Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Moses Lake, WA: $49,377 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time certified nursing assistant in Moses Lake, WA earns a median $49,377/year (≈ $23.74/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Once you factor in Moses Lake's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.4), that paycheck buys what $45,975 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.5% below the Washington state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Moses Lake, Washington, the certified nursing assistant salary climate is notably evolving, reflecting the post-COVID wage reset that has influenced many healthcare roles. The projected median annual salary for 2026 is $49,377, representing a competitive increase relative to the national median of $45,007. The salary range for certified nursing assistants in this area spans from $42,605 at the 10th percentile to $59,544 at the 90th percentile. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional price parity, suggest a healthy market for CNAs. This shift reveals that certified nursing assistants in Moses Lake WA are positioned favorably within the wider context of healthcare employment, benefiting from rising wages amidst ongoing demand.
About the Moses Lake Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($44,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $42,605 | $20.48 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $45,139 | $21.70 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $49,377 | $23.74 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $55,050 | $26.47 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $59,544 | $28.63 |
Median Salary Position
9.71% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Moses Lake
In Moses Lake, WA, the certified nursing assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $16,939 (2026 est.). At $49,377, the local median is 9.71% above the national median of $45,007.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Moses Lake: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Moses Lake Certified Nursing Assistant Pay Compares
Moses Lake median: $49,377/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Moses Lake Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Average | $51,167 | -3.50% less |
| National Average | $45,007 | +9.71% more |
Certified Nursing Assistants in Moses Lake, WA earn a median of $49,377 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.71% higher than the national median of $45,007 and 3.50% below the Washington state average of $51,167.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Moses Lake has a cost of living 7.40% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Moses Lake, WA has a cost-of-living index of 107.4 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $49,377 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $45,975 — a 6.89% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$32,540
2025 BLS Actual
$46,363
2026 Current Est.
$49,377
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Moses Lake (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32,540 | Actual |
| 2020 | $33,845 | Actual |
| 2021 | $33,253 | Actual |
| 2022 | $39,232 | Actual |
| 2023 | $41,909 | Actual |
| 2024 | $45,587 | Actual |
| 2025 | $46,363 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49,377 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $52,586 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Moses Lake metropolitan area, the median certified nursing assistant salary grew 42.5% from $32,540 (2019) to $46,363 (2025). At a 6.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $52,586 by 2027 — a total increase of $20,046 (61.60%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Moses Lake 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) | $42,605 – $45,139 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $45,139 – $49,377 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $49,377 – $55,050 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $55,050 – $59,544 |
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 Moses Lake
The local job market for certified nursing assistants is modest yet stable, with four professionals currently employed in the area. However, the cost-of-living index stands at 107.4, indicating that everyday expenses are somewhat elevated compared to the national average. Healthcare employers that typically offer higher wages include skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, and some specialized rehabilitation centers, often reflecting their need for specialized skills or high patient acuity. Factors influencing the variability in pay include shift differentials, which may increase hourly rates by $2 to $4 for night shifts and $1 to $3 for weekend work, as well as potential premiums for agency staffing during shortages. For those looking to maximize their earnings, seeking positions in high-demand areas or taking on additional responsibilities, such as gaining CMA certification or pursuing weekend-only roles, can be effective strategies to enhance certified nursing assistant pay in Moses Lake.
More salary data for Moses Lake, 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 $46,363 for certified nursing assistantsin the Moses Lake 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 Moses Lake 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