Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Scottsbluff, NE: $39,520 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time certified nursing assistant in Scottsbluff, NE earns a median $39,520/year (≈ $19.00/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Once you factor in Scottsbluff's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 91.5), that paycheck buys what $43,191 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.0% below the Nebraska state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the average certified nursing assistant salary in Scottsbluff, NE, is projected to be $39,520 annually, which is notably lower than the national average of $45,007. This salary reflects the competitive landscape of healthcare employment in the region, particularly distinguishing pay between skilled nursing facilities and hospitals, where hospital roles may offer higher compensation due to the acuity levels of patients. The local salary range is expected to span from $32,418 at the lower end to $44,526 at the upper end, allowing for some variability based on specific job functions and shift differentials. These figures are derived from state-level data and adjusted for the regional cost of living, which is lower than the national average, further influencing how compensation translates into take-home pay for certified nursing assistants in Scottsbluff.
About the Scottsbluff Market
Salary estimated from Nebraska average ($34,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $32,418 | $15.58 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $37,099 | $17.84 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $39,520 | $19.00 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $42,259 | $20.32 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $44,526 | $21.41 |
Median Salary Position
12.19% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Scottsbluff
In Scottsbluff, NE, the certified nursing assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $12,108 (2026 est.). At $39,520, the local median is 12.19% below the national median of $45,007.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Scottsbluff: You'd be above the median
How Scottsbluff Certified Nursing Assistant Pay Compares
Scottsbluff median: $39,520/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Scottsbluff Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Nebraska Average | $41,167 | -4.00% less |
| National Average | $45,007 | -12.19% less |
Certified Nursing Assistants in Scottsbluff, NE earn a median of $39,520 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.19% lower than the national median of $45,007 and 4.00% below the Nebraska state average of $41,167.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Scottsbluff 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.
Scottsbluff, NE has a cost-of-living index of 91.5 (below the national average of 100). A certified nursing assistant earning $39,520 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $43,191 in an average-cost city — an effective 9.29% boost.
Compare Purchasing Power
Select a city to see how your salary compares after cost of living
Select a city above to compare purchasing power
2019 BLS Actual
$26,044
2025 BLS Actual
$37,108
2026 Current Est.
$39,520
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Scottsbluff (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26,044 | Actual |
| 2020 | $27,089 | Actual |
| 2021 | $26,615 | Actual |
| 2022 | $31,400 | Actual |
| 2023 | $33,543 | Actual |
| 2024 | $29,855 | Actual |
| 2025 | $37,108 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $39,520 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $42,089 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Scottsbluff metropolitan area, the median certified nursing assistant salary grew 42.5% from $26,044 (2019) to $37,108 (2025). At a 6.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $42,089 by 2027 — a total increase of $16,045 (61.61%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Scottsbluff 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) | $32,418 – $37,099 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $37,099 – $39,520 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $39,520 – $42,259 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $42,259 – $44,526 |
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 Scottsbluff
With only four certified nursing assistants employed in the area, the job market for this profession remains relatively narrow, yet steady, within Scottsbluff. The local cost-of-living index stands at 91.5, offering a more manageable economic environment for workers despite the lower pay scale. Employers that tend to offer higher compensation often include hospitals and skilled nursing facilities, particularly for those taking on roles like acute care or weekend shifts. The observed salary disparities largely stem from various factors, including shift differentials that can add $2-4 per hour for nights and $1-3 for weekends, along with agency premiums during staffing shortages. Efficiency in pay can also be influenced by certifications such as the CMA stipend and patient acuity levels. For those looking to maximize their earnings, seeking opportunities in higher-paying institutions or pursuing additional relevant certifications that enhance skillsets could yield better financial outcomes in this improving market for certified nursing assistant pay in Scottsbluff, NE.
More salary data for Scottsbluff, NE:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do certified nursing assistants make in Scottsbluff, NE in 2026?
Is Scottsbluff, NE a good place to work as a certified nursing assistant?
Can certified nursing assistants make $100K in Scottsbluff?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted certified nursing assistant salary in Scottsbluff?
How much does a certified nursing assistant make per hour in Scottsbluff?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Nebraska
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 $37,108 for certified nursing assistantsin the Scottsbluff 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 Scottsbluff 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