Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay in Ruston, LA: $15.60 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a certified nursing assistant working in Ruston, LA runs $15.60 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $32,455 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Weighted against Ruston's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.3, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $17.28 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $19,472 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Ruston, Louisiana, the certified nursing assistant hourly pay stands at a median of $15.60, which reflects a substantial gap compared to the national hourly median of $21.64. This disparity may impact part-time workers and per-diem certified nursing assistants, who typically float between various settings such as skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, and home health agencies. With hourly earnings ranging from $13.33 at the lower end to $18.18 for top earners, these professionals can create flexible work schedules that cater to their needs and financial situations. For those engaged in shifts at residential areas or hospice, the compensation might also reflect weekend differentials or incentive pay, making the roles attractive for individuals seeking supplemental income alongside their studies or other commitments.
About the Ruston 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) | $13.33 | $106.67 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $14.08 | $112.63 |
| Median (P50) | $15.60 | $124.82 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $17.05 | $136.41 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $18.18 | $145.44 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Ruston
Based on $15.60/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $15.60/hr, a certified nursing assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Ruston, LA can expect to earn approximately $32,453 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $18,723. With a cost-of-living index of 90.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Ruston.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Ruston
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $624.09 | $2,704 | $32,453 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $374.45 | $1,623 | $19,472 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $249.64 | $1,082 | $12,981 |
Compare CNA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Certified Nursing Assistant (Ruston) | $15.60 |
| 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 Ruston, LA earn a median of $32,455 per year (2026 est.), which is 27.89% lower than the national median of $45,007 and 3.80% below the Louisiana state average of $33,737.
Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $15.60/hr = $19,472/year (purchasing power: $21,563).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $32,453/year (purchasing power: $35,939).
CoL index: 90.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$10.28/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$14.65/hr
2026 Current Est.
$15.60/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Ruston (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $10.28/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $10.69/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $10.51/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $12.40/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $13.24/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $12.52/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $14.65/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $15.60/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $16.62/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for certified nursing assistants in Ruston grew 42.5% from $10.28/hr (2019) to $14.65/hr (2025). At a 6.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $16.62/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 Ruston 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 Ruston
Evaluating the earning potential of part-time certified nursing assistants in Ruston, those working a three-day work week can expect to bring home a considerable income, especially when compared to full-time counterparts. While the certified nursing assistant hourly rate in LA may seem lower, agency and per diem certified nursing assistant pay can surpass traditional wages, with some earning between $22 and $32 per hour. Moreover, weekend shifts and high-demand contracts can yield pay as high as $30 to $45 an hour, even occasionally attracting lucrative travel opportunities. Hourly rates may vary by employer types, with specialized settings like intensive care units or rehabilitation hospitals often offering higher pay but potentially less flexibility. Certified nursing assistants seeking to maximize their wage potential should consider negotiating for benefits, especially if they sacrifice higher hourly rates in favor of stable health insurance packages.
More salary data for Ruston, LA:
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 Ruston. 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 Ruston 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