Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in West Allis, WI: $47,527 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time certified nursing assistant in West Allis, WI earns a median $47,527/year (≈ $22.84/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Once you factor in West Allis's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 93.4), that paycheck buys what $50,885 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.1% above the Wisconsin state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, certified nursing assistant salaries in West Allis, Wisconsin, are projected to have a median annual wage of $47,527. This figure is notably higher than the national median of $45,007, indicating a positive adjustment in the local job market following the post-COVID wage reset. The salary range for certified nursing assistants spans from $37,273 at the 10th percentile to $57,747 at the 90th percentile, suggesting significant opportunities for earnings based on experience and specific job roles. These estimates are derived from BLS data and regional cost adjustments, reflecting the new wage floor driven by demand in the healthcare sector. This upward trend in compensation positions West Allis as a viable option for those pursuing a career as certified nursing assistants.
About the West Allis Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($38,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,273 | $17.92 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40,875 | $19.65 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $47,527 | $22.84 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $52,888 | $25.43 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $57,747 | $27.76 |
Median Salary Position
5.60% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in West Allis
In West Allis, WI, the certified nursing assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $20,474 (2026 est.). At $47,527, the local median is 5.6% above the national median of $45,007.
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At 40 hours/week in West Allis: You'd be above the median
How West Allis Certified Nursing Assistant Pay Compares
West Allis median: $47,527/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | West Allis Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Wisconsin Average | $47,479 | +0.10% more |
| National Average | $45,007 | +5.60% more |
Certified Nursing Assistants in West Allis, WI earn a median of $47,527 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.60% higher than the national median of $45,007 and 0.10% above the Wisconsin state average of $47,479.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
West Allis has a cost of living 6.60% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
West Allis, WI has a cost-of-living index of 93.4 (below the national average of 100). A certified nursing assistant earning $47,527 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $50,885 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.07% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$31,321
2025 BLS Actual
$44,626
2026 Current Est.
$47,527
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in West Allis (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31,321 | Actual |
| 2020 | $32,577 | Actual |
| 2021 | $32,007 | Actual |
| 2022 | $37,762 | Actual |
| 2023 | $40,339 | Actual |
| 2024 | $35,521 | Actual |
| 2025 | $44,626 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $47,527 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $50,616 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the West Allis metropolitan area, the median certified nursing assistant salary grew 42.5% from $31,321 (2019) to $44,626 (2025). At a 6.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $50,616 by 2027 — a total increase of $19,295 (61.60%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the West Allis 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) | $37,273 – $40,875 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $40,875 – $47,527 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $47,527 – $52,888 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $52,888 – $57,747 |
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 West Allis
Examining the local job market reveals that there are currently 13 certified nursing assistants employed in the area, a number that speaks to both competition and job security in West Allis. With a cost-of-living index of 93.4, residents enjoy a relatively affordable lifestyle, which directly influences take-home purchasing power for certified nursing assistants. Among the employers in the region, skilled nursing facilities and rehabilitation hospitals tend to offer the highest salaries. This can often be attributed to factors like shift differentials, which reward evening and weekend work with additional pay. Agencies may also offer premium payment during staffing shortages, while some facilities reward employees who hold CMA certifications. To maximize earning potential in West Allis, certified nursing assistants should consider pursuing evening or weekend shifts, seeking positions in high-acuity settings, and exploring bridge programs to transition to higher-paying roles such as LPN or RN.
More salary data for West Allis, WI:
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 $44,626 for certified nursing assistantsin the West Allis 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 West Allis 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