Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay in Milwaukee, WI: $23.40 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a certified nursing assistant working in Milwaukee, WI runs $23.40 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $48,660 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Weighted against Milwaukee's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.9, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $24.14 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $29,201 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Milwaukee, the certified nursing assistant hourly pay is projected at $23.40 in 2026, offering competitive compensation compared to the national median of $21.64. This hourly rate is appealing for part-time and per-diem workers, allowing a flexible work schedule typical in healthcare settings such as skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, home health visits, and assisted living environments. For those working part-time at about three days a week, the variability in pay ranges from approximately $19.89 (entry-level positions) to about $25.17 (top earners). These figures stem from projections based on 2025 BLS OEWS data and reveal a growing demand for certified nursing assistants in Milwaukee’s healthcare system.
Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $19.89 | $159.15 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.47 | $171.76 |
| Median (P50) | $23.40 | $187.18 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $24.57 | $196.56 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $25.17 | $201.33 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Milwaukee
Based on $23.40/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $23.40/hr, a certified nursing assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Milwaukee, WI can expect to earn approximately $48,668 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $28,078. With a cost-of-living index of 96.94 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Milwaukee.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Milwaukee
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $935.92 | $4,056 | $48,668 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $561.55 | $2,433 | $29,201 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $374.37 | $1,622 | $19,467 |
Compare CNA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Certified Nursing Assistant (Milwaukee) | $23.40 |
| 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 Milwaukee, WI earn a median of $48,660 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.12% higher than the national median of $45,007 and 2.50% above the Wisconsin state average of $47,473.
Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $23.40/hr = $29,201/year (purchasing power: $30,123).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $48,668/year (purchasing power: $50,206).
CoL index: 96.937 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$14.80/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$21.97/hr
2026 Current Est.
$23.40/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+68.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Milwaukee (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $14.80/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $15.14/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $14.85/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $17.89/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $19.65/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $21.33/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $21.97/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23.40/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24.92/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for certified nursing assistants in Milwaukee grew 48.4% from $14.80/hr (2019) to $21.97/hr (2025). At a 6.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $24.92/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 Milwaukee 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 Milwaukee
Considering the earning potential of a part-time certified nursing assistant in Milwaukee, a typical schedule of three days a week (24 hours) ultimately results in an annual income of around $29,952. This contrasts with full-time positions, where CNAs can expect a more substantial income. Additionally, per diem certified nursing assistant pay in Milwaukee can vary widely, with agency CNAs billing anywhere from $22 to $32 an hour, while specialized weekend-only contracts may reach $30 to $45 in high-demand periods. Variations in pay are influenced by the type of employer, such as hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, or home health agencies; some provide benefits at the cost of lower hourly wages. Yet, CNAs opting for positions without benefits may negotiate higher hourly rates. Understanding these nuances enables professionals in WI to make informed decisions regarding their career paths in an evolving job market.
More salary data for Milwaukee, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for certified nursing assistants in Milwaukee in 2026?
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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 Milwaukee. 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