Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay in Wake Forest, NC: $19.46 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a certified nursing assistant working in Wake Forest, NC runs $19.46 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $40,467 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Weighted against Wake Forest's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.6, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $20.79 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $24,283 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Wake Forest, NC, the projected median hourly pay for a certified nursing assistant is $19.46, which places it below the national median hourly rate of $21.64. This figure significantly influences part-time and per-diem workers, many of whom operate in settings like skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, assisted living apartments, and home health environments. A part-time certified nursing assistant working three days a week can expect to earn a steady income while maintaining a flexible schedule, whereas per-diem positions offer the possibility of higher hourly rates for on-demand shifts. For those just entering the profession, the hourly range spans from $16.35 at the lower end to $24.29 for top earners in the field, providing opportunities for skill advancement on the path toward roles as LPNs or RNs.
About the Wake Forest 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) | $16.35 | $130.78 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $17.13 | $137.00 |
| Median (P50) | $19.46 | $155.66 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $22.05 | $176.36 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $24.29 | $194.34 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Wake Forest
Based on $19.46/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $19.46/hr, a certified nursing assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Wake Forest, NC can expect to earn approximately $40,472 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $23,349. With a cost-of-living index of 93.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Wake Forest.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Wake Forest
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $778.30 | $3,373 | $40,472 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $466.98 | $2,024 | $24,283 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $311.32 | $1,349 | $16,189 |
Compare CNA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Certified Nursing Assistant (Wake Forest) | $19.46 |
| 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 Wake Forest, NC earn a median of $40,467 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.09% lower than the national median of $45,007 and 1.40% below the North Carolina state average of $41,041.
Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $19.46/hr = $24,283/year (purchasing power: $25,943).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $40,472/year (purchasing power: $43,239).
CoL index: 93.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$12.82/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$18.27/hr
2026 Current Est.
$19.46/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Wake Forest (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $12.82/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $13.34/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $13.10/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $15.46/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $16.51/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $14.64/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $18.27/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $19.46/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $20.72/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for certified nursing assistants in Wake Forest grew 42.5% from $12.82/hr (2019) to $18.27/hr (2025). At a 6.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $20.72/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 Wake Forest 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 Wake Forest
Employment as a certified nursing assistant can present varied earning possibilities, particularly for those opting for 24-hour work weeks. For example, a CNA working three days a week could take home an annual income that still yields a significant figure but falls short when compared to full-time colleagues. The per diem certified nursing assistant pay in Wake Forest can often vary widely, with agency rates typically ranging from $22 to $32 per hour, and weekend-only premium contracts sometimes offering between $30 and $45 per hour in high-demand markets. Employers such as skilled nursing facilities and hospitals may provide more stable benefits but often at a slightly lower hourly rate compared to agency roles. This balancing act between hourly rates and job security prompts many certified nursing assistants to carefully evaluate their options and negotiate based on their needs. In the competitive hiring environment of Wake Forest, effective negotiation tactics can enhance overall compensation while ensuring sufficient coverage for basic worker rights and preferences.
More salary data for Wake Forest, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Wake Forest. 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 Wake Forest 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