Entry-Level Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Dodge City, KS: $32,212 (2026)
Quick Answer:New certified nursing assistants entering the Dodge City, KS job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $32,212 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-1131, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Dodge City's local price level (BEA RPP 90.9 — 9% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $35,437 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($38,704) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
A solid entry-level certified nursing assistant salary in Dodge City, Kansas, begins at approximately $32,212 in 2026, which sets the stage for new graduates entering the workforce. This starting figure is notably below the city's median annual salary of $38,704, revealing an income gap that early-career CNAs should consider. As new graduates gain experience over their first 3-5 years, they can expect salary growth as they move toward the 25th percentile pay of $34,477 and beyond. In the current job market, Dodge City presents decent opportunities for fresh talent in healthcare, especially as regional demand for skilled nursing assistance continues to rise in response to an aging population and increased healthcare access.
About the Dodge City Market
Salary estimated from Kansas average ($32,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Dodge City
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Dodge City
Entry-level certified nursing assistants in Dodge City, KS typically start between $32,212 and $34,477 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $13,117 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $38,704 — 14% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nursing program cost in Kansas of $1,200 represents just 3.73% of the starting certified nursing assistant pay ($32,212/year) in Dodge City. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on state nurse aide registry-approved CNA training programs meeting federal CMS requirements. Tuition varies widely between free employer-sponsored programs, community college courses, and private training schools.
CNA Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Dodge City
- 1Research the Dodge City market: entry-level certified nursing assistant pay ranges from $32,212 to $34,477, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the nursing field — employers in KS often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Dodge City, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Dodge City for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Dodge City's below-average cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Certified Nursing Assistant Compensation Range
The certified nursing assistant wage spread in Dodge City is $13,117 ( 40.72%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $32,212, experienced hygienists can earn up to $45,329.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$19,570
2025 BLS Actual
$30,246
2026 Current Est.
$32,212
2019–2027 Growth
+75.3%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Dodge City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $19,570 | Actual |
| 2020 | $20,274 | Actual |
| 2021 | $21,281 | Actual |
| 2022 | $24,979 | Actual |
| 2023 | $26,753 | Actual |
| 2024 | $22,646 | Actual |
| 2025 | $30,246 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $32,212 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $34,306 | Projected |
Entry-level certified nursing assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Dodge City, KS grew 54.6% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $19,570 in 2019 to $30,246 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $34,306. New graduates entering the Dodge City job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Dodge City 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.
Starting Your nursing Career in Dodge City
When looking for employment, new graduates can find promising opportunities in skilled nursing facilities, which often hire entry-level CNAs and provide paid training programs. While hospitals may prefer experienced staff, they sometimes offer apprenticeship pathways for novice CNAs willing to learn on the job. Home health agencies provide flexibility in scheduling, making them an attractive option for those with varying availability. Earning state CNA certification, which requires a minimum of 75 hours of training along with passing the state exam, is essential. Additional credentials such as CPR/BLS certification or specializations in areas like dementia or hospice care can further enhance starting pay in KS. With the CNA workforce experiencing significant turnover in recent years, the growth outlook for new CNAs is optimistic; many can anticipate easing into LPN or RN roles over the next few years, with a clear pathway forward in their healthcare careers.
More salary data for Dodge City, KS:
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
Entry-level 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 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new nursing graduates. A 6.50% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Dodge City. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Dodge City 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