Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Hastings, NE: $40,178 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time certified nursing assistant in Hastings, NE earns a median $40,178/year (≈ $19.32/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Once you factor in Hastings's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 91.5), that paycheck buys what $43,910 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.4% below the Nebraska state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Hastings, Nebraska, certified nursing assistants (CNAs) earn a projected median annual salary of $40,178 in 2026, significantly lower than the national median of $45,007. The local salary range spans from $32,145 at the 10th percentile to $46,955 at the 90th percentile, reflecting the wide variance influenced by factors such as facility type and experience level. These figures are derived from state-level data and adjusted for regional cost of living, which is indexed at 91.5, indicating that Hastings has a relatively affordable living environment. While the salary might fall short compared to national standards, it positions CNAs in Hastings for a stable role, especially as many pursue advancements like bridging to an LPN credential, which can enhance their earning potential and career trajectory.
About the Hastings Market
Salary estimated from Nebraska average ($34,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $32,145 | $15.45 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $34,834 | $16.75 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $40,178 | $19.32 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $43,792 | $21.06 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $46,955 | $22.58 |
Median Salary Position
10.73% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Hastings
In Hastings, NE, the certified nursing assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $14,810 (2026 est.). At $40,178, the local median is 10.73% below the national median of $45,007.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Hastings: You'd be above the median
How Hastings Certified Nursing Assistant Pay Compares
Hastings median: $40,178/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Hastings Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Nebraska Average | $41,166 | -2.40% less |
| National Average | $45,007 | -10.73% less |
Certified Nursing Assistants in Hastings, NE earn a median of $40,178 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.73% lower than the national median of $45,007 and 2.40% below the Nebraska state average of $41,166.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Hastings has a cost of living 8.50% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Hastings, NE has a cost-of-living index of 91.5 (below the national average of 100). A certified nursing assistant earning $40,178 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $43,910 in an average-cost city — an effective 9.29% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$26,478
2025 BLS Actual
$37,726
2026 Current Est.
$40,178
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Hastings (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26,478 | Actual |
| 2020 | $27,540 | Actual |
| 2021 | $27,058 | Actual |
| 2022 | $31,923 | Actual |
| 2023 | $34,102 | Actual |
| 2024 | $30,352 | Actual |
| 2025 | $37,726 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $40,178 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $42,790 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Hastings metropolitan area, the median certified nursing assistant salary grew 42.5% from $26,478 (2019) to $37,726 (2025). At a 6.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $42,790 by 2027 — a total increase of $16,312 (61.61%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Hastings 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) | $32,145 – $34,834 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $34,834 – $40,178 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $40,178 – $43,792 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $43,792 – $46,955 |
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 Hastings
While there are only five certified nursing assistants currently employed in Hastings, the local job market suggests opportunities for career growth and compensation enhancements. The area's cost-of-living index of 91.5 contributes positively to the overall purchasing power of CNAs, enabling them to enjoy a better quality of life despite lower salary projections. Employers such as skilled nursing facilities and rehabilitation hospitals typically offer competitive pay, with the potential for higher earnings through shift differentials; for instance, night shifts often command an additional $2-4 per hour, and weekend roles can incentivize pay by $1-3 per hour. Staffing shortages may also fuel agency premium pay, further broadening the income gap within the industry. For CNAs aiming to maximize their earnings in Hastings, pursuing certifications like the CMA or exploring specialized roles can open up additional financial opportunities, providing a pathway to significantly increase their incomes over time.
More salary data for Hastings, NE:
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 $37,726 for certified nursing assistantsin the Hastings 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 Hastings 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