Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay in Bethesda, MD: $22.84 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a certified nursing assistant working in Bethesda, MD runs $22.84 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $47,514 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Weighted against Bethesda's regional price level (BEA RPP 109.3, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $20.90 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $28,510 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Bethesda, Maryland, certified nursing assistants can expect a median hourly rate of $22.84, which is notably higher than the national average of $21.64. This competitive pay structure makes the profession attractive for part-time workers typically engaged three days a week, providing stable income while allowing flexibility. Per-diem certified nursing assistant pay in Bethesda can further fluctuate since roles in different settings, such as skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, or home health care, often offer varying hourly rates. Entry-level positions might start at approximately $18.36, while experienced professionals can earn as much as $28.42 per hour, reflecting the diverse skills and responsibilities within this essential healthcare role.
About the Bethesda Market
Salary estimated from Maryland average ($39,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $18.36 | $146.88 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $20.05 | $160.43 |
| Median (P50) | $22.84 | $182.75 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $25.83 | $206.61 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $28.42 | $227.40 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Bethesda
Based on $22.84/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $22.84/hr, a certified nursing assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Bethesda, MD can expect to earn approximately $47,516 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $27,413. With a cost-of-living index of 109.30 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Bethesda.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Bethesda
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $913.77 | $3,960 | $47,516 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $548.26 | $2,376 | $28,510 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $365.51 | $1,584 | $19,006 |
Compare CNA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Certified Nursing Assistant (Bethesda) | $22.84 |
| 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 Bethesda, MD earn a median of $47,514 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.57% higher than the national median of $45,007 and 3.40% below the Maryland state average of $49,186.
Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $22.84/hr = $28,510/year (purchasing power: $26,084).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $47,516/year (purchasing power: $43,473).
CoL index: 109.3 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$15.05/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$21.45/hr
2026 Current Est.
$22.84/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Bethesda (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $15.05/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $15.66/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $15.38/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $18.15/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $19.39/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $19.79/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $21.45/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $22.84/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24.33/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for certified nursing assistants in Bethesda grew 42.5% from $15.05/hr (2019) to $21.45/hr (2025). At a 6.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $24.33/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 Bethesda 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 Bethesda
A certified nursing assistant working part-time, for instance, earns significantly less annually when compared to full-time counterparts. By working 24 hours a week, a CNA could take home around $29,203 without benefits, which contrasts with the potential for full-time earnings that might include health insurance and paid time off. Per-diem and agency CNAs in Bethesda often face a different pay structure, with typical billing rates ranging from $22 to $32 per hour, particularly during peak shifts or weekends when premium contracts offer rates between $30 and $45 per hour due to staffing shortages. The variety in hourly rates across Bethesda's health care settings—ranging from rehabilitation hospitals to hospice care—allows certified nursing assistants to weigh options that may prioritize compensation over benefits or vice versa. Therefore, negotiating your hourly rate effectively can make a significant difference, especially when considering what facilities offer health insurance versus those that provide higher non-benefit rates.
More salary data for Bethesda, MD:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for certified nursing assistants in Bethesda in 2026?
How much do part-time certified nursing assistants make in Bethesda?
Are certified nursing assistants in Bethesda paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time certified nursing assistant make per year in Bethesda?
Do certified nursing assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Bethesda?
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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 Bethesda. 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 Bethesda 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