Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay in Wheaton, MD: $23.64 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a certified nursing assistant working in Wheaton, MD runs $23.64 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $49,186 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Weighted against Wheaton's regional price level (BEA RPP 109.3, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $21.63 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $29,506 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Wheaton, Maryland, the hourly pay for certified nursing assistants (CNAs) is projected to reach $23.64 in 2026, representing a 9.29% increase over the national hourly median of $21.64. This hourly rate provides a significant advantage for part-time workers and those taking per diem shifts across various healthcare settings, including skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, and home health care. With an hourly range from $18.51 for entry-level positions to $28.69 for experienced CNAs, employees can find opportunities that align with their skills and availability. The ability to work part-time, say three days per week, allows CNAs to balance career aspirations with personal commitments, providing flexibility in settings like assisted living apartments or hospice care.
About the Wheaton 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) | $18.51 | $148.08 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $20.31 | $162.48 |
| Median (P50) | $23.64 | $189.14 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $26.28 | $210.27 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $28.69 | $229.53 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Wheaton
Based on $23.64/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $23.64/hr, a certified nursing assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Wheaton, MD can expect to earn approximately $49,177 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $28,372. With a cost-of-living index of 109.30 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Wheaton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Wheaton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $945.72 | $4,098 | $49,177 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $567.43 | $2,459 | $29,506 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $378.29 | $1,639 | $19,671 |
Compare CNA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Certified Nursing Assistant (Wheaton) | $23.64 |
| 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 Wheaton, MD earn a median of $49,186 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.29% higher than the national median of $45,007.
Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $23.64/hr = $29,506/year (purchasing power: $26,996).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $49,177/year (purchasing power: $44,993).
CoL index: 109.3 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$15.58/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.20/hr
2026 Current Est.
$23.64/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Wheaton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $15.58/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $16.21/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $15.92/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $18.79/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $20.07/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $20.49/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.20/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23.64/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $25.18/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for certified nursing assistants in Wheaton grew 42.5% from $15.58/hr (2019) to $22.20/hr (2025). At a 6.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $25.18/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 Wheaton 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 Wheaton
For a certified nursing assistant working part-time, typically three days a week totaling about 24 hours, the annual take-home pay can be substantial, especially when compared to full-time earnings. Those opting for agency work, which often commands higher pay rates, typically see hourly wages between $22 and $32, with weekend-only contracts offering even more lucrative rates of $30 to $45 per hour in some areas facing shortages. This creates a diverse earning potential, with skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, and home health agencies also providing varying rates influenced by their funding and patient volume levels. Some CNAs may opt for lower hourly wages in exchange for benefits such as health insurance. Negotiating for better pay should consider these factors, as healthcare settings in Wheaton may offer shifts with premium rates during weekends or holidays, presenting an opportunity to maximize earnings effectively.
More salary data for Wheaton, MD:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for certified nursing assistants in Wheaton in 2026?
How much do part-time certified nursing assistants make in Wheaton?
Are certified nursing assistants in Wheaton paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time certified nursing assistant make per year in Wheaton?
Do certified nursing assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Wheaton?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Maryland
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 Wheaton. 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 Wheaton 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