Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay in Apache Junction, AZ: $21.30 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a certified nursing assistant working in Apache Junction, AZ runs $21.30 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $44,297 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Weighted against Apache Junction's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.5, 1% below national), each hour of work buys what $21.62 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $26,582 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Apache Junction, Arizona, certified nursing assistants earn a median hourly rate of $21.30, which is slightly below the national median of $21.64. This pay is significant for part-time professionals working three days a week, allowing them to take home a competitive wage for their shifts across various healthcare settings, including skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, and home health visits. A certified nursing assistant's hourly rate ranges from $18.29 at the entry-level to $24.40 for more experienced or specialized roles. These figures are critical for both full-time and per-diem workers, providing essential means of support in the vital healthcare landscape of Apache Junction.
About the Apache Junction Market
Salary estimated from Arizona average ($39,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $18.29 | $146.29 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.46 | $155.66 |
| Median (P50) | $21.30 | $170.40 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $22.92 | $183.35 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $24.40 | $195.19 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Apache Junction
Based on $21.30/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $21.30/hr, a certified nursing assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Apache Junction, AZ can expect to earn approximately $44,304 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $25,560. With a cost-of-living index of 98.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Apache Junction.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Apache Junction
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $852.00 | $3,692 | $44,304 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $511.20 | $2,215 | $26,582 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $340.80 | $1,477 | $17,722 |
Compare CNA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Certified Nursing Assistant (Apache Junction) | $21.30 |
| 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 Apache Junction, AZ earn a median of $44,297 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.58% lower than the national median of $45,007 and 3.60% below the Arizona state average of $45,951.
Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $21.30/hr = $26,582/year (purchasing power: $26,987).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $44,304/year (purchasing power: $44,979).
CoL index: 98.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$14.04/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$20.00/hr
2026 Current Est.
$21.30/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Apache Junction (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $14.04/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $14.60/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $14.34/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $16.92/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $18.08/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $17.81/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $20.00/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $21.30/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $22.68/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for certified nursing assistants in Apache Junction grew 42.5% from $14.04/hr (2019) to $20.00/hr (2025). At a 6.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $22.68/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 Apache Junction 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 Apache Junction
For certified nursing assistants opting for part-time work, their effective annual earnings can differ significantly from those of their full-time counterparts. A CNA working three days a week for 24 hours would generate considerable annual income while retaining the flexibility of schedule, which appeals to many in the sector. Those pursuing per diem roles might find their hourly earnings vary widely, with agency CNAs commonly billing between $22 and $32 per hour, while premium weekend contracts can rise to between $30 and $45 an hour in shortage markets. Different healthcare employers in Apache Junction, such as hospitals and home health agencies, may offer varied pay rates influenced by market needs and the complexity of responsibilities. Certified nursing assistants may consider trade-offs, accepting lower rates for positions with better benefits, including health insurance. For those interested in negotiating pay as hourly workers, it’s advisable to showcase relevant experience and be informed about prevailing local rates to secure the best possible wage.
More salary data for Apache Junction, AZ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for certified nursing assistants in Apache Junction in 2026?
How much do part-time certified nursing assistants make in Apache Junction?
Are certified nursing assistants in Apache Junction paid hourly or salary?
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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 Apache Junction. 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 Apache Junction 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