Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay in Paragould, AR: $17.62 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a certified nursing assistant working in Paragould, AR runs $17.62 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $36,632 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Weighted against Paragould's regional price level (BEA RPP 86.9, 13% below national), each hour of work buys what $20.27 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $21,984 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Paragould, AR, the projected certified nursing assistant hourly pay in 2026 stands at $17.62, significantly lower than the national median of $21.64. This disparity is indicative of the local job market, particularly for part-time or per-diem workers who often find themselves in roles across skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, and home health care settings. For those working three days a week, which typically amounts to 24 hours, the financial compensation can make a difference in meeting living expenses or pursuing further education in the healthcare field. Entry-level positions start at around $14.12 per hour, with experienced CNAs potentially earning as high as $21.72, though the majority will find themselves within the $17.62 median range as projected for 2026.
About the Paragould Market
Salary estimated from Arkansas average ($30,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $14.12 | $112.98 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $15.97 | $127.80 |
| Median (P50) | $17.62 | $140.92 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $19.88 | $159.07 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $21.72 | $173.72 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Paragould
Based on $17.62/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $17.62/hr, a certified nursing assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Paragould, AR can expect to earn approximately $36,639 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $21,138. With a cost-of-living index of 86.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Paragould.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Paragould
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $704.60 | $3,053 | $36,639 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $422.76 | $1,832 | $21,984 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $281.84 | $1,221 | $14,656 |
Compare CNA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Certified Nursing Assistant (Paragould) | $17.62 |
| 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 Paragould, AR earn a median of $36,632 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.61% lower than the national median of $45,007 and 2.30% below the Arkansas state average of $37,494.
Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $17.62/hr = $21,984/year (purchasing power: $25,298).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $36,639/year (purchasing power: $42,163).
CoL index: 86.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$11.61/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$16.54/hr
2026 Current Est.
$17.62/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Paragould (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $11.61/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $12.07/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $11.86/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $14.00/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $14.95/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $12.24/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $16.54/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $17.62/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $18.76/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for certified nursing assistants in Paragould grew 42.5% from $11.61/hr (2019) to $16.54/hr (2025). At a 6.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $18.76/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 Paragould 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 Paragould
Part-time certified nursing assistants in Paragould can take home a more modest income compared to those working full-time, as their earnings for a 24-hour workweek translate to approximately $21,950 annually. This is a stark contrast to the potential earnings in per-diem or agency work, where CNAs may command rates ranging from $22 to $32 per hour, with weekend premiums elevating pay even higher. For those considering a career path, many agencies offer lucrative contracts for travel CNAs, although these opportunities are less common. Hourly pay can vary considerably across employer types, with skilled nursing facilities typically offering less than hospitals or specialized clinics. Some CNAs opt for lower hourly rates in exchange for benefits such as health insurance. Negotiation is important; CNAs should advocate for competitive pay and flexibility in their schedules, especially in an evolving healthcare environment where demand remains high.
More salary data for Paragould, AR:
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 Paragould. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Paragould 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