Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay in McAllen, TX: $17.40 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a certified nursing assistant working in McAllen, TX runs $17.40 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $36,199 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Weighted against McAllen's regional price level (BEA RPP 85.9, 14% below national), each hour of work buys what $20.26 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $21,718 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
Certified nursing assistants in McAllen, TX, can expect a median hourly rate of $17.40 based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected for 2026. This figure is notably lower than the national hourly median of $21.64, reflecting some local market disparities. For those working part-time—around three days a week—this pay translates into approximately $579.20 per week. Entry-level CNAs may start near the lower end of the range at $14.46, while top earners can make as much as $21.69 per hour. In various care settings, such as skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, and home health agencies, these wages determine not only the financial outlook for CNAs but also their ability to fulfill personal and family needs, especially in an evolving industry shaped by the recent healthcare staffing crisis.
Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $14.46 | $115.70 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $15.39 | $123.11 |
| Median (P50) | $17.40 | $139.22 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $19.54 | $156.34 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $21.69 | $173.55 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in McAllen
Based on $17.40/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $17.40/hr, a certified nursing assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in McAllen, TX can expect to earn approximately $36,196 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $20,883. With a cost-of-living index of 85.89 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in McAllen.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in McAllen
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $696.08 | $3,016 | $36,196 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $417.65 | $1,810 | $21,718 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $278.43 | $1,207 | $14,479 |
Compare CNA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Certified Nursing Assistant (McAllen) | $17.40 |
| 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 McAllen, TX earn a median of $36,199 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.57% lower than the national median of $45,007 and 4.50% below the Texas state average of $37,905.
Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $17.40/hr = $21,718/year (purchasing power: $25,284).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $36,196/year (purchasing power: $42,140).
CoL index: 85.895 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$11.72/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$16.34/hr
2026 Current Est.
$17.40/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+58.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in McAllen (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $11.72/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $11.87/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $12.92/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $13.23/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $13.74/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $14.47/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $16.34/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $17.40/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $18.53/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for certified nursing assistants in McAllen grew 39.4% from $11.72/hr (2019) to $16.34/hr (2025). At a 6.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $18.53/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 McAllen 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 McAllen
For part-time certified nursing assistants working 24 hours a week in McAllen, the annual take-home income can vary significantly compared to full-time roles. Earning just above the median rate can mean bringing home roughly $30,000 annually. Per diem certified nursing assistant pay in McAllen varies, with agency CNAs able to command rates of $22-$32 per hour, particularly for weekend shifts, which can go up to $30-$45 due to staffing shortages. Employers such as hospitals, rehabilitation facilities, and assisted living communities offer different rates, often influenced by the demand for skilled labor. Some CNAs may opt for lower pay tied to benefits, as health insurance can be a valuable trade-off compared to a higher hourly wage devoid of such perks. When negotiating pay, it's beneficial for CNAs to be aware of local market rates and previous experiences to secure the best possible compensation for their roles.
More salary data for McAllen, TX:
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 McAllen. 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