Senior Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Lacey, WA: $64,686 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of certified nursing assistants working in Lacey, WA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $64,686/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 31-1131. Strip back Lacey's price premium (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $60,229 in average-cost America. The 27% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Lacey, Washington, senior certified nursing assistants can anticipate a significant financial return, with top-tier salaries reaching as high as $64,686 in 2026. The difference between the median annual salary of $50,764 and this upper echelon reveals the financial premium associated with extensive experience, specifically for those who have spent seven or more years in the field. With the projected salary range extending from $42,268 at the lower end (P10) to $64,686 at the top (P90), the opportunities for established professionals in the area are promising. Achieving such high compensation often requires a combination of specialized training, advanced certifications, and a commitment to ongoing education, as well as the ability to navigate the specific demands of various employer types.
About the Lacey Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($44,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lacey
Experienced certified nursing assistants at the top of the pay scale in Lacey earn between $55,365 and $64,686 per year (2026 est.). This $22,418 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Lacey median of $50,764 sits 12.79% above the US median.
Top CNA Salary Comparison
| Level | Lacey | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $50,764 | $45,007 |
| 75th Percentile | $55,365 | $50,289 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $64,686 | $55,359 |
In Lacey, experienced certified nursing assistants (P90) earn 27.42% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Certified Nursing Assistant Pay in Lacey
Advanced Certifications in Washington
WA certified nursing assistants with additional specialty certifications within the nursing field earn significantly above the $50,764 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Lacey employers.
Specialty Focus
Certified Nursing Assistants focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the nursing field in Lacey command premium compensation, often reaching the $55,365–$64,686 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Lacey metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced certified nursing assistants who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured certified nursing assistants in Lacey with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Certified Nursing Assistants in Washington who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Certified Nursing Assistant Career & Wage Growth Path in Lacey
Clinical Certified Nursing Assistant
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Certified Nursing Assistant
5-10 yearsCertified Nursing Assistant Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedLacey ranks #9 of 50 Washington cities for top earner certified nursing assistant salary (90th percentile: $64,686).
Top 10% certified nursing assistant compensation in Lacey ($64,686) is 4.37% below the Washington average P90 ($67,640).
2019 BLS Actual
$47,464
2025 BLS Actual
$60,738
2026 Current Est.
$64,686
2019–2027 Growth
+45.1%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Lacey (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $47,464 | Actual |
| 2020 | $49,205 | Actual |
| 2021 | $51,694 | Actual |
| 2022 | $53,680 | Actual |
| 2023 | $56,999 | Actual |
| 2024 | $60,907 | Actual |
| 2025 | $60,738 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $64,686 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $68,891 | Projected |
Top-earning certified nursing assistants (90th percentile) in Lacey saw their compensation grow 28.0% from $47,464 in 2019 to $60,738 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 6.50% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $68,891 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lacey 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.
Maximizing Your Certified Nursing Assistant Earnings in Lacey
Compensation for experienced certified nursing assistants in Lacey is influenced by the employer and specialization. Roles such as restorative aides and specialists in dementia care tend to command higher salaries, particularly in settings like skilled nursing facilities, which offer a supportive environment for advanced practitioners. Home health agencies and hospice care also provide competitive pay, with shifts during nights and weekends frequently accompanied by additional premiums. Career advancement is attainable through various pathways, such as transitioning to charge CNAs, training coordinators, or pursuing further education in nursing. Certification as a medication aide or acquiring specialized skills in areas like dialysis can also elevate pay considerably. Non-salary factors, including shift differentials and premium roles during staffing shortages, further contribute to the overall compensation landscape for senior certified nursing assistants in WA.
More salary data for Lacey, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced certified nursing assistants make in Lacey in 2026?
What drives higher certified nursing assistant pay in Lacey?
What certifications boost certified nursing assistant salary in Lacey?
Can experienced certified nursing assistants make six figures in Lacey?
How much does certified nursing assistant salary increase over time in Lacey?
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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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $60,738 for certified nursing assistants in the Lacey metro area. A 6.50% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Lacey 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