Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay in Hilo, HI: $24.49 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a certified nursing assistant working in Hilo, HI runs $24.49 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $50,951 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Weighted against Hilo's regional price level (BEA RPP 119.3, 19% above national), each hour of work buys what $20.53 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $30,570 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Hilo, Hawaii, certified nursing assistants earn a median hourly rate of $24.49, significantly higher than the national median of $21.64. This favorable wage allows for a considerable income for those working part-time, such as a typical schedule of three days a week, or for per-diem staff who are often in high demand across various facilities. The hourly pay range spans from $20.50 at the lower end to $29.64 at the top, reflecting varied experience levels and environments, including skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, and home health agencies. Such figures are derived from projected annual salary data and illustrate the critical role this profession plays in maintaining healthcare standards within the community.
About the Hilo Market
Salary estimated from Hawaii average ($42,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $20.50 | $164.01 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.91 | $175.26 |
| Median (P50) | $24.49 | $195.96 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $27.38 | $219.05 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $29.64 | $237.11 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Hilo
Based on $24.49/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $24.49/hr, a certified nursing assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Hilo, HI can expect to earn approximately $50,950 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $29,394. With a cost-of-living index of 119.30 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Hilo.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Hilo
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $979.80 | $4,246 | $50,950 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $587.88 | $2,547 | $30,570 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $391.92 | $1,698 | $20,380 |
Compare CNA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Certified Nursing Assistant (Hilo) | $24.49 |
| 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 Hilo, HI earn a median of $50,951 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.21% higher than the national median of $45,007 and 5.10% below the Hawaii state average of $53,689.
Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $24.49/hr = $30,570/year (purchasing power: $25,624).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $50,950/year (purchasing power: $42,707).
CoL index: 119.3 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$16.14/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$23.00/hr
2026 Current Est.
$24.49/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Hilo (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $16.14/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $16.79/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $16.50/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $19.46/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $20.79/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $22.86/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $23.00/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $24.49/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $26.09/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for certified nursing assistants in Hilo grew 42.5% from $16.14/hr (2019) to $23.00/hr (2025). At a 6.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $26.09/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 Hilo 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 Hilo
Part-time certified nursing assistants in Hilo, working 24 hours a week, could expect to take home approximately $34,544 annually. This figure is notably lower than a full-time income but provides flexibility that can be appealing. For per-diem certified nursing assistant pay in Hilo, common rates may range between $22-$32 per hour in standard settings, with potential premiums of $30-$45 for weekend shifts in urgent markets. Different employer types, such as hospitals and rehabilitation centers, can offer varying pay rates and benefits. While some CNAs may choose positions with lower hourly rates for the assurance of health insurance, others may prefer higher rates without additional benefits. Negotiation effectively can lead to better conditions, especially in the growing landscape of Hilo’s healthcare environment.
More salary data for Hilo, HI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for certified nursing assistants in Hilo in 2026?
How much do part-time certified nursing assistants make in Hilo?
Are certified nursing assistants in Hilo paid hourly or salary?
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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 Hilo. 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 Hilo 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