Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay in Ridgeland, MS: $17.81 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a certified nursing assistant working in Ridgeland, MS runs $17.81 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $37,033 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Weighted against Ridgeland's regional price level (BEA RPP 85.7, 14% below national), each hour of work buys what $20.78 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $22,223 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Ridgeland, Mississippi, certified nursing assistant hourly pay is projected to be $17.81 in 2026, a figure that falls significantly below the national median of $21.64 per hour. This payment level impacts part-time workers, such as those engaged in three days per week schedules. For example, working 24 hours weekly would allow a CNA to earn around $21,157 annually, establishing a balance between income and work-life needs while often fulfilling roles in skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, and home health settings. The hourly pay range for certified nursing assistants in Ridgeland varies, with entry-level positions typically earning around $15.15 and top earners approaching $20.03, highlighting opportunities for advancement through experience or additional training.
About the Ridgeland 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) | $15.15 | $121.24 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $16.72 | $133.76 |
| Median (P50) | $17.81 | $142.45 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $19.06 | $152.51 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $20.03 | $160.26 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Ridgeland
Based on $17.81/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $17.81/hr, a certified nursing assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Ridgeland, MS can expect to earn approximately $37,038 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $21,368. With a cost-of-living index of 85.70 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Ridgeland.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Ridgeland
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $712.27 | $3,087 | $37,038 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $427.36 | $1,852 | $22,223 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $284.91 | $1,235 | $14,815 |
Compare CNA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Certified Nursing Assistant (Ridgeland) | $17.81 |
| 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 Ridgeland, MS earn a median of $37,033 per year (2026 est.), which is 17.72% lower than the national median of $45,007 and 4.00% below the Mississippi state average of $38,576.
Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $17.81/hr = $22,223/year (purchasing power: $25,931).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $37,038/year (purchasing power: $43,218).
CoL index: 85.7 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$11.73/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$16.72/hr
2026 Current Est.
$17.81/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Ridgeland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $11.73/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $12.21/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $11.99/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $14.15/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $15.11/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $11.08/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $16.72/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $17.81/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $18.96/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for certified nursing assistants in Ridgeland grew 42.5% from $11.73/hr (2019) to $16.72/hr (2025). At a 6.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $18.96/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 Ridgeland 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 Ridgeland
In terms of earning potential, many CNAs in Ridgeland opt for part-time or per diem roles to maintain flexibility. Part-time CNAs can expect lower annual earnings when compared to full-time counterparts, but the trade-offs often mesh well with differing personal responsibilities. Per diem certified nursing assistant pay in Ridgeland can vary widely; agencies may bill between $22 and $32 per hour, with weekend-only contracts trending towards $30 to $45 per hour, reflecting increased demand during peak times. This rate discrepancy often leads CNAs to choose between benefits and higher hourly wages, as facilities with comprehensive healthcare packages might offer lower per hour rates. Understanding the variations in pay across employers, from hospitals to home health, can empower CNAs in negotiations for better pay or more favorable working conditions in Ridgeland, MS.
More salary data for Ridgeland, 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 Ridgeland. 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 Ridgeland 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