Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Kirkland, WA: $51,010 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time certified nursing assistant in Kirkland, WA earns a median $51,010/year (≈ $24.53/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Once you factor in Kirkland's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.4), that paycheck buys what $47,495 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.3% below the Washington state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, certified nursing assistants in Kirkland, WA, can expect to earn a median annual salary of $51,010, a figure that underscores the post-COVID wage reset in the healthcare sector. The salary range for this position spans from $39,606 at the 10th percentile to $61,384 at the 90th percentile, indicating a broad spectrum of pay reflecting varying levels of experience and specialization. These estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for local cost considerations, highlight Kirkland's competitive edge; this median salary is approximately 13.34% higher than the national average of $45,007. With an annual growth rate of 6.50% projected over the next five years, the job market for certified nursing assistants in Kirkland looks promising, presenting numerous opportunities for prospective and current CNAs.
About the Kirkland Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($44,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,606 | $19.04 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $43,611 | $20.97 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $51,010 | $24.53 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $56,525 | $27.18 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $61,384 | $29.51 |
Median Salary Position
13.34% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Kirkland
In Kirkland, WA, the certified nursing assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $21,778 (2026 est.). At $51,010, the local median is 13.34% above the national median of $45,007.
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At 40 hours/week in Kirkland: You'd be above the median
How Kirkland Certified Nursing Assistant Pay Compares
Kirkland median: $51,010/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Kirkland Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Average | $51,164 | -0.30% less |
| National Average | $45,007 | +13.34% more |
Certified Nursing Assistants in Kirkland, WA earn a median of $51,010 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.34% higher than the national median of $45,007 and 0.30% below the Washington state average of $51,164.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Kirkland has a cost of living 7.40% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Kirkland, WA has a cost-of-living index of 107.4 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $51,010 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $47,495 — a 6.89% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$33,616
2025 BLS Actual
$47,897
2026 Current Est.
$51,010
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Kirkland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33,616 | Actual |
| 2020 | $34,965 | Actual |
| 2021 | $34,353 | Actual |
| 2022 | $40,530 | Actual |
| 2023 | $43,295 | Actual |
| 2024 | $47,096 | Actual |
| 2025 | $47,897 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $51,010 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $54,326 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Kirkland metropolitan area, the median certified nursing assistant salary grew 42.5% from $33,616 (2019) to $47,897 (2025). At a 6.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $54,326 by 2027 — a total increase of $20,710 (61.61%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Kirkland 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) | $39,606 – $43,611 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $43,611 – $51,010 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $51,010 – $56,525 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $56,525 – $61,384 |
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 Kirkland
Currently, there are only 13 certified nursing assistants employed in Kirkland, emphasizing both a tight labor market and a potential for future growth in this sector. The region's cost of living index is reported at 107.4, slightly above the national average, which can impact take-home purchasing power and may ease as wages rise. Among local employers, skilled nursing facilities and hospitals often offer the highest pay. Factors such as shift differentials—which can increase pay by $2-4 per hour for nights and $1-3 for weekends—add significant value to compensation packages. Additionally, agencies may provide premium hourly pay during staffing shortages. To maximize earnings, CNAs should consider pursuing advanced certifications or seeking roles that offer higher acuity and specialty care, which typically command elevated wage scales.
More salary data for Kirkland, 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 $47,897 for certified nursing assistantsin the Kirkland 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 Kirkland 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