Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay in Columbus, MS: $17.43 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a certified nursing assistant working in Columbus, MS runs $17.43 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $36,270 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Weighted against Columbus's regional price level (BEA RPP 85.7, 14% below national), each hour of work buys what $20.34 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $21,758 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
The projected certified nursing assistant hourly pay in Columbus, MS, stands at $17.43, which is notably lower than the national median hourly rate of $21.64. This rate presents a significant opportunity for those seeking part-time roles or per diem positions across a variety of settings, including skilled nursing facilities, home health visits, and assisted living environments. For part-time workers averaging three shifts a week, this hourly rate translates into a steady income while allowing for flexibility in scheduling. Entry-level positions may start around $14.24 per hour, while more experienced CNAs can earn up to $19.53 per hour. The hourly earnings reflect broader trends within healthcare, where caregiving roles receive compensation aligned with demand and local cost of living considerations.
About the Columbus Market
Salary estimated from Mississippi average ($28,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $14.24 | $113.91 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $16.32 | $130.53 |
| Median (P50) | $17.43 | $139.47 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $18.63 | $149.01 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $19.53 | $156.26 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Columbus
Based on $17.43/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $17.43/hr, a certified nursing assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Columbus, MS can expect to earn approximately $36,263 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $20,921. With a cost-of-living index of 85.70 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Columbus.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Columbus
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $697.36 | $3,022 | $36,263 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $418.42 | $1,813 | $21,758 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $278.94 | $1,209 | $14,505 |
Compare CNA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Certified Nursing Assistant (Columbus) | $17.43 |
| 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 Columbus, MS earn a median of $36,270 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.41% lower than the national median of $45,007 and 6.00% below the Mississippi state average of $38,585.
Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $17.43/hr = $21,758/year (purchasing power: $25,388).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $36,263/year (purchasing power: $42,314).
CoL index: 85.7 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$11.49/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$16.37/hr
2026 Current Est.
$17.43/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Columbus (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $11.49/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $11.95/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $11.74/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $13.85/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $14.80/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $10.85/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $16.37/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $17.43/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $18.57/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for certified nursing assistants in Columbus grew 42.5% from $11.49/hr (2019) to $16.37/hr (2025). At a 6.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $18.57/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 Columbus 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 Columbus
Exploring the earning potential for certified nursing assistants working part-time, a typical schedule of 24 hours a week results in an annual income considerably lower than that of full-time counterparts. Per diem certified nursing assistant pay in Columbus can vary significantly; while agency CNAs may charge between $22 to $32 per hour, weekend shifts might offer contracts that reach $30 to $45 per hour, particularly in areas experiencing staff shortages. It's essential to consider that workplace type impacts pay—hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and home health agencies all have different pay structures and benefits that affect overall take-home income. Some CNAs may choose slightly lower hourly pay in exchange for essential benefits such as health insurance, while others might favor higher pay without benefits to maximize their earnings. For those negotiating wages in Columbus, understanding the local market and potential trade-offs can lead to better outcomes in hourly compensation.
More salary data for Columbus, MS:
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 Columbus. 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 Columbus 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