Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay in Metairie, LA: $17.64 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a certified nursing assistant working in Metairie, LA runs $17.64 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $36,684 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Weighted against Metairie's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.3, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $19.53 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $22,010 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Metairie, Louisiana, the certified nursing assistant hourly pay is projected to be $17.64 in 2026, which is noticeably below the national median hourly rate of $21.64. This rate can affect the earning potential of part-time and per-diem CNAs, who often work three days a week in various healthcare settings such as skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, and home health agencies. For someone working a typical part-time schedule of 24 hours per week, the lower hourly pay may limit financial flexibility compared to full-time counterparts. Hourly wages in Metairie range from $13.34 for entry-level positions to $22.70 for more experienced or specialized roles, highlighting the variability within the field as CNAs gain experience and additional qualifications. Potential employees should be aware that while the estimated figures are based on anticipated annual salaries, the hourly rates present a more immediate understanding of earning potential.
About the Metairie Market
Salary estimated from Louisiana average ($30,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $13.34 | $106.76 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $15.91 | $127.29 |
| Median (P50) | $17.64 | $141.09 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $19.68 | $157.45 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $22.70 | $181.56 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Metairie
Based on $17.64/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $17.64/hr, a certified nursing assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Metairie, LA can expect to earn approximately $36,684 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $21,164. With a cost-of-living index of 90.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Metairie.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Metairie
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $705.46 | $3,057 | $36,684 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $423.27 | $1,834 | $22,010 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $282.18 | $1,223 | $14,673 |
Compare CNA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Certified Nursing Assistant (Metairie) | $17.64 |
| 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 Metairie, LA earn a median of $36,684 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.49% lower than the national median of $45,007 and 8.70% above the Louisiana state average of $33,748.
Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $17.64/hr = $22,010/year (purchasing power: $24,375).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $36,684/year (purchasing power: $40,624).
CoL index: 90.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$11.62/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$16.56/hr
2026 Current Est.
$17.64/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Metairie (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $11.62/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $12.09/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $11.88/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $14.01/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $14.97/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $13.20/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $16.56/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $17.64/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $18.78/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for certified nursing assistants in Metairie grew 42.5% from $11.62/hr (2019) to $16.56/hr (2025). At a 6.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $18.78/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 Metairie 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 Metairie
When considering the financial outcomes for certified nursing assistants in Metairie, part-time workers typically bring home less than those who work full-time but benefit from more flexible schedules. A CNA working 24 hours per week would earn around $23,136 annually, considerably less than a full-time counterpart. Meanwhile, per diem certified nursing assistant pay in Metairie can be as much as $22-$32 per hour when agencies are involved, with weekend-only contracts offering premiums that can increase earnings to $30-$45 per hour in high-demand scenarios. The types of employers also significantly influence hourly pay; positions in hospitals, for instance, might offer higher wages compared to assisted living communities. Additionally, many CNAs face the ongoing challenge of deciding between higher hourly pay with no benefits or slightly reduced rates with healthcare coverage, which could be crucial for their financial planning. For those negotiating their salaries, understanding the local market and knowing the value of their skills can allow them to secure better hourly rates, especially in light of the rising demand for healthcare workers.
More salary data for Metairie, LA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for certified nursing assistants in Metairie in 2026?
How much do part-time certified nursing assistants make in Metairie?
Are certified nursing assistants in Metairie paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time certified nursing assistant make per year in Metairie?
Do certified nursing assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Metairie?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Louisiana
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 Metairie. 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 Metairie 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