Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Kent, WA: $51,094 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time certified nursing assistant in Kent, WA earns a median $51,094/year (≈ $24.57/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Once you factor in Kent's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.4), that paycheck buys what $47,574 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.2% below the Washington state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Kent, Washington, certified nursing assistants can expect a median annual salary of $51,094 for 2026. This figure notably exceeds the national median of $45,007, illustrating a local compensation advantage of 13.52%. Salaries in this field range from $41,484 at the 10th percentile to $66,183 at the 90th percentile, showing considerable variation based on experience, workplace setting, and shift timing. Local estimates are informed by BLS state-level data and regional cost of living adjustments, reflecting Kent's thriving healthcare environment. The pay differential caused by employment in skilled nursing facilities versus hospitals emphasizes the importance of understanding job trends and opportunities available within this dynamic market.
About the Kent Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($44,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $41,484 | $19.95 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $45,176 | $21.72 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $51,094 | $24.57 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $59,123 | $28.42 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $66,183 | $31.82 |
Median Salary Position
13.52% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Kent
In Kent, WA, the certified nursing assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $24,699 (2026 est.). At $51,094, the local median is 13.52% above the national median of $45,007.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Kent: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Kent Certified Nursing Assistant Pay Compares
Kent median: $51,094/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Kent Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Average | $51,197 | -0.20% less |
| National Average | $45,007 | +13.52% more |
Certified Nursing Assistants in Kent, WA earn a median of $51,094 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.52% higher than the national median of $45,007 and 0.20% below the Washington state average of $51,197.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Kent has a cost of living 7.40% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Kent, WA has a cost-of-living index of 107.4 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $51,094 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $47,574 — a 6.89% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$33,672
2025 BLS Actual
$47,976
2026 Current Est.
$51,094
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Kent (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33,672 | Actual |
| 2020 | $35,023 | Actual |
| 2021 | $34,410 | Actual |
| 2022 | $40,597 | Actual |
| 2023 | $43,367 | Actual |
| 2024 | $47,173 | Actual |
| 2025 | $47,976 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $51,094 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $54,416 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Kent metropolitan area, the median certified nursing assistant salary grew 42.5% from $33,672 (2019) to $47,976 (2025). At a 6.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $54,416 by 2027 — a total increase of $20,744 (61.61%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Kent 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) | $41,484 – $45,176 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $45,176 – $51,094 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $51,094 – $59,123 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $59,123 – $66,183 |
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 Kent
The job market in Kent for certified nursing assistants is relatively solid, with 33 professionals currently employed in the field. However, the cost of living index at 107.4 indicates that while wages are higher than the national average, living expenses also reflect that premium. Employers providing the highest pay include skilled nursing facilities and major hospitals, particularly for positions requiring night or weekend shifts, which can offer $2-$4 more per hour. Factors that contribute to the pay range include agency premiums during staffing shortages, weekend-only roles, and additional stipends for certification beyond basic CNA qualifications. To maximize earning potential in Kent, pursuing shifts in high-demand areas or considering roles that offer bonuses or premium pay could prove advantageous as the industry continues to grow, particularly with the projected annual growth rate of 6.50% over the next five years.
More salary data for Kent, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do certified nursing assistants make in Kent, WA in 2026?
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Can certified nursing assistants make $100K in Kent?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted certified nursing assistant salary in Kent?
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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 $47,976 for certified nursing assistantsin the Kent 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 Kent 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