Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Lacey, WA: $50,764 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time certified nursing assistant in Lacey, WA earns a median $50,764/year (≈ $24.41/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Once you factor in Lacey's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.4), that paycheck buys what $47,266 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.8% below the Washington state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Lacey, Washington, the 2026 projected salary for certified nursing assistants (CNAs) is estimated to be $50,764 annually, significantly higher than the national median of $45,007. This local figure reflects a diverse salary range that spans from $42,268 at the 10th percentile to $64,686 at the 90th percentile, illustrating the variability based on experience, facility type, and specialization within the nursing assistance field. These estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data adjusted for local market conditions, emphasize Lacey's competitive compensation for CNAs, particularly for those considering a transition to licensed practical nurse (LPN) or registered nurse (RN) roles, where credentials can lead to a steeper pay increase and expanded responsibilities.
About the Lacey Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($44,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $42,268 | $20.32 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $45,540 | $21.90 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $50,764 | $24.41 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $55,365 | $26.61 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $64,686 | $31.10 |
Median Salary Position
12.79% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lacey
In Lacey, WA, the certified nursing assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $22,418 (2026 est.). At $50,764, the local median is 12.79% above the national median of $45,007.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Lacey: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Lacey Certified Nursing Assistant Pay Compares
Lacey median: $50,764/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Lacey Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Average | $51,174 | -0.80% less |
| National Average | $45,007 | +12.79% more |
Certified Nursing Assistants in Lacey, WA earn a median of $50,764 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.79% higher than the national median of $45,007 and 0.80% below the Washington state average of $51,174.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Lacey has a cost of living 7.40% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Lacey, WA has a cost-of-living index of 107.4 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $50,764 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $47,266 — a 6.89% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$33,454
2025 BLS Actual
$47,666
2026 Current Est.
$50,764
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Lacey (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33,454 | Actual |
| 2020 | $34,796 | Actual |
| 2021 | $34,187 | Actual |
| 2022 | $40,335 | Actual |
| 2023 | $43,087 | Actual |
| 2024 | $46,400 | Actual |
| 2025 | $47,666 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $50,764 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $54,064 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Lacey metropolitan area, the median certified nursing assistant salary grew 42.5% from $33,454 (2019) to $47,666 (2025). At a 6.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $54,064 by 2027 — a total increase of $20,610 (61.61%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lacey 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) | $42,268 – $45,540 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $45,540 – $50,764 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $50,764 – $55,365 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $55,365 – $64,686 |
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 Lacey
Lacey's job market currently has 12 certified nursing assistants employed, reflecting a niche but essential workforce. The area's cost-of-living index of 107.4 indicates that while salaries are higher than the national average, the purchasing power may be somewhat tempered due to elevated living expenses. Among local employers, skilled nursing facilities and rehabilitation hospitals typically offer the most competitive pay, influenced by factors such as shift differentials, where evening and weekend hours can command an additional $1 to $4 per hour. Additionally, CNAs with CMA certification can often secure stipends that enhance their earnings. To maximize pay in this Lacey market, aspiring CNAs could consider shifts that fall during peak hours, actively seek weekend roles, or position themselves in facilities with high acuity patients, as these factors significantly influence overall compensation.
More salary data for Lacey, 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 $47,666 for certified nursing assistantsin the Lacey 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 Lacey 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