Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay in Jacksonville, NC: $18.37 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a certified nursing assistant working in Jacksonville, NC runs $18.37 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $38,212 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Weighted against Jacksonville's regional price level (BEA RPP 92.1, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $19.95 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $22,927 per year.
Official BLS data · View source

In Jacksonville, North Carolina, the certified nursing assistant hourly pay stands at an estimated $18.37 for 2026. This figure is notably lower than the national median hourly rate of $21.64, indicating that CNAs in the region make approximately 15.10% less than their counterparts nationwide. For part-time employees working three days a week, at 24 hours, this translates into a manageable earning capacity, particularly in settings like skilled nursing facilities and assisted living apartments. The hourly pay can vary significantly, ranging from $15.43 for entry-level positions to $21.54 for more experienced practitioners, illustrating a clear path for career advancement in nursing support roles within the community.
Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $15.43 | $123.45 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $16.43 | $131.46 |
| Median (P50) | $18.37 | $146.97 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $19.56 | $156.51 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $21.54 | $172.36 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Jacksonville
Based on $18.37/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $18.37/hr, a certified nursing assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Jacksonville, NC can expect to earn approximately $38,212 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $22,046. With a cost-of-living index of 92.08 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Jacksonville.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Jacksonville
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $734.85 | $3,184 | $38,212 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $440.91 | $1,911 | $22,927 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $293.94 | $1,274 | $15,285 |
Compare CNA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Certified Nursing Assistant (Jacksonville) | $18.37 |
| 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 Jacksonville, NC earn a median of $38,212 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.10% lower than the national median of $45,007 and 6.90% below the North Carolina state average of $41,044.
Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $18.37/hr = $22,927/year (purchasing power: $24,898).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $38,212/year (purchasing power: $41,497).
CoL index: 92.085 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$11.16/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$17.25/hr
2026 Current Est.
$18.37/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+75.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Jacksonville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $11.16/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $11.60/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $13.46/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $13.36/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $14.93/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $16.02/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $17.25/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $18.37/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $19.57/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for certified nursing assistants in Jacksonville grew 54.6% from $11.16/hr (2019) to $17.25/hr (2025). At a 6.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $19.57/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 Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville
Part-time certified nursing assistants in Jacksonville who work a 24-hour schedule can expect to take home approximately $38,200 annually, falling short of the earnings that full-time positions might offer. For those exploring per diem opportunities, compensation ranges widely, with agency jobs often billing between $22 and $32 per hour. Weekend shifts or premium contracts may surge to $30-$45 in high-demand areas, reflecting the urgent need for skilled care, especially post-COVID. This variability in hourly rates, influenced by the employer type—such as hospitals or home health agencies—can affect overall income potential. While some CNAs may opt for lower hourly rates in exchange for benefits like health insurance, others may prioritize higher wages without such benefits, demonstrating the necessity to negotiate wisely based on personal and professional circumstances.
More salary data for Jacksonville, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for certified nursing assistants in Jacksonville in 2026?
How much do part-time certified nursing assistants make in Jacksonville?
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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 Jacksonville. 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