Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Tukwila, WA: $47,310 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time certified nursing assistant in Tukwila, WA earns a median $47,310/year (≈ $22.75/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Once you factor in Tukwila's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.4), that paycheck buys what $44,050 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.6% below the Washington state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Tukwila, Washington, the projected median annual income for certified nursing assistants is set at $47,310 in 2026, which represents a notable increase compared to the national median of $45,007. The salary range for certified nursing assistants in this region spans from $41,275 at the 10th percentile to $54,406 at the 90th percentile. Local estimates derived from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional cost variations, reflect the differentiated pay across facilities. Factors such as working in skilled nursing facilities versus hospitals contribute to the variance in compensation, emphasizing Tukwila's competitive yet challenging job market for CNAs who often seek opportunities for growth in their roles.
About the Tukwila Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($44,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $41,275 | $19.84 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $42,211 | $20.30 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $47,310 | $22.75 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $51,272 | $24.65 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $54,406 | $26.16 |
Median Salary Position
5.12% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Tukwila
In Tukwila, WA, the certified nursing assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $13,131 (2026 est.). At $47,310, the local median is 5.12% above the national median of $45,007.
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At 40 hours/week in Tukwila: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Tukwila Certified Nursing Assistant Pay Compares
Tukwila median: $47,310/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Tukwila Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Average | $51,202 | -7.60% less |
| National Average | $45,007 | +5.12% more |
Certified Nursing Assistants in Tukwila, WA earn a median of $47,310 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.12% higher than the national median of $45,007 and 7.60% below the Washington state average of $51,202.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Tukwila has a cost of living 7.40% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Tukwila, WA has a cost-of-living index of 107.4 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $47,310 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $44,050 — a 6.89% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$31,178
2025 BLS Actual
$44,423
2026 Current Est.
$47,310
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Tukwila (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31,178 | Actual |
| 2020 | $32,429 | Actual |
| 2021 | $31,861 | Actual |
| 2022 | $37,590 | Actual |
| 2023 | $40,155 | Actual |
| 2024 | $43,680 | Actual |
| 2025 | $44,423 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $47,310 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $50,386 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Tukwila metropolitan area, the median certified nursing assistant salary grew 42.5% from $31,178 (2019) to $44,423 (2025). At a 6.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $50,386 by 2027 — a total increase of $19,208 (61.61%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Tukwila 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) | $41,275 – $42,211 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $42,211 – $47,310 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $47,310 – $51,272 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $51,272 – $54,406 |
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 Tukwila
With only four certified nursing assistants currently employed in Tukwila, the local job market remains relatively limited, but the demand continues to grow. The cost-of-living index for the area stands at 107.4, highlighting a higher-than-average living expense that will influence how far a typical salary stretches. Skilled nursing facilities and hospitals tend to offer the most competitive pay, especially for positions in critical care or more intense patient settings. Shift differentials—especially for nights and weekends—can add valuable income, with typical premiums ranging from $1 to $4 per hour. To maximize their earnings, aspiring CNAs in Tukwila should consider obtaining additional certifications to increase job qualifications, such as CMA certification, and seek flexible weekend-only roles that often come with higher pay. Understanding the breadth of opportunities in different healthcare settings will be essential for those wondering how much certified nursing assistants make in Tukwila, WA.
More salary data for Tukwila, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do certified nursing assistants make in Tukwila, WA in 2026?
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Can certified nursing assistants make $100K in Tukwila?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted certified nursing assistant salary in Tukwila?
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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 $44,423 for certified nursing assistantsin the Tukwila 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 Tukwila 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