Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay in Vestavia Hills, AL: $16.46 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a certified nursing assistant working in Vestavia Hills, AL runs $16.46 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $34,257 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Weighted against Vestavia Hills's regional price level (BEA RPP 87.9, 12% below national), each hour of work buys what $18.73 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $20,548 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In 2026, certified nursing assistants (CNAs) in Vestavia Hills, Alabama, can expect an hourly median pay of $16.46, significantly lower than the national median of $21.64 per hour. This wage reflects the economic realities faced by those in the profession working in various environments such as skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, home health, and hospice settings. For part-time workers, such as those committing to three days a week, this hourly rate translates to approximately $525 per week, which amounts to around $27,300 in a typical year of 52 weeks. Entry-level positions can earn as low as $13.60 per hour, while experienced professionals might reach up to $19.75 per hour. Understanding these figures is essential not just for budget planning but also for assessing potential shifts in employment opportunities, especially considering the ongoing changes within the healthcare landscape post-pandemic.
About the Vestavia Hills Market
Salary estimated from Alabama average ($30,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $13.60 | $108.80 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $14.59 | $116.72 |
| Median (P50) | $16.46 | $131.72 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $18.25 | $146.03 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $19.75 | $157.96 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Vestavia Hills
Based on $16.46/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $16.46/hr, a certified nursing assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Vestavia Hills, AL can expect to earn approximately $34,247 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $19,758. With a cost-of-living index of 87.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Vestavia Hills.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Vestavia Hills
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $658.60 | $2,854 | $34,247 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $395.16 | $1,712 | $20,548 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $263.44 | $1,142 | $13,699 |
Compare CNA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Certified Nursing Assistant (Vestavia Hills) | $16.46 |
| 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 Vestavia Hills, AL earn a median of $34,257 per year (2026 est.), which is 23.89% lower than the national median of $45,007 and 4.00% below the Alabama state average of $35,684.
Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $16.46/hr = $20,548/year (purchasing power: $23,377).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $34,247/year (purchasing power: $38,961).
CoL index: 87.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$10.85/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$15.46/hr
2026 Current Est.
$16.46/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Vestavia Hills (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $10.85/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $11.29/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $11.09/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $13.08/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $13.97/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $12.17/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $15.46/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $16.46/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $17.54/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for certified nursing assistants in Vestavia Hills grew 42.5% from $10.85/hr (2019) to $15.46/hr (2025). At a 6.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $17.54/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 Vestavia Hills 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 Vestavia Hills
For those considering part-time or per diem positions, the earning potential can vary widely based on the specific role and setting. A certified nursing assistant working three days a week could generate a gross income of approximately $27,300 annually. In contrast, agency CNAs often see billing rates between $22 and $32 per hour, with weekend contracts attracting premiums from $30 to $45 per hour in high-demand areas. Travel positions, although less common, can yield significantly higher earnings—ranging from $1,000 to $1,800 weekly—especially in busy seasons. Hourly pay disparities are evident across employer types in Vestavia Hills; skilled nursing facilities may offer lower rates compared to hospitals or specialized centers. Some CNAs might accept more modest pay for the security of benefits, while others prioritize higher hourly pay despite the absence of health insurance. Negotiating a fair wage can be crucial, especially in a market where shifts and experience can lead to substantial variations in hourly compensation.
More salary data for Vestavia Hills, AL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for certified nursing assistants in Vestavia Hills in 2026?
How much do part-time certified nursing assistants make in Vestavia Hills?
Are certified nursing assistants in Vestavia Hills paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time certified nursing assistant make per year in Vestavia Hills?
Do certified nursing assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Vestavia Hills?
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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 Vestavia Hills. 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 Vestavia Hills 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