Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Wenatchee, WA: $51,674 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time certified nursing assistant in Wenatchee, WA earns a median $51,674/year (≈ $24.85/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Once you factor in Wenatchee's price level (4% above national, BEA RPP 103.9), that paycheck buys what $49,756 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.0% above the Washington state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In Wenatchee, Washington, certified nursing assistants are projected to earn a median annual salary of $51,674 in 2026, which is notably higher than the national median of $45,007. The salary range for this occupation in Wenatchee spans from $45,103 at the 10th percentile to $65,583 at the 90th percentile, illustrating a competitive pay landscape derived from official BLS OEWS surveys. Demand for certified nursing assistants remains strong, particularly as various employers in the area, such as skilled nursing facilities and hospitals, adjust their wages in response to heightened competition and a growing need for healthcare services. This situation reinforces the prospect for those entering the workforce or transitioning to CNA roles in Wenatchee.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $45,103 | $21.68 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $50,055 | $24.07 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $51,674 | $24.85 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $52,600 | $25.28 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $65,583 | $31.53 |
Median Salary Position
14.81% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Wenatchee
In Wenatchee, WA, the certified nursing assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $20,480 (2026 est.). At $51,674, the local median is 14.81% above the national median of $45,007.
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At 40 hours/week in Wenatchee: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Wenatchee Certified Nursing Assistant Pay Compares
Wenatchee median: $51,674/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Wenatchee Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Average | $51,162 | +1.00% more |
| National Average | $45,007 | +14.81% more |
Certified Nursing Assistants in Wenatchee, WA earn a median of $51,674 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.81% higher than the national median of $45,007 and 1.00% above the Washington state average of $51,162.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Wenatchee has a cost of living 3.86% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Wenatchee, WA has a cost-of-living index of 103.855 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $51,674 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $49,756 — a 3.71% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$30,890
2025 BLS Actual
$48,520
2026 Current Est.
$51,674
2019–2027 Growth
+78.2%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Wenatchee (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30,890 | Actual |
| 2020 | $32,470 | Actual |
| 2021 | $33,190 | Actual |
| 2022 | $36,670 | Actual |
| 2023 | $45,120 | Actual |
| 2024 | $47,140 | Actual |
| 2025 | $48,520 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $51,674 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $55,033 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Wenatchee metropolitan area, the median certified nursing assistant salary grew 57.1% from $30,890 (2019) to $48,520 (2025). At a 6.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $55,033 by 2027 — a total increase of $24,143 (78.16%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Wenatchee 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) | $45,103 – $50,055 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $50,055 – $51,674 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $51,674 – $52,600 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $52,600 – $65,583 |
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 Wenatchee
The job market for certified nursing assistants in Wenatchee includes approximately 440 individuals currently employed in this field, highlighting its importance within the local healthcare system. While the cost of living index sits slightly above the national average at 103.855, the relatively higher salaries may counterbalance the expenses, allowing CNAs to maintain a reasonable standard of living. Employers that typically offer the highest pay include hospitals, especially on medical/surgical floors and in ICUs, as well as skilled nursing facilities. Factors contributing to the variability in pay can include shift differentials—where night shifts may garner an additional $2-4/hour, and weekend work can earn an extra $1-3/hour—as well as agency staffing premiums during shortages. Aspiring CNAs can enhance their earning potential further by pursuing certifications such as CMA, seeking weekend-only roles, or considering positions in higher-acuity facilities. Overall, maximizing pay in Wenatchee's market involves strategic choices about shift preferences, specialties, and ongoing education.
More salary data for Wenatchee, 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 $48,520 for certified nursing assistantsin the Wenatchee 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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