Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay in Palm Bay, FL: $18.98 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a certified nursing assistant working in Palm Bay, FL runs $18.98 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $39,480 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Weighted against Palm Bay's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.0, 0% above national), each hour of work buys what $18.98 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $23,685 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Palm Bay, Florida, the certified nursing assistant hourly pay stands at a median of $18.98, which is somewhat lower than the national median hourly rate of $21.64. This wage reflects the typical earnings for those working across various settings such as skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, assisted living residences, and during home visits for hospice and rehabilitation care. For part-time certified nursing assistants working three days a week, this translates to a potential income of around $1,247 monthly, while those in more flexible per-diem roles can expect rates that vary. The hourly earnings range from about $17.47 for entry-level positions to $22.62 for experienced workers. Such figures are derived from official Bureau of Labor Statistics data, confirming the employment landscape for CNAs in the region.
Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $17.47 | $139.73 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $18.17 | $145.35 |
| Median (P50) | $18.98 | $151.83 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $20.63 | $165.03 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $22.62 | $180.96 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Palm Bay
Based on $18.98/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $18.98/hr, a certified nursing assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Palm Bay, FL can expect to earn approximately $39,475 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $22,774. With a cost-of-living index of 100.00 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Palm Bay.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Palm Bay
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $759.13 | $3,290 | $39,475 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $455.48 | $1,974 | $23,685 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $303.65 | $1,316 | $15,790 |
Compare CNA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Certified Nursing Assistant (Palm Bay) | $18.98 |
| 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 Palm Bay, FL earn a median of $39,480 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.28% lower than the national median of $45,007 and 0.20% above the Florida state average of $39,401.
Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $18.98/hr = $23,685/year (purchasing power: $23,684).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $39,475/year (purchasing power: $39,473).
CoL index: 100.005 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$13.22/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$17.82/hr
2026 Current Est.
$18.98/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+52.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Palm Bay (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $13.22/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $13.83/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $13.86/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $14.60/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $16.81/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $17.45/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $17.82/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $18.98/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $20.21/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for certified nursing assistants in Palm Bay grew 34.8% from $13.22/hr (2019) to $17.82/hr (2025). At a 6.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $20.21/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 Palm Bay 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 Palm Bay
In this evolving job market, part-time certified nursing assistants can find themselves taking home a substantial income despite fewer hours than full-time workers. A standard 24-hour workweek could yield an annual salary of approximately $14,964, significantly less than a full-time position, yet still beneficial for students or caregivers pursuing flexible work. On the per diem front, certified nursing assistants are often able to negotiate rates between $22 and $32 per hour, with premium weekend contracts potentially reaching $30 to $45 per hour, reflecting the growing demand in Palm Bay's healthcare sector. Various employer types, including skilled nursing homes and home health agencies, influence these hourly rates, as those that offer benefits might lower pay in exchange for health coverage. Consequently, CNAs have to weigh the benefits of job security against immediate financial needs when negotiating. Knowledge of local market trends can help in these discussions, allowing professionals to optimize their earnings and plan for a future transition into LPN or RN roles.
More salary data for Palm Bay, FL:
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 Palm Bay. 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