Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay in Newark, DE: $21.86 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a certified nursing assistant working in Newark, DE runs $21.86 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $45,477 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Weighted against Newark's regional price level (BEA RPP 101.7, 2% above national), each hour of work buys what $21.50 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $27,287 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Newark, Delaware, certified nursing assistants earn a median hourly rate of $21.86, which is slightly above the national median of $21.64 per hour. This rate reflects the local demand for CNAs who typically work in various settings, including skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, assisted living centers, and through home health agencies. For part-time workers, who might average three days per week, and per-diem professionals operating on a flexible schedule, this pay rate translates to a decent income, given the variety of responsibilities involved in patient care. Hourly earnings can range from $18.16 for entry-level positions to $25.56 for top earners, indicating potential for growth within the field as skills and experience accumulate.
About the Newark Market
Salary estimated from Delaware average ($38,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $18.16 | $145.27 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.45 | $155.58 |
| Median (P50) | $21.86 | $174.92 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $23.83 | $190.68 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $25.56 | $204.48 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Newark
Based on $21.86/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $21.86/hr, a certified nursing assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Newark, DE can expect to earn approximately $45,478 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $26,237. With a cost-of-living index of 101.70 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Newark.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Newark
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $874.58 | $3,790 | $45,478 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $524.75 | $2,274 | $27,287 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $349.83 | $1,516 | $18,191 |
Compare CNA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Certified Nursing Assistant (Newark) | $21.86 |
| 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 Newark, DE earn a median of $45,477 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.04% higher than the national median of $45,007 and 0.60% below the Delaware state average of $45,751.
Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $21.86/hr = $27,287/year (purchasing power: $26,831).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $45,478/year (purchasing power: $44,718).
CoL index: 101.7 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$14.41/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$20.53/hr
2026 Current Est.
$21.86/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Newark (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $14.41/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $14.99/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $14.72/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $17.37/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $18.56/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $18.46/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $20.53/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $21.86/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $23.29/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for certified nursing assistants in Newark grew 42.5% from $14.41/hr (2019) to $20.53/hr (2025). At a 6.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $23.29/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 Newark 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 Newark
Analyzing earning potential can help CNAs make informed decisions about their employment choices. For those working part-time, clocking in 24 hours a week translates to approximately $27,205 annually, while full-time workers can expect to earn significantly more. In the per diem sector, certified nursing assistants can command rates anywhere from $22 to $32 per hour, with weekend contracts sometimes offering premiums between $30 and $45 per hour to address staffing shortages. Additionally, CNAs employed in specialized environments, such as rehabilitation hospitals or dialysis centers, may experience varying hourly rates depending on the employer's budget and patient demographics. It’s also common for CNAs to negotiate their pay, particularly in environments where benefits are offered in lieu of higher hourly rates. Understanding the specifics of the job market in Newark, DE, along with direct experience from their peers, can position CNAs to pursue better pay and enhance their career trajectory effectively.
More salary data for Newark, DE:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for certified nursing assistants in Newark in 2026?
How much do part-time certified nursing assistants make in Newark?
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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 Newark. 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 Newark 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