Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay in Dundalk, MD: $22.84 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a certified nursing assistant working in Dundalk, 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 Dundalk'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 2026, certified nursing assistants in Dundalk, Maryland, will earn a median hourly rate of $22.84, reflecting a growing need for support in health care facilities compared to the national median of $21.64. This competitive pay offers a solid opportunity for both part-time employees and per diem workers. An individual working three days a week with a 24-hour schedule can expect to make a substantial contribution to their income while serving in various settings such as skilled nursing facilities, hospital medical/surgical floors, home visits, and assisted living apartments. For entry-level positions, the hourly pay might start at around $18.46, while experienced professionals at the top of their field could earn up to $27.59 per hour, highlighting the potential for a rewarding career.
About the Dundalk 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) | $18.46 | $147.65 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $20.05 | $160.43 |
| Median (P50) | $22.84 | $182.75 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $25.83 | $206.61 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $27.59 | $220.75 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Dundalk
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 Dundalk, 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 Dundalk.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Dundalk
| 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 (Dundalk) | $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 Dundalk, 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 Dundalk (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 Dundalk 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 Dundalk 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 Dundalk
For those considering part-time work in Dundalk, a certified nursing assistant working three days a week can take home approximately $35,187 annually, significantly less than full-time counterparts, yet still a viable option for many. The dynamics of per diem certified nursing assistant pay in Dundalk often see agency CNAs billing between $22 and $32 an hour, with premium contracts for weekend shifts reaching as high as $30-$45. Travel contracts, although less common, offer compelling compensation at a weekly rate of $1,000-$1,800. The variation in hourly rates is influenced by employer type, with skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, and home health agencies offering differing pay scales. Many CNAs evaluate the trade-off between hourly rates and included benefits such as health insurance, underscoring a delicate balance in their decision-making. Negotiating these rates in a market where staffing needs have skyrocketed post-COVID can open doors to better pay while considering various employee benefits.
More salary data for Dundalk, MD:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Dundalk. 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 Dundalk 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