Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay in Huntsville, AL: $18.03 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a certified nursing assistant working in Huntsville, AL runs $18.03 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $37,499 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Weighted against Huntsville's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.1, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $19.37 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $22,502 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Huntsville, Alabama, certified nursing assistants earn a median hourly rate of $18.03, which is notably lower than the national hourly median of $21.64. This disparity indicates that CNAs in Huntsville may find part-time roles less financially rewarding compared to those in other regions. For those working three days a week, which typically amounts to about 24 hours, the earnings over a year may not fully cover living expenses, especially given the local cost of living index at 93.072. Entry-level positions start at approximately $14.39 per hour, and experienced CNAs can earn up to $20.11 hourly, reflecting a broad pay range that can influence one's job selection across various settings such as hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, assisted living centers, and home health care.
Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $14.39 | $115.11 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $15.58 | $124.65 |
| Median (P50) | $18.03 | $144.24 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $18.48 | $147.82 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $20.11 | $160.86 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Huntsville
Based on $18.03/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $18.03/hr, a certified nursing assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Huntsville, AL can expect to earn approximately $37,503 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $21,637. With a cost-of-living index of 93.07 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Huntsville.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Huntsville
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $721.22 | $3,125 | $37,503 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $432.73 | $1,875 | $22,502 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $288.49 | $1,250 | $15,001 |
Compare CNA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Certified Nursing Assistant (Huntsville) | $18.03 |
| Licensed Practical Nurse (National Avg) | $29.34 |
| Home Health / Personal Care Aide (National Avg) | $16.80 |
| Medical Assistant (National Avg) | $19.70 |
| Psychiatric Aide (National Avg) | $18.50 |
Certified Nursing Assistants in Huntsville, AL earn a median of $37,499 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.68% lower than the national median of $45,007 and 5.10% above the Alabama state average of $35,679.
Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $18.03/hr = $22,502/year (purchasing power: $24,177).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $37,503/year (purchasing power: $40,295).
CoL index: 93.072 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$11.92/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$16.93/hr
2026 Current Est.
$18.03/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+61.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Huntsville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $11.92/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $12.61/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $13.80/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $13.66/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $14.69/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $15.56/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $16.93/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $18.03/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $19.20/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for certified nursing assistants in Huntsville grew 42.0% from $11.92/hr (2019) to $16.93/hr (2025). At a 6.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $19.20/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem certified nursing assistants can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Huntsville 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.
Working as an Hourly Certified Nursing Assistant in Huntsville
For certified nursing assistants in Huntsville, working part-time can significantly affect earning potential. A typical 24-hour work week yields an annual income that may leave CNAs earning less than what is needed to meet their expenses, especially when living costs are considered. In contrast, per diem certified nursing assistant pay in Huntsville can vary widely, with agencies often billing between $22 and $32 per hour, especially for weekend shifts that can reach up to $30-$45. These premium rates can make per diem positions attractive despite the lack of benefits. Moreover, hourly rates can differ greatly by employer type, with hospitals generally offering competitive pay reflects the increasing demand for CNAs post-COVID. While some choose to accept lower hourly wages for guaranteed benefits, others may negotiate higher rates by emphasizing flexibility in their schedules, which can be particularly beneficial as CNAs consider potential transitions to LPN or RN roles in their career progression.
More salary data for Huntsville, AL:
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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 6.50% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for certified nursing assistants in Huntsville. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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