Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay in Monroe, NC: $18.98 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a certified nursing assistant working in Monroe, NC runs $18.98 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $39,465 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Weighted against Monroe's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.6, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $20.28 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $23,685 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Monroe, North Carolina, the certified nursing assistant hourly pay is projected to be $18.98 in 2026, which is notably lower than the national hourly median of $21.64. This rate offers a considerable earning opportunity for part-time workers, especially those taking shifts in various settings like skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, and home health agencies. Part-time CNAs working three days a week can expect a solid income, while those seeking per diem positions may find their earnings fluctuate based on availability and demand. The hourly rates for entry-level positions start at around $16.27, while experienced professionals, especially in specialized roles, can earn up to $22.76, reflecting the diversity in job roles and responsibilities within the nursing assistant profession.
About the Monroe Market
Salary estimated from North Carolina average ($33,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $16.27 | $130.19 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $17.27 | $138.19 |
| Median (P50) | $18.98 | $151.83 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $21.08 | $168.61 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $22.76 | $182.07 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Monroe
Based on $18.98/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $18.98/hr, a certified nursing assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Monroe, NC can expect to earn approximately $39,475 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $22,774. With a cost-of-living index of 93.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Monroe.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Monroe
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $759.13 | $3,290 | $39,475 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $455.48 | $1,974 | $23,685 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $303.65 | $1,316 | $15,790 |
Compare CNA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Certified Nursing Assistant (Monroe) | $18.98 |
| 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 Monroe, NC earn a median of $39,465 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.31% lower than the national median of $45,007 and 3.90% below the North Carolina state average of $41,066.
Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $18.98/hr = $23,685/year (purchasing power: $25,304).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $39,475/year (purchasing power: $42,174).
CoL index: 93.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$12.51/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$17.82/hr
2026 Current Est.
$18.98/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Monroe (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $12.51/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $13.01/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $12.78/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $15.08/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $16.11/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $14.28/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $17.82/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $18.98/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $20.21/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for certified nursing assistants in Monroe grew 42.5% from $12.51/hr (2019) to $17.82/hr (2025). At a 6.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $20.21/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 Monroe 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 Monroe
Analyzing the part-time earning potential in Monroe for a certified nursing assistant, a worker putting in 24 hours over three days could anticipate a substantial annual take-home compared to full-time colleagues. While full-time CNAs across the region are often able to secure positions with benefits, per diem certified nursing assistant pay in Monroe often ranges from $22 to $32 per hour depending on the agency. Weekend-only contracts can even offer premiums that bump earnings to between $30 and $45 per hour in areas experiencing shortages. Various employer types—from hospitals to rehabilitation centers—can influence hourly wages significantly, so CNAs in Monroe need to consider working conditions alongside pay rates. In an environment where the workforce is still recovering from COVID-related turnover, understanding hourly pay intricacies aids in making informed career choices. When negotiating pay, CNAs should be aware of their worth based on skill level and be open to discussing benefits that may offset a lower hourly wage, especially when considering potential paths to LPN or RN roles.
More salary data for Monroe, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for certified nursing assistants in Monroe in 2026?
How much do part-time certified nursing assistants make in Monroe?
Are certified nursing assistants in Monroe paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time certified nursing assistant make per year in Monroe?
Do certified nursing assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Monroe?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in North Carolina
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 Monroe. 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 Monroe 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