Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay in Lakeland, FL: $18.44 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a certified nursing assistant working in Lakeland, FL runs $18.44 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $38,340 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Weighted against Lakeland's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $18.98 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $23,007 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, the certified nursing assistant hourly pay in Lakeland, Florida, is projected to be $18.44, which falls significantly below the national hourly median of $21.64. This discrepancy highlights the local market dynamics that can affect part-time and per diem workers in this field. For those working a three-day week, approximately 24 hours, this rate translates to about $442 weekly, making it essential for CNAs to carefully consider their scheduling options. The hourly range spans from $17.38 for entry-level positions to a maximum of $20.34 for experienced aides, ensuring that various employment environments—like skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, and assisted living communities—can offer competitive pay based on experience and demand. This data, drawn from projections based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, showcases a vital aspect of workforce logistics in health care settings within Lakeland.
Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $17.38 | $139.05 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $17.79 | $142.28 |
| Median (P50) | $18.44 | $147.48 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $19.39 | $155.15 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $20.34 | $162.73 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lakeland
Based on $18.44/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $18.44/hr, a certified nursing assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lakeland, FL can expect to earn approximately $38,345 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $22,122. With a cost-of-living index of 97.14 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Lakeland.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lakeland
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $737.41 | $3,195 | $38,345 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $442.44 | $1,917 | $23,007 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $294.96 | $1,278 | $15,338 |
Compare CNA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Certified Nursing Assistant (Lakeland) | $18.44 |
| 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 Lakeland, FL earn a median of $38,340 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.81% lower than the national median of $45,007 and 2.70% below the Florida state average of $39,404.
Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $18.44/hr = $23,007/year (purchasing power: $23,684).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $38,345/year (purchasing power: $39,474).
CoL index: 97.141 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$12.50/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$17.31/hr
2026 Current Est.
$18.44/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+57.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Lakeland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $12.50/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $13.20/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $13.68/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $15.22/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $16.94/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $17.35/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $17.31/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $18.44/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $19.63/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for certified nursing assistants in Lakeland grew 38.5% from $12.50/hr (2019) to $17.31/hr (2025). At a 6.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $19.63/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 Lakeland 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 Lakeland
When evaluating annual earnings, part-time certified nursing assistants working in Lakeland can expect to take home around $23,000 if they stick to a three-day work week. In contrast, full-time employment could yield a substantially different outlook. For those exploring per diem opportunities, the pay can be lucrative, with agency CNAs often receiving between $22 and $32 per hour, and weekend contracts reaching upwards of $30 to $45 per hour in high-demand regions. The variance in hourly rates across employer types reflects the competitive nature of health care employment in Lakeland, where skilled nursing facilities and hospitals may have differing budgets for staffing. Keep in mind that many CNAs may find themselves prioritizing benefits such as health insurance over hourly wages. Therefore, when negotiating, it's crucial to discuss total compensation and be aware of the shifts in pay related to experience, location, and client needs within the greater Lakeland area.
More salary data for Lakeland, FL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for certified nursing assistants in Lakeland in 2026?
How much do part-time certified nursing assistants make in Lakeland?
Are certified nursing assistants in Lakeland paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time certified nursing assistant make per year in Lakeland?
Do certified nursing assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Lakeland?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Florida
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 Lakeland. 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