Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay in Detroit, MI: $20.43 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a certified nursing assistant working in Detroit, MI runs $20.43 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $42,494 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Weighted against Detroit's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.3, 0% above national), each hour of work buys what $20.37 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $25,493 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, the certified nursing assistant hourly pay in Detroit is projected to be $20.43. This figure is slightly below the national average hourly median of $21.64, reflecting regional differences in pay scales across various states. For part-time workers, typically engaged three days a week, this hourly rate translates to roughly $650 weekly, which can significantly benefit those seeking flexible work arrangements in settings such as skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, and home health agencies. Entry-level CNAs in Detroit can earn around $19.40, while more experienced professionals may command up to $24.38 an hour, indicating a notable range based on skill and experience levels. These figures, derived from the latest estimates based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, illustrate the financial landscape for certified nursing assistants in the area.
Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $19.40 | $155.23 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.79 | $158.30 |
| Median (P50) | $20.43 | $163.41 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $23.08 | $184.63 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $24.38 | $195.02 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Detroit
Based on $20.43/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $20.43/hr, a certified nursing assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Detroit, MI can expect to earn approximately $42,488 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $24,512. With a cost-of-living index of 100.30 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Detroit.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Detroit
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $817.07 | $3,541 | $42,488 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $490.24 | $2,124 | $25,493 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $326.83 | $1,416 | $16,995 |
Compare CNA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Certified Nursing Assistant (Detroit) | $20.43 |
| 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 Detroit, MI earn a median of $42,494 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.58% lower than the national median of $45,007 and 1.30% above the Michigan state average of $41,948.
Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $20.43/hr = $25,493/year (purchasing power: $25,417).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $42,488/year (purchasing power: $42,361).
CoL index: 100.298 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$15.01/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$19.18/hr
2026 Current Est.
$20.43/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+44.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Detroit (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $15.01/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $15.36/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.59/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $17.54/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $18.41/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $18.79/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $19.18/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $20.43/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $21.75/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for certified nursing assistants in Detroit grew 27.8% from $15.01/hr (2019) to $19.18/hr (2025). At a 6.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $21.75/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 Detroit 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 Detroit
Considering part-time earning potential, a certified nursing assistant working 24 hours a week at the hourly rate can contribute approximately $33,794 annually, which is competitive yet lower than full-time earnings. Many CNAs opt for per diem positions, where they provide care as needed and may earn between $22 and $32 per hour, especially in critical shortage areas. Weekend shifts often yield higher pay, with premium contracts reaching up to $30-$45 per hour. The pay varies significantly among employers; hospitals and rehabilitation centers may offer better compensation than assisted living facilities or home health agencies. However, while higher hourly wages can be enticing, many CNAs weigh their options based on benefits like health insurance, which often creates a trade-off between hourly rate and overall compensation package. For those seeking to negotiate their pay in Detroit’s competitive environment, it’s advisable to research specific employer pay scales, consider shifts that offer premiums, and be prepared to discuss the value of the skills they bring to their role.
More salary data for Detroit, MI:
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 Detroit. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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