Entry-Level Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Evanston, WY: $36,211 (2026)
Quick Answer:New certified nursing assistants entering the Evanston, WY job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $36,211 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-1131, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Evanston's local price level (BEA RPP 95.8 — 4% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $37,799 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($40,415) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, recent graduates entering the field of nursing may anticipate starting salaries as low as $36,211 per year in Evanston, Wyoming. While this figure is modest compared to the median annual salary of $40,415 for all certified nursing assistants in the area, it provides a stepping stone for career growth. Over the first few years, new CNAs can move from entry-level positions into those earning around $37,663 fairly quickly, fueled by additional training and on-the-job experience. Given the current job market and competitive hiring practices, Evanston offers a reasonable environment for new graduates seeking certification as nursing assistants.
About the Evanston Market
Salary estimated from Wyoming average ($36,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Evanston
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 Evanston
Entry-level certified nursing assistants in Evanston, WY typically start between $36,211 and $37,663 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $8,805 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $40,415 — 10.2% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nursing program cost in Wyoming of $1,500 represents just 4.14% of the starting certified nursing assistant pay ($36,211/year) in Evanston. 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 Evanston
- 1Research the Evanston market: entry-level certified nursing assistant pay ranges from $36,211 to $37,663, 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 WY often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Evanston, 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 Evanston for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Evanston's moderate 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 Evanston is $8,805 ( 24.32%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $36,211, experienced hygienists can earn up to $45,016.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$21,999
2025 BLS Actual
$34,001
2026 Current Est.
$36,211
2019–2027 Growth
+75.3%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Evanston (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21,999 | Actual |
| 2020 | $22,791 | Actual |
| 2021 | $23,923 | Actual |
| 2022 | $28,080 | Actual |
| 2023 | $30,074 | Actual |
| 2024 | $28,654 | Actual |
| 2025 | $34,001 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $36,211 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $38,565 | Projected |
Entry-level certified nursing assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Evanston, WY grew 54.6% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $21,999 in 2019 to $34,001 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $38,565. New graduates entering the Evanston job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Evanston 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 Evanston
When considering employment opportunities, several local facilities actively hire entry-level CNAs in Evanston. Skilled nursing facilities often welcome new grads through paid training programs, creating an attractive option for those entering the workforce. Meanwhile, hospital systems may favor candidates with experience but often offer apprenticeship pathways for motivated beginners. Home health agencies look for flexible staff who can manage diverse schedules. For those looking to boost their starting certified nursing assistant pay in WY, obtaining state certification, CPR/BLS credentials, or further education in specialized areas like dementia care can prove advantageous. Networking with local healthcare providers and pursuing continuing education may also enhance salary prospects significantly. Given the post-COVID demand, especially in long-term care settings, most new graduates can expect upward salary progression as they gain experience and skills.
More salary data for Evanston, WY:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for certified nursing assistants in Evanston in 2026?
How fast do certified nursing assistant salaries grow in Evanston?
Is nursing school worth it in Evanston?
What do new certified nursing assistants make right out of school in Evanston?
How do I become a certified nursing assistant in Wyoming?
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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 Evanston. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Evanston 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