Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay in Kailua, HI: $25.59 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a certified nursing assistant working in Kailua, HI runs $25.59 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $53,226 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Weighted against Kailua's regional price level (BEA RPP 119.3, 19% above national), each hour of work buys what $21.45 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $31,939 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Kailua, Hawaii, certified nursing assistants can expect to earn a median hourly pay of $25.59, surpassing the national median of $21.64. This competitive hourly rate positions CNAs favorably, especially for those who work part-time or as per diem employees. Typical settings for CNAs include skilled nursing facilities, hospital medical-surgical floors, home health visits, hospice care, assisted living apartments, and dialysis stations. For CNAs starting in their careers, hourly rates begin at around $21.13, while more experienced professionals can command up to $30.63. With the projected growth rate of 6.50% in this profession, the demand for CNAs is likely to continue, making it a potentially rewarding career choice in Kailua.
About the Kailua 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) | $21.13 | $169.04 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.68 | $181.48 |
| Median (P50) | $25.59 | $204.74 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $28.39 | $227.14 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $30.63 | $245.04 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Kailua
Based on $25.59/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $25.59/hr, a certified nursing assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Kailua, HI can expect to earn approximately $53,231 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $30,710. With a cost-of-living index of 119.30 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Kailua.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Kailua
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,023.68 | $4,436 | $53,231 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $614.21 | $2,662 | $31,939 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $409.47 | $1,774 | $21,293 |
Compare CNA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Certified Nursing Assistant (Kailua) | $25.59 |
| 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 Kailua, HI earn a median of $53,226 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.26% higher than the national median of $45,007 and 0.90% below the Hawaii state average of $53,709.
Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $25.59/hr = $31,939/year (purchasing power: $26,772).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $53,231/year (purchasing power: $44,620).
CoL index: 119.3 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$16.87/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$24.03/hr
2026 Current Est.
$25.59/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Kailua (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $16.87/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $17.54/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.23/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $20.33/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $21.72/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $23.88/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $24.03/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $25.59/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $27.26/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for certified nursing assistants in Kailua grew 42.5% from $16.87/hr (2019) to $24.03/hr (2025). At a 6.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $27.26/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 Kailua 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 Kailua
Part-time CNAs working three days a week for 24 hours can expect to take home around $19,943 annually, a figure that differs significantly from a full-time workload. Those seeking flexibility may also explore opportunities in per diem roles, where agency CNAs usually earn between $22 and $32 per hour; weekend shifts might even draw premiums of $30 to $45 in areas with staffing shortages. Various employers such as skilled nursing facilities and hospitals often offer different pay scales for CNAs, further complicating the picture. For many CNAs, accepting slightly lower hourly rates for positions that include health benefits may be more attractive than higher-paying roles with no benefits. Negotiating skills become essential here; understanding regional pay ranges and emphasizing specific experience or certifications can help secure better pay in Kailua’s job market.
More salary data for Kailua, HI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for certified nursing assistants in Kailua in 2026?
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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 Kailua. 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 Kailua 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