg 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