Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay in Omaha, NE: $20.49 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a certified nursing assistant working in Omaha, NE runs $20.49 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $42,621 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Weighted against Omaha's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.9, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $22.29 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $25,572 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Omaha, Nebraska, the projected certified nursing assistant hourly pay for 2026 stands at $20.49, which is slightly below the national hourly median of $21.64. This figure reflects the earnings potential for various working arrangements, including part-time shifts like three days a week or per-diem roles in settings such as skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, and home health visits. Those entering the workforce can expect to earn between $19.33 and $25.47 per hour, with the range accommodating both novice caregivers and seasoned professionals. The certified nursing assistant hourly rate in NE presents a viable option for individuals looking to significantly contribute in healthcare while maintaining flexible schedules.
Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $19.33 | $154.64 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.53 | $156.26 |
| Median (P50) | $20.49 | $163.92 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $23.95 | $191.61 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $25.47 | $203.80 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Omaha
Based on $20.49/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $20.49/hr, a certified nursing assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Omaha, NE can expect to earn approximately $42,620 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $24,589. With a cost-of-living index of 91.91 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Omaha.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Omaha
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $819.62 | $3,552 | $42,620 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $491.77 | $2,131 | $25,572 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $327.85 | $1,421 | $17,048 |
Compare CNA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Certified Nursing Assistant (Omaha) | $20.49 |
| 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 Omaha, NE earn a median of $42,621 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.30% lower than the national median of $45,007 and 3.50% above the Nebraska state average of $41,180.
Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $20.49/hr = $25,572/year (purchasing power: $27,823).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $42,620/year (purchasing power: $46,371).
CoL index: 91.911 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$14.44/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$19.24/hr
2026 Current Est.
$20.49/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+51.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Omaha (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $14.44/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $15.06/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $14.64/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $17.27/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $18.22/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $18.73/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $19.24/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $20.49/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $21.82/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for certified nursing assistants in Omaha grew 33.2% from $14.44/hr (2019) to $19.24/hr (2025). At a 6.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $21.82/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 Omaha 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 Omaha
Looking at part-time earnings, a certified nursing assistant working three days a week, totaling 24 hours, would take home around $25,520 annually. This contrasts with those who choose full-time roles, opening opportunities for benefits that might outweigh a higher hourly rate. In per diem arrangements, agency CNAs often earn between $22 and $32 per hour, with enticing premiums for weekend shifts that can reach $30 to $45 in markets facing staffing shortages. Hourly rates can also vary widely by employer type, with positions in hospitals potentially yielding higher earnings compared to those in assisted living facilities. This variation not only reflects the demand for services but also presents a trade-off between hourly wages and additional benefits like health insurance, making negotiations crucial for hourly workers navigating their career paths in Omaha.
More salary data for Omaha, NE:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for certified nursing assistants in Omaha in 2026?
How much do part-time certified nursing assistants make in Omaha?
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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 Omaha. 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