Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay in Panama City, FL: $18.65 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a certified nursing assistant working in Panama City, FL runs $18.65 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $38,787 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Weighted against Panama City's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.3, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $19.17 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $23,273 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Panama City, Florida, the certified nursing assistant hourly pay is projected to reach a median of $18.65 in 2026, which is notably lower than the national median hourly rate of $21.64. This difference highlights the economic conditions specific to the local job market. For those working part-time, such as on a three-day-a-week schedule, this hourly wage provides a solid income for positions typically found in skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, and home health services. Those entering the field can expect to earn an hourly rate ranging from $17.42 for entry-level roles to $23.25 for more experienced professionals. With approximately 670 certified nursing assistants employed in the area, this profession illustrates a range of pay opportunities depending on skill level and facility type, reflecting BLS projections based on 2025 data.
Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $17.42 | $139.39 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $18.39 | $147.14 |
| Median (P50) | $18.65 | $149.19 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $20.09 | $160.69 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $23.25 | $185.99 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Panama City
Based on $18.65/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $18.65/hr, a certified nursing assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Panama City, FL can expect to earn approximately $38,788 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $22,378. With a cost-of-living index of 97.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Panama City.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Panama City
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $745.93 | $3,232 | $38,788 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $447.56 | $1,939 | $23,273 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $298.37 | $1,293 | $15,515 |
Compare CNA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Certified Nursing Assistant (Panama City) | $18.65 |
| 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 Panama City, FL earn a median of $38,787 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.82% lower than the national median of $45,007 and 1.50% below the Florida state average of $39,378.
Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $18.65/hr = $23,273/year (purchasing power: $23,920).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $38,788/year (purchasing power: $39,866).
CoL index: 97.296 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$12.80/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$17.51/hr
2026 Current Est.
$18.65/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+55.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Panama City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $12.80/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $13.21/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $13.87/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $15.57/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $17.53/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $17.85/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $17.51/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $18.65/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $19.86/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for certified nursing assistants in Panama City grew 36.8% from $12.80/hr (2019) to $17.51/hr (2025). At a 6.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $19.86/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 Panama City 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 Panama City
Part-time certified nursing assistants in Panama City can take home a salary that differs significantly from those who work full time. For example, a 24-hour workweek could yield an annual income of around $23,165, which can be appealing for some seeking flexibility. Many opt for per diem roles, where agency CNAs often earn between $22 and $32 per hour, and weekend premium contracts might reach $30-$45 per hour during staffing shortages. Some facilities, especially hospitals and rehabilitation centers, may offer higher wages to attract personnel. However, many CNAs choose lower-paying positions that provide benefits such as health insurance over higher hourly pay without coverage. Negotiating better pay can require knowing the specific financial capabilities of potential employers and the norms within different care settings, making awareness of the local employment landscape essential for successful career strategies in Panama City, FL.
More salary data for Panama City, 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 Panama City. 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