Nursing Assistant (CNA) Salary in Washington
Based on 30K+ workers in Washington
Median Annual Salary (WA)
$49,180
$23.64/hr
vs National Average
$41,812
+17.6% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$43K – $63K
30K employed in Washington
The median Nursing Assistant (CNA) salary in Washington is $49,180 per year, which translates to approximately $24 per hour. This figure is notably higher than the national average, reflecting a strong demand for these essential healthcare professionals across the state.
Several factors can influence the actual pay a CNA receives in Washington. These include years of experience, the specific healthcare setting (such as hospitals, nursing homes, or home care agencies), and geographic location within the state. The salary range for CNAs in Washington typically falls between $42,500 and $62,660 annually.
Salary Distribution — Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Washington
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $42,500 |
| 25th percentile | $46,980 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $49,180 |
| 75th percentile | $57,930 |
| 90th percentile | $62,660 |
Top-Paying Industries for Nursing Assistant (CNA) (U.S.)
Which industries pay Nursing Assistant (CNA)s the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Nursing Assistant (CNA)s in Washington tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Finance and Insurance | $60,710 | 40 |
| Administrative and Support Services | $47,810 | 49K |
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $47,050 | 47K |
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $46,920 | 430 |
| Wholesale Trade | $46,540 | — |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Washington vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Washington) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $49,180 |
| 2026 (projected) | $50,655 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Washington Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $49,180 | $41,812 |
| 2026 (projected) | $50,655 | $43,066 |
Nursing Assistant (CNA) Salary by Experience Level in Washington
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $46,980 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $49,180 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $57,930 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $62,660 |
Nursing Assistant (CNA) Salary in Other States
Related Nursing Assistant (CNA) Salaries in Washington
How other high-demand occupations in Washington compare to Nursing Assistant (CNA) ($49,180 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Nursing Assistant (CNA) | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cardiologist in WA | $656,330 | +1234.5% | $315.54/hr |
| Anesthesiologist in WA | $499,990 | +916.7% | $240.38/hr |
| Surgeon in WA | $479,460 | +874.9% | $230.51/hr |
| Emergency Medicine Physician in WA | $380,870 | +674.4% | $183.11/hr |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in WA | $343,140 | +597.7% | $164.97/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in WA | $340,010 | +591.4% | $163.47/hr |
| Psychiatrist in WA | $304,920 | +520.0% | $146.60/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in WA | $292,900 | +495.6% | $140.82/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in WA | $274,390 | +457.9% | $131.92/hr |
| Podiatrist in WA | $232,970 | +373.7% | $112.00/hr |
| Dentist in WA | $169,730 | +245.1% | $81.60/hr |
| Pediatrician in WA | $169,540 | +244.7% | $81.51/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average hourly wage for a CNA in Washington?
- The average hourly wage for a Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Washington is about $24 per hour. This aligns with the median annual salary of $49,180, offering a good benchmark for hourly earnings.
How does the CNA salary in Washington compare to the national average?
- CNAs in Washington earn approximately 17.6% more than the national average. This means the median salary of $49,180 in Washington is significantly higher than what CNAs typically earn across the country.
What is the typical salary range for a Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Washington?
- The salary range for a Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Washington generally spans from $42,500 to $62,660 per year. This indicates that while the median is $49,180, experienced CNAs or those in high-demand areas can earn considerably more.
How many CNAs are employed in Washington?
- There are approximately 30,270 Nursing Assistants (CNAs) currently employed in Washington state. This substantial number reflects the ongoing need for these healthcare providers.