Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay in Laurel, MD: $22.47 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a certified nursing assistant working in Laurel, MD runs $22.47 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $46,730 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Weighted against Laurel's regional price level (BEA RPP 109.3, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $20.56 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $28,044 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Laurel, Maryland, certified nursing assistants enjoy a median hourly pay of $22.47, which is approximately 3.83% higher than the national median of $21.64. This competitive pay rate is especially beneficial for part-time workers who may choose to work three days a week, conveniently balancing their professional and personal lives. The hourly range for CNAs in Laurel is quite broad, from $18.85 for entry-level positions to $27.22 for those who excel and advance in their roles. Many CNAs work in diverse environments including skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, and home health settings, which impacts their overall earnings. The hourly estimates reflect a growing demand for nursing assistants, driven in part by the staffing challenges faced by healthcare providers post-COVID.
About the Laurel 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) | $18.85 | $150.80 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $20.12 | $160.94 |
| Median (P50) | $22.47 | $179.77 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $25.14 | $201.16 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $27.22 | $217.77 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Laurel
Based on $22.47/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $22.47/hr, a certified nursing assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Laurel, MD can expect to earn approximately $46,741 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $26,966. With a cost-of-living index of 109.30 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Laurel.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Laurel
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $898.86 | $3,895 | $46,741 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $539.32 | $2,337 | $28,044 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $359.54 | $1,558 | $18,696 |
Compare CNA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Certified Nursing Assistant (Laurel) | $22.47 |
| 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 Laurel, MD earn a median of $46,730 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.83% higher than the national median of $45,007 and 5.00% below the Maryland state average of $49,190.
Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $22.47/hr = $28,044/year (purchasing power: $25,658).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $46,741/year (purchasing power: $42,764).
CoL index: 109.3 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$14.81/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$21.10/hr
2026 Current Est.
$22.47/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Laurel (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $14.81/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $15.40/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $15.13/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $17.85/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $19.07/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $19.47/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $21.10/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $22.47/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $23.93/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for certified nursing assistants in Laurel grew 42.5% from $14.81/hr (2019) to $21.10/hr (2025). At a 6.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $23.93/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 Laurel 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 Laurel
The earning potential for a part-time certified nursing assistant in Laurel, working a typical schedule of 24 hours per week, results in an annual take-home amount significantly differing from that of their full-time counterparts. Many CNAs working through agencies can negotiate higher rates, resulting in per diem certified nursing assistant pay in Laurel that typically ranges from $22 to $32 per hour. In areas with a critical shortage, weekend-only contracts can see rates soar to $30-$45 per hour, and while travel contracts may offer enticing opportunities—ranging from $1,000 to $1,800 per week—these are still comparatively rare. Hourly earnings can vary significantly based on employer types, with skilled nursing facilities generally offering different pay scales compared to hospitals or home health agencies. Those considering positions should weigh the benefits—such as health insurance—against the potential for higher pay without benefits, particularly as the CNA workforce continues to evolve in response to market demands. Negotiation tactics in this context can include emphasizing specific skill sets, availability for weekends, or interest in training for advanced roles leading to certifications as LPNs or RNs.
More salary data for Laurel, 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 Laurel. 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 Laurel 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