Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay in Pine Bluff, AR: $17.59 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a certified nursing assistant working in Pine Bluff, AR runs $17.59 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $36,602 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Weighted against Pine Bluff's regional price level (BEA RPP 86.9, 13% below national), each hour of work buys what $20.25 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $21,957 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Pine Bluff, Arkansas, the certified nursing assistant hourly pay is projected to reach $17.59 in 2026, which is significantly lower than the national median of $21.64 per hour. This disparity reflects the region’s cost of living and presents challenges for those considering part-time or per-diem work. A part-time CNA working three days a week would earn approximately $1,061.76 monthly, while per-diem opportunities allow for flexible scheduling in a variety of settings, including skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, and home health services. With an hourly range that spans from $14.07 for entry-level positions to $21.62 for more experienced CNAs, those in Pine Bluff must strategically assess their earning potential based on shift differentials and the demand for services across different healthcare environments.
About the Pine Bluff Market
Salary estimated from Arkansas average ($30,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $14.07 | $112.55 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $15.27 | $122.18 |
| Median (P50) | $17.59 | $140.75 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $19.86 | $158.90 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $21.62 | $172.96 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Pine Bluff
Based on $17.59/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $17.59/hr, a certified nursing assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Pine Bluff, AR can expect to earn approximately $36,595 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $21,113. With a cost-of-living index of 86.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Pine Bluff.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Pine Bluff
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $703.75 | $3,050 | $36,595 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $422.25 | $1,830 | $21,957 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $281.50 | $1,220 | $14,638 |
Compare CNA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Certified Nursing Assistant (Pine Bluff) | $17.59 |
| 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 Pine Bluff, AR earn a median of $36,602 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.67% lower than the national median of $45,007 and 2.40% below the Arkansas state average of $37,502.
Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $17.59/hr = $21,957/year (purchasing power: $25,267).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $36,595/year (purchasing power: $42,112).
CoL index: 86.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$11.42/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$16.52/hr
2026 Current Est.
$17.59/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+64.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Pine Bluff (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $11.42/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $11.93/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $13.45/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $13.53/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $14.82/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $12.23/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $16.52/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $17.59/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $18.74/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for certified nursing assistants in Pine Bluff grew 44.7% from $11.42/hr (2019) to $16.52/hr (2025). At a 6.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $18.74/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 Pine Bluff 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 Pine Bluff
While the hourly earnings for certified nursing assistants in Pine Bluff can be modest compared to national figures, part-time CNAs can still find opportunities for meaningful income. For example, a CNA working 24 hours a week could take home approximately $22,000 annually, which is substantially less than full-time counterparts. Agency roles often provide better pay, with some per diem certified nursing assistant pay in Pine Bluff reaching up to $22-$32 an hour, especially for weekend or holiday shifts that attract premium rates of $30-$45 in a tight labor market. Moreover, there are possibilities for travel positions, where weekly contracts can offer $1,000-$1,800, though they are less common in this region. Employment in various settings like hospitals or home health agencies can influence hourly rates, and many CNAs must decide between accepting a higher rate without benefits or a modest rate that includes healthcare coverage. Those negotiating pay should focus on their unique skills and experience, especially as they pursue bridging opportunities to LPN or RN roles to enhance their career trajectory.
More salary data for Pine Bluff, AR:
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 Pine Bluff. 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 Pine Bluff 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