Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay in Sanford, FL: $19.68 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a certified nursing assistant working in Sanford, FL runs $19.68 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $40,931 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Weighted against Sanford's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.8, 1% above national), each hour of work buys what $19.53 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $24,562 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Sanford, Florida, the projected median hourly pay for certified nursing assistants in 2026 is $19.68, which falls below the national median hourly rate of $21.64. For part-time CNAs, typically working three days a week, this hourly rate allows for a manageable income while fulfilling varying roles across different care settings, including skilled nursing facilities and home health environments. The range in hourly pay spans from approximately $15.63 for entry-level positions to around $23.54 for highly experienced CNAs, reflecting both the diverse qualifications and job responsibilities found throughout the sector. As workers navigate their hourly earnings, particularly in settings like assisted living and hospice care, understanding the pay range is crucial for assessing their earning potential in this vital field.
About the Sanford Market
Salary estimated from Florida average ($35,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $15.63 | $125.07 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $17.14 | $137.09 |
| Median (P50) | $19.68 | $157.45 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $21.67 | $173.38 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $23.54 | $188.29 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Sanford
Based on $19.68/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $19.68/hr, a certified nursing assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Sanford, FL can expect to earn approximately $40,937 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $23,617. With a cost-of-living index of 100.80 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Sanford.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Sanford
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $787.25 | $3,411 | $40,937 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $472.35 | $2,047 | $24,562 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $314.90 | $1,365 | $16,375 |
Compare CNA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Certified Nursing Assistant (Sanford) | $19.68 |
| 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 Sanford, FL earn a median of $40,931 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.06% lower than the national median of $45,007 and 3.90% above the Florida state average of $39,395.
Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $19.68/hr = $24,562/year (purchasing power: $24,367).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $40,937/year (purchasing power: $40,612).
CoL index: 100.8 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$12.97/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$18.48/hr
2026 Current Est.
$19.68/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Sanford (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $12.97/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $13.49/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $13.25/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $15.64/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $16.70/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $17.12/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $18.48/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $19.68/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $20.96/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for certified nursing assistants in Sanford grew 42.5% from $12.97/hr (2019) to $18.48/hr (2025). At a 6.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $20.96/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 Sanford 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 Sanford
Evaluating the financial landscape further reveals that a part-time certified nursing assistant in Sanford working 24 hours a week can anticipate taking home a significantly lower annual income compared to their full-time counterparts. In contrast, per diem certified nursing assistant pay in Sanford presents an alternative, with agency workers often commanding rates between $22 and $32 per hour, especially during high-demand periods such as weekends. This market dynamic demonstrates that some CNAs may choose lower hourly rates for traditional jobs that offer health insurance, preferring stability over the more lucrative but less predictable agency work. Various employers, such as rehabilitation hospitals and dialysis centers, influence hourly pay variably, offering different benefits packages that affect overall compensation. For those in Sanford, negotiating effectively around these parameters—considering health benefits and shift differentials—becomes essential in optimizing their hourly earnings in an increasingly competitive job market.
More salary data for Sanford, 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 Sanford. 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 Sanford 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