Average Nursing Assistants Salary in Washington
Nursing Assistants in Washington State earn an impressive average annual salary of $49,960, notably exceeding the national average of $41,050. This higher compensation is often a reflection of the state's robust economy and potentially higher demand for healthcare professionals, which influences pay scales across various sectors.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $49,960 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 37.6% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $60,220.
- Outlook: With a substantial local workforce of 28,080 Nursing Assistants, Washington demonstrates a significant presence in this vital healthcare role. The Location Quotient of 0.88 suggests that while the concentration is slightly below the national average, the sheer volume of professionals indicates a stable and active job market for Nursing Assistants within the state.
Salary Overview
The average Nursing Assistants in Washington earns+21.7%above the national average.
$24
$961
$4,163
Nursing Assistants Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Nursing Assistants in Washington have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends of increasing wages in healthcare professions. This upward trajectory is likely driven by ongoing demand and the increasing need for skilled caregivers.
Nursing Assistants Salary Distribution in Washington
Salary progression for Nursing Assistants in Washington typically correlates with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills or supervisory roles can command significantly higher salaries, often reaching into the upper percentiles. These percentile gaps clearly signify opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $40,170 | $19.3 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $37,470 | $18 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $48,260 | $23.2 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $62,450 | $30 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $60,220 | $29 |
Detailed Nursing Assistants Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$49,960
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$43,406
Adjusted for COL (115.1)
The average annual salary of $49,960 in Washington presents a mixed financial picture when juxtaposed with the state's Cost of Living Index of 115.1. While the nominal salary is attractive and higher than the national average, the cost of living being 15.1% above the national average means that the purchasing power of this salary may be somewhat diminished compared to living in a lower-cost area.
Job Market Context
28,080
Total Jobs
7.934
Per 1K Jobs
0.88
Location Quotient
Washington has 0.88x the national average concentration of Nursing Assistants jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
A Location Quotient of 0.88 indicates that Nursing Assistants are slightly less concentrated in Washington compared to the national average. This suggests that while the profession is well-established, the market may not be oversaturated, potentially offering a balanced environment for job seekers where demand is consistent without overwhelming competition.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Nursing Assistants
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA Nursing Assistants Salary | $52,500↑ 5% | 42 mi |
| Wenatchee-East Wenatchee, WA Nursing Assistants Salary | $47,120↓ 6% | 54 mi |
| Bremerton-Silverdale-Port Orchard, WA Nursing Assistants Salary | $47,700↓ 5% | 58 mi |
| Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA Nursing Assistants Salary | $48,070↓ 4% | 70 mi |
| Yakima, WA Nursing Assistants Salary | $45,820↓ 8% | 71 mi |
Comparing salaries near Washington
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Nursing Assistants make in Washington?
The median annual salary for a Nursing Assistants in Washington is $49,960. This typically ranges from $40,170 for entry-level positions to $60,220 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Washington is 21.7% higher than the national median of $41,050.
Is Washington a lucrative place for Nursing Assistants?
Yes, Washington offers a lucrative environment for Nursing Assistants.Nursing Assistants in Washington earn a higher average salary than the national average, indicating strong earning potential. However, the higher cost of living should also be factored into overall financial well-being.
Is Washington a good place to live for Nursing Assistants?
The Cost of Living Index in Washington is 115.1. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Washington?
Some top paying nearby cities include Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($52,500) and Wenatchee-East Wenatchee, WA.
How does Washington's Nursing Assistant salary compare to the national average?
Nursing Assistants in Washington earn an average of $49,960 annually, which is significantly higher than the national average of $41,050.
What is the Cost of Living in Washington compared to the rest of the US?
Washington has a Cost of Living Index of 115.1, meaning it is 15.1% more expensive to live there than the national average.
How many Nursing Assistants are there in Washington?
Washington employs a substantial workforce of 28,080 Nursing Assistants.
Is the job market for Nursing Assistants strong in Washington?
With a significant workforce and a Location Quotient close to the national average, the job market for Nursing Assistants in Washington appears robust and stable.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 28,080 employees in the Washington area with a job density of 7.934 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Nursing Assistants • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Washington