Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay in Waipahu, HI: $25.29 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a certified nursing assistant working in Waipahu, HI runs $25.29 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $52,613 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Weighted against Waipahu's regional price level (BEA RPP 119.3, 19% above national), each hour of work buys what $21.20 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $31,567 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Waipahu, Hawaii, certified nursing assistant hourly pay is projected to reach $25.29 in 2026, significantly above the national average of $21.64 per hour. This higher pay rate not only reflects the cost of living in the region but also presents a lucrative opportunity for part-time and per-diem workers. For those typically working three days a week, which equates to around 24 hours, this hourly pay translates to substantial earnings compared to many other job options in Waipahu. Certified nursing assistants can expect to earn between $20.42 and $31.33 hourly, depending on their experience and the specific setting — from skilled nursing facilities to hospitals and home health care. Such flexibility makes this profession appealing to individuals seeking various work arrangements, offering earning potential that can adapt to their schedules.
About the Waipahu 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) | $20.42 | $163.33 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.07 | $176.53 |
| Median (P50) | $25.29 | $202.35 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $27.16 | $217.26 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $31.33 | $250.66 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Waipahu
Based on $25.29/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $25.29/hr, a certified nursing assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Waipahu, HI can expect to earn approximately $52,611 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $30,352. With a cost-of-living index of 119.30 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Waipahu.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Waipahu
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,011.75 | $4,384 | $52,611 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $607.05 | $2,631 | $31,567 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $404.70 | $1,754 | $21,044 |
Compare CNA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Certified Nursing Assistant (Waipahu) | $25.29 |
| 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 Waipahu, HI earn a median of $52,613 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.90% higher than the national median of $45,007 and 2.00% below the Hawaii state average of $53,687.
Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $25.29/hr = $31,567/year (purchasing power: $26,460).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $52,611/year (purchasing power: $44,100).
CoL index: 119.3 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$16.67/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$23.75/hr
2026 Current Est.
$25.29/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Waipahu (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $16.67/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $17.34/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.03/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $20.10/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $21.47/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $23.61/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $23.75/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $25.29/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $26.94/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for certified nursing assistants in Waipahu grew 42.5% from $16.67/hr (2019) to $23.75/hr (2025). At a 6.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $26.94/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 Waipahu 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 Waipahu
Looking at the financial realities, a certified nursing assistant working 24 hours per week would take home approximately $31,244 annually, which represents solid income for a part-time role. Many CNAs also explore per diem opportunities, as agency positions often bill around $22-$32 per hour, with some weekend-only contracts reaching $30-$45 per hour in areas facing staffing shortages. While the prospect of frequent travel might yield earnings of $1,000-$1,800 weekly, it isn't a common path for many. Variations in pay are prevalent across different employer types in Waipahu, with skilled nursing facilities generally offering lower rates compared to hospitals and specialized care centers, which can afford higher compensation to attract talent. Certified nursing assistants often face a tough choice: higher hourly wages may come without benefits, while positions with lower pay might provide health insurance. Understanding these nuances is key for CNAs in Waipahu, particularly when negotiating terms of employment that suit their needs and aspirations within this evolving field.
More salary data for Waipahu, HI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for certified nursing assistants in Waipahu in 2026?
How much do part-time certified nursing assistants make in Waipahu?
Are certified nursing assistants in Waipahu paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time certified nursing assistant make per year in Waipahu?
Do certified nursing assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Waipahu?
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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 Waipahu. 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 Waipahu 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