Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay in Columbia, SC: $19.15 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a certified nursing assistant working in Columbia, SC runs $19.15 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $39,831 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Weighted against Columbia's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.7, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $20.44 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $23,898 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Columbia, South Carolina, the certified nursing assistant hourly pay stands at $19.15, which is notably lower than the national hourly median of $21.64. This rate reflects the unique dynamics of the local job market, particularly for those working part-time or in per diem roles in various settings such as skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, and home health care. For instance, a certified nursing assistant working three days a week could expect to engage in rewarding patient care while earning a wage that positions them within a range from $15.59 for entry-level positions up to $23.52 for experienced practitioners. The official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data for 2026 indicates that the pay reflects broader trends in the health care industry, where turnover has led to competitive hiring efforts, but shapes the financial landscape for those considering positions across different types of care facilities.
Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $15.59 | $124.73 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $17.42 | $139.39 |
| Median (P50) | $19.15 | $153.19 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $20.14 | $161.11 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $23.52 | $188.12 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Columbia
Based on $19.15/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $19.15/hr, a certified nursing assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Columbia, SC can expect to earn approximately $39,829 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $22,978. With a cost-of-living index of 93.66 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Columbia.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Columbia
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $765.95 | $3,319 | $39,829 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $459.57 | $1,991 | $23,898 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $306.38 | $1,328 | $15,932 |
Compare CNA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Certified Nursing Assistant (Columbia) | $19.15 |
| 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 Columbia, SC earn a median of $39,831 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.50% lower than the national median of $45,007 and 0.20% above the South Carolina state average of $39,751.
Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $19.15/hr = $23,898/year (purchasing power: $25,515).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $39,829/year (purchasing power: $42,524).
CoL index: 93.662 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$12.65/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$17.98/hr
2026 Current Est.
$19.15/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+61.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Columbia (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $12.65/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $13.49/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $13.85/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $14.95/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $16.85/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $17.51/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $17.98/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $19.15/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $20.39/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for certified nursing assistants in Columbia grew 42.1% from $12.65/hr (2019) to $17.98/hr (2025). At a 6.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $20.39/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 Columbia 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 Columbia
Evaluating the earning potential reveals much for a part-time certified nursing assistant. Working 24 hours a week at the current rate could translate to an annual income significantly lower than that of full-time colleagues, making it imperative for CNAs to seek opportunities that enhance weekly earnings. Per-diem certified nursing assistant pay in Columbia tends to be more lucrative, with agency positions often billing as high as $22 to $32 per hour and even reaching premiums of $30 to $45 for weekend-only shifts in high-demand areas. However, shifts in employer types bring varying hourly rates; hospitals may offer different pay scales than assisted living or rehabilitation facilities, directly impacting income paths. Many CNAs must weigh the trade-offs between higher pay without benefits versus lower hourly wages paired with health insurance coverage. Negotiation tactics can be vital, with local trends favoring those who engage clearly and assertively with potential employers about salary expectations in a job market continuing to evolve post-COVID.
More salary data for Columbia, SC:
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 Columbia. 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