Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Pullman, WA: $49,122 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time certified nursing assistant in Pullman, WA earns a median $49,122/year (≈ $23.62/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Once you factor in Pullman's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.4), that paycheck buys what $45,737 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.0% below the Washington state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, certified nursing assistants in Pullman, WA can expect a median annual salary of $49,122, reflecting the recent post-COVID wage reset in the healthcare sector. This figure represents a significant leap compared to the national median salary of $45,007, positioning Pullman’s pay roughly 9.14% higher than the national average. The salary range for local CNAs spans from $42,023 at the 10th percentile to $60,609 at the 90th percentile, indicating the variation in earnings based on experience and facility type. Data for these figures are derived from 2025 BLS state-level data, with additional adjustments for regional price parity in consideration of the local cost of living.
About the Pullman Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($44,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $42,023 | $20.20 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $44,600 | $21.44 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $49,122 | $23.62 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $55,491 | $26.68 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $60,609 | $29.14 |
Median Salary Position
9.14% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Pullman
In Pullman, WA, the certified nursing assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $18,586 (2026 est.). At $49,122, the local median is 9.14% above the national median of $45,007.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Pullman: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Pullman Certified Nursing Assistant Pay Compares
Pullman median: $49,122/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Pullman Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Average | $51,169 | -4.00% less |
| National Average | $45,007 | +9.14% more |
Certified Nursing Assistants in Pullman, WA earn a median of $49,122 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.14% higher than the national median of $45,007 and 4.00% below the Washington state average of $51,169.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Pullman has a cost of living 7.40% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Pullman, WA has a cost-of-living index of 107.4 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $49,122 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $45,737 — a 6.89% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$32,372
2025 BLS Actual
$46,124
2026 Current Est.
$49,122
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Pullman (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32,372 | Actual |
| 2020 | $33,671 | Actual |
| 2021 | $33,081 | Actual |
| 2022 | $39,030 | Actual |
| 2023 | $41,693 | Actual |
| 2024 | $45,352 | Actual |
| 2025 | $46,124 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49,122 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $52,315 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Pullman metropolitan area, the median certified nursing assistant salary grew 42.5% from $32,372 (2019) to $46,124 (2025). At a 6.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $52,315 by 2027 — a total increase of $19,943 (61.61%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Pullman 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) | $42,023 – $44,600 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $44,600 – $49,122 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $49,122 – $55,491 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $55,491 – $60,609 |
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 Pullman
While there are currently only six certified nursing assistants employed in Pullman, the local job market shows resilience and promise, particularly in light of the ongoing staffing challenges faced by healthcare facilities. With a cost-of-living index of 107.4, individuals in this profession must navigate their salaries carefully to maintain purchasing power. Skilled nursing facilities and hospitals, especially those with medical/surgical floors and ICUs, tend to offer the most competitive salaries. The pay disparity often stems from factors like shift differentials, with night shifts yielding an additional $2-4/hour and weekend work bringing in an extra $1-3. Additionally, roles that require certification as a Certified Medication Aide (CMA) may offer stipends. Maximizing take-home pay could involve pursuing weekend-only premium roles or focusing on facilities with acuity-based pay grades; aspiring CNAs should also consider pathway options to LPN or RN to enhance long-term earning potential.
More salary data for Pullman, 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 $46,124 for certified nursing assistantsin the Pullman 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 Pullman 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