Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay in Minneapolis, MN: $24.59 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a certified nursing assistant working in Minneapolis, MN runs $24.59 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $51,141 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Weighted against Minneapolis's regional price level (BEA RPP 104.8, 5% above national), each hour of work buys what $23.46 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $30,689 per year.
Official BLS data · View source

Certified nursing assistants in Minneapolis, Minnesota, are projected to earn a median hourly pay of $24.59 in 2026, which represents a notable 13.63% increase over the national median of $21.64. This competitive hourly rate provides significant opportunity for part-time workers, such as those taking shifts three days a week in various settings, including skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, and home health care. Entry-level CNAs can expect to earn about $20.23, while experienced professionals can reach up to $28.72 per hour. Given the rising demand for healthcare workers post-pandemic, the job market for CNAs in Minneapolis remains robust, with many seeking both stable employment and flexibility in their work schedules, especially in per-diem roles.
Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $20.23 | $161.88 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.83 | $182.67 |
| Median (P50) | $24.59 | $196.73 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $25.71 | $205.67 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $28.72 | $229.78 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Minneapolis
Based on $24.59/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $24.59/hr, a certified nursing assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Minneapolis, MN can expect to earn approximately $51,149 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $29,509. With a cost-of-living index of 104.82 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Minneapolis.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Minneapolis
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $983.63 | $4,262 | $51,149 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $590.18 | $2,557 | $30,689 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $393.45 | $1,705 | $20,460 |
Compare CNA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Certified Nursing Assistant (Minneapolis) | $24.59 |
| 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 Minneapolis, MN earn a median of $51,141 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.63% higher than the national median of $45,007 and 3.40% above the Minnesota state average of $49,460.
Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $24.59/hr = $30,689/year (purchasing power: $29,278).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $51,149/year (purchasing power: $48,796).
CoL index: 104.822 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$17.73/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$23.09/hr
2026 Current Est.
$24.59/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+47.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Minneapolis (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $17.73/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $18.50/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $18.11/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $19.83/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $21.42/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $22.55/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $23.09/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $24.59/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $26.19/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for certified nursing assistants in Minneapolis grew 30.2% from $17.73/hr (2019) to $23.09/hr (2025). At a 6.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $26.19/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 Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis
Examining the earning potential for part-time certified nursing assistants reveals an interesting financial landscape. A CNA working 24 hours a week (three 8-hour shifts) can expect to take home approximately $38,112 annually, a figure that falls short of full-time wages but still offers a reasonable income for many. Per diem certified nursing assistants in Minneapolis often experience a wider range of hourly pay, billing agencies anywhere from $22 to $32 per hour, with potential weekend-only contracts bringing premiums as high as $30-$45 per hour. Hourly rates can vary significantly depending on the employer; CNAs at hospitals and skilled nursing facilities might earn more due to higher demand or specific skill requirements. Additionally, some may choose a lower hourly pay for positions offering health benefits, while others opt for higher pay without those benefits. To maximize earning potential, it's advisable for CNAs to negotiate based on specific skills and certifications, considering various employment options across the healthcare spectrum in Minneapolis.
More salary data for Minneapolis, MN:
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 Minneapolis. 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