Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay in Charlotte, NC: $20.19 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a certified nursing assistant working in Charlotte, NC runs $20.19 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $41,993 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Weighted against Charlotte's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.3, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $20.74 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $25,200 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
Certified nursing assistants in Charlotte, North Carolina, can expect to earn a median hourly rate of $20.19, which is slightly below the national median of $21.64. This figure provides a practical insight for both part-time workers, such as those on a three-day-a-week schedule, as well as per-diem certified nursing assistants fulfilling roles in various healthcare settings like skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, and home health environments. The hourly pay ranges from $17.27 for entry-level positions to $25.11 for more experienced professionals. This data draws from the Bureau of Labor Statistics 2025 OEWS projections, representing the upcoming trend for certified nursing assistant hourly pay in Charlotte, NC.
Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $17.27 | $138.19 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.19 | $153.53 |
| Median (P50) | $20.19 | $161.54 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $23.69 | $189.48 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $25.11 | $200.90 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Charlotte
Based on $20.19/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $20.19/hr, a certified nursing assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Charlotte, NC can expect to earn approximately $42,000 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $24,231. With a cost-of-living index of 97.35 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Charlotte.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Charlotte
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $807.70 | $3,500 | $42,000 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $484.62 | $2,100 | $25,200 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $323.08 | $1,400 | $16,800 |
Compare CNA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Certified Nursing Assistant (Charlotte) | $20.19 |
| 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 Charlotte, NC earn a median of $41,993 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.70% lower than the national median of $45,007 and 2.30% above the North Carolina state average of $41,049.
Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $20.19/hr = $25,200/year (purchasing power: $25,887).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $42,000/year (purchasing power: $43,144).
CoL index: 97.348 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$13.03/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$18.96/hr
2026 Current Est.
$20.19/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+65.0%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Charlotte (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $13.03/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $13.96/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $14.24/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $16.16/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $17.92/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $18.55/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $18.96/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $20.19/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $21.50/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for certified nursing assistants in Charlotte grew 45.5% from $13.03/hr (2019) to $18.96/hr (2025). At a 6.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $21.50/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 Charlotte 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 Charlotte
When considering part-time employment, a certified nursing assistant working 24 hours weekly could take home around $25,200 annually, making it a viable option for those seeking flexibility. Per diem certified nursing assistant pay in Charlotte can be higher, with agency rates commonly ranging between $22 and $32 per hour. Weekend-only premium contracts can fetch as high as $30 to $45, particularly in areas facing staffing shortages. Hourly wages differ across employer types, with skilled nursing facilities typically paying less than hospital settings or hospice environments. It's also noteworthy that some CNAs might accept lower hourly rates for jobs offering health benefits, which can compensate for the pay difference. For those negotiating hourly wages in Charlotte, it’s advisable to research pay rates for various settings, highlight any specialized skills, and remain open to shift differentials, which can increase earnings.
More salary data for Charlotte, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for certified nursing assistants in Charlotte in 2026?
How much do part-time certified nursing assistants make in Charlotte?
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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 Charlotte. 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