Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay in Indianapolis, IN: $19.90 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a certified nursing assistant working in Indianapolis, IN runs $19.90 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $41,407 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Weighted against Indianapolis's regional price level (BEA RPP 95.7, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $20.80 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $24,841 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
The certified nursing assistant hourly pay in Indianapolis stands at $19.90 per hour, which is somewhat below the national median of $21.64. This hourly rate positions CNAs in a range from $18.65 for entry-level positions to about $24.19 for those at the top end of the pay scale. For CNAs working part-time, typically three days a week, this translates into a gross weekly income of around $478.80 before tax, making it feasible for those balancing other obligations. Additionally, per diem CNAs in Indianapolis can find a varied landscape in terms of hourly compensation, significantly influencing their decision on shifts and work settings. Whether in skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, or home health agencies, the pay reflects the local demand and cost of living, which is indexed at 95.696, suggesting that overall expenses are slightly lower than the national average.
Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $18.65 | $149.19 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.20 | $153.62 |
| Median (P50) | $19.90 | $159.24 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $23.05 | $184.37 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $24.19 | $193.49 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Indianapolis
Based on $19.90/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $19.90/hr, a certified nursing assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Indianapolis, IN can expect to earn approximately $41,402 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $23,886. With a cost-of-living index of 95.70 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Indianapolis.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Indianapolis
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $796.19 | $3,450 | $41,402 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $477.72 | $2,070 | $24,841 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $318.48 | $1,380 | $16,561 |
Compare CNA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Certified Nursing Assistant (Indianapolis) | $19.90 |
| 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 Indianapolis, IN earn a median of $41,407 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.00% lower than the national median of $45,007 and 2.40% above the Indiana state average of $40,437.
Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $19.90/hr = $24,841/year (purchasing power: $25,959).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $41,402/year (purchasing power: $43,264).
CoL index: 95.696 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$14.20/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$18.69/hr
2026 Current Est.
$19.90/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Indianapolis (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $14.20/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $14.44/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $14.42/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $16.79/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $18.04/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $18.35/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $18.69/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $19.90/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $21.20/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for certified nursing assistants in Indianapolis grew 31.6% from $14.20/hr (2019) to $18.69/hr (2025). At a 6.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $21.20/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 Indianapolis 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 Indianapolis
Examining the financial aspects more closely, a certified nursing assistant working a part-time schedule in Indianapolis could expect to earn around $20,000 annually based on their three-day workweek. This contrasts sharply with what full-time CNAs may achieve, showcasing a clear earning gap for those choosing flexibility over steady hours. The per diem model offers higher earning potential, with agency CNAs often billing between $22 and $32 per hour, especially when they take on challenging shifts, such as weekends that might pay as much as $30 to $45. The hourly rates vary considerably depending on the employer; skilled nursing facilities tend to offer lower rates compared to hospitals or specialized health agencies. Some CNAs opt for lower hourly wages in exchange for benefits such as health insurance, highlighting an essential trade-off in their financial strategy. For those negotiating in Indianapolis, understanding the pay spectrum and advocating for supplemental perks or shift differentials can markedly enhance their overall compensation package.
More salary data for Indianapolis, IN:
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 Indianapolis. 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