Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay in Auburn, ME: $24.86 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a certified nursing assistant working in Auburn, ME runs $24.86 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $51,712 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Weighted against Auburn's regional price level (BEA RPP 99.6, 0% above national), each hour of work buys what $24.96 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $31,022 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Auburn, Maine, the certified nursing assistant hourly pay is projected to reach a median rate of $24.86 by 2026. This figure not only illustrates a competitive compensation package compared to the national hourly median of $21.64 but also highlights the favorable earning potential for individuals in the field. For part-time workers, such as those putting in three days a week, this translates to a take-home pay that aligns more closely with full-time positions in similar roles. In this profession, entry-level CNAs might begin at an hourly wage of approximately $20.25, while the most experienced workers have the potential to earn up to $27.80. These estimates are drawn from annual salary data, reflecting the diverse environments where CNAs actively contribute, including skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, home care settings, and more.
About the Auburn Market
Salary estimated from Maine average ($38,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $20.25 | $161.97 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.25 | $185.99 |
| Median (P50) | $24.86 | $198.86 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $26.51 | $212.06 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $27.80 | $222.37 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Auburn
Based on $24.86/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $24.86/hr, a certified nursing assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Auburn, ME can expect to earn approximately $51,703 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $29,829. With a cost-of-living index of 99.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Auburn.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Auburn
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $994.28 | $4,309 | $51,703 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $596.57 | $2,585 | $31,022 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $397.71 | $1,723 | $20,681 |
Compare CNA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Certified Nursing Assistant (Auburn) | $24.86 |
| 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 Auburn, ME earn a median of $51,712 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.90% higher than the national median of $45,007 and 15.40% above the Maine state average of $44,811.
Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $24.86/hr = $31,022/year (purchasing power: $31,146).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $51,703/year (purchasing power: $51,910).
CoL index: 99.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$16.38/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$23.34/hr
2026 Current Est.
$24.86/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Auburn (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $16.38/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $17.04/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $16.74/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $19.75/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $21.10/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $17.10/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $23.34/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $24.86/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $26.47/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for certified nursing assistants in Auburn grew 42.5% from $16.38/hr (2019) to $23.34/hr (2025). At a 6.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $26.47/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 Auburn 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 Auburn
Focusing on part-time earning potential, a certified nursing assistant working just three days a week, totaling around 24 hours, stands to make around $31,300 annually. This figure underscores the reality that many CNAs extend their roles through per diem contracts, which can dramatically influence income. Agencies typically offer rates ranging from $22 to $32 per hour, with weekend-only positions drawing premiums that can span from $30 to $45 per hour in high-demand settings. Moreover, advancements such as travel contracts have emerged post-COVID, occasionally yielding earnings of $1,000 to $1,800 a week, although these opportunities remain rarer. It’s worth noting that hourly rates can fluctuate significantly based on the type of employer, with skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, and home health services offering different pay scales. Many CNAs weigh the benefits of more stable positions with health insurance against higher pay without benefits. Therefore, effective negotiation strategies in Auburn could involve discussing shift differentials, weekend bonuses, and clear paths for advancement toward LPN or RN licensure.
More salary data for Auburn, ME:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for certified nursing assistants in Auburn 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 Auburn. 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 Auburn 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