Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay in Rochester, MN: $23.98 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a certified nursing assistant working in Rochester, MN runs $23.98 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $49,885 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Weighted against Rochester's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.8, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $26.41 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $29,932 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Rochester, the certified nursing assistant hourly pay is projected to reach $23.98 in 2026, notably exceeding the national hourly median of $21.64. This increase in hourly earnings suggests a favorable environment for CNAs, whether they choose to work part-time for three days a week or pursue per diem opportunities across various settings such as skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, and assisted living communities. The hourly wage range for CNAs in Rochester varies from $19.63 at entry-level positions to $27.55 for those at the top of their game, reflecting both experience and the intensity of the care environment. Such official BLS data indicates that opportunities in Rochester not only promise competitive hourly rates but also a potential for growth in earnings as the role evolves within the healthcare system.
Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $19.63 | $157.02 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $20.46 | $163.67 |
| Median (P50) | $23.98 | $191.87 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $24.01 | $192.04 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $27.55 | $220.41 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Rochester
Based on $23.98/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $23.98/hr, a certified nursing assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Rochester, MN can expect to earn approximately $49,886 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $28,781. With a cost-of-living index of 90.82 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Rochester.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Rochester
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $959.35 | $4,157 | $49,886 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $575.61 | $2,494 | $29,932 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $383.74 | $1,663 | $19,955 |
Compare CNA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Certified Nursing Assistant (Rochester) | $23.98 |
| 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 Rochester, MN earn a median of $49,885 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.84% higher than the national median of $45,007 and 0.90% above the Minnesota state average of $49,440.
Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $23.98/hr = $29,932/year (purchasing power: $32,957).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $49,886/year (purchasing power: $54,928).
CoL index: 90.821 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$17.07/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.52/hr
2026 Current Est.
$23.98/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Rochester (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $17.07/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $17.51/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.74/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $18.85/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $19.32/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $22.56/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.52/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23.98/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $25.54/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for certified nursing assistants in Rochester grew 31.9% from $17.07/hr (2019) to $22.52/hr (2025). At a 6.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $25.54/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 Rochester 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 Rochester
Exploring the part-time potential for certified nursing assistants reveals interesting dynamics in earnings. For instance, a CNA working three days a week, totaling 24 hours, could earn over $1,700 monthly assuming a stable hourly rate, significantly less than what full-time workers might bring in. Additionally, per diem certified nursing assistant pay in Rochester tends to fluctuate, as agency roles may offer between $22 to $32 per hour, with premium weekend shifts sometimes reaching $30 to $45 per hour in response to staffing shortages. It's crucial to understand how hourly rates can differ by employer type; hospitals often pay more than home health agencies, where CNAs might sacrifice some pay for benefits. This trade-off becomes essential for CNAs navigating their career options. When negotiating their hourly rate, CNAs should consider the full benefits package versus hourly pay, especially in a post-COVID market where job retention remains critical.
More salary data for Rochester, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for certified nursing assistants in Rochester in 2026?
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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 Rochester. 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