Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay in Searcy, AR: $17.17 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a certified nursing assistant working in Searcy, AR runs $17.17 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $35,701 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Weighted against Searcy's regional price level (BEA RPP 86.9, 13% below national), each hour of work buys what $19.76 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $21,425 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Searcy, Arkansas, certified nursing assistants earn a median hourly rate of $17.17, which falls significantly below the national median of $21.64. This disparity can be important for part-time workers, especially those who may be considering a three-day workweek. For instance, working 24 hours weekly, part-time CNAs in Searcy can expect to earn approximately $13,361 annually, a figure that does not come close to a full-time salary. The hourly earnings in this region range from $14.38 at entry-level positions to $19.07 for more experienced professionals, making it crucial for CNAs to assess their options, particularly when exploring roles in skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, or assisted living environments.
About the Searcy 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) | $14.38 | $115.02 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $15.26 | $122.09 |
| Median (P50) | $17.17 | $137.34 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $18.19 | $145.52 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $19.07 | $152.59 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Searcy
Based on $17.17/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $17.17/hr, a certified nursing assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Searcy, AR can expect to earn approximately $35,709 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $20,601. With a cost-of-living index of 86.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Searcy.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Searcy
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $686.71 | $2,976 | $35,709 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $412.03 | $1,785 | $21,425 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $274.68 | $1,190 | $14,284 |
Compare CNA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Certified Nursing Assistant (Searcy) | $17.17 |
| 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 Searcy, AR earn a median of $35,701 per year (2026 est.), which is 20.68% lower than the national median of $45,007 and 4.80% below the Arkansas state average of $37,501.
Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $17.17/hr = $21,425/year (purchasing power: $24,655).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $35,709/year (purchasing power: $41,092).
CoL index: 86.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$11.31/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$16.12/hr
2026 Current Est.
$17.17/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Searcy (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $11.31/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $11.77/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $11.56/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $13.64/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $14.57/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $11.93/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $16.12/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $17.17/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $18.28/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for certified nursing assistants in Searcy grew 42.5% from $11.31/hr (2019) to $16.12/hr (2025). At a 6.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $18.28/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 Searcy 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 Searcy
For those considering the part-time route, working as a certified nursing assistant in Searcy presents both unique opportunities and challenges. A 3-day/week commitment allows for a flexible schedule, but it results in lower annual earnings compared to full-time CNAs. Some may choose per diem or agency roles, where the pay ranges from $22 to $32 per hour, offering more lucrative pay for those willing to work in shortage areas. Weekend and holiday shifts for CNAs sometimes command premium pay rates, reaching $30 to $45 per hour. Different sectors, such as hospitals or home health agencies, might offer varied hourly rates influenced by demand and the specific nursing setting. Additionally, the decision between pursuing a higher hourly wage without benefits or accepting a lower rate with health insurance plays into overall compensation strategy. For those seeking competitive offers, developing negotiation skills will be essential, particularly in an environment where staffing shortages are prevalent.
More salary data for Searcy, 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 Searcy. 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 Searcy 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