Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay in Southaven, MS: $18.24 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a certified nursing assistant working in Southaven, MS runs $18.24 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $37,943 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Weighted against Southaven's regional price level (BEA RPP 85.7, 14% below national), each hour of work buys what $21.29 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $22,768 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Southaven, the certified nursing assistant hourly pay is projected to be $18.24 in 2026, which is notably lower than the national median of $21.64 per hour. For part-time workers, particularly those on a three-day work schedule, this translates to a take-home pay of approximately $582 weekly or around $1,250 monthly, making it a viable option for many seeking supplemental income or flexible work arrangements. Per-diem certified nursing assistants often find opportunities in various settings such as skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, and home health agencies, where hourly rates can vary based on experience and the facility’s budget. Entry-level hourly wages start around $15.26, while experienced professionals can earn up to $21.53, allowing for growth within the industry's pay structure.
About the Southaven 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) | $15.26 | $122.09 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $16.40 | $131.21 |
| Median (P50) | $18.24 | $145.95 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $19.93 | $159.41 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $21.53 | $172.27 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Southaven
Based on $18.24/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $18.24/hr, a certified nursing assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Southaven, MS can expect to earn approximately $37,946 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $21,892. With a cost-of-living index of 85.70 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Southaven.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Southaven
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $729.74 | $3,162 | $37,946 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $437.84 | $1,897 | $22,768 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $291.90 | $1,265 | $15,179 |
Compare CNA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Certified Nursing Assistant (Southaven) | $18.24 |
| 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 Southaven, MS earn a median of $37,943 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.70% lower than the national median of $45,007 and 1.60% below the Mississippi state average of $38,560.
Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $18.24/hr = $22,768/year (purchasing power: $26,567).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $37,946/year (purchasing power: $44,278).
CoL index: 85.7 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$12.02/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$17.13/hr
2026 Current Est.
$18.24/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Southaven (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $12.02/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $12.50/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $12.29/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $14.50/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $15.48/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $11.35/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $17.13/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $18.24/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $19.43/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for certified nursing assistants in Southaven grew 42.5% from $12.02/hr (2019) to $17.13/hr (2025). At a 6.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $19.43/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 Southaven 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 Southaven
Focusing on the earnings potential for part-time certified nursing assistants in Southaven, someone working 24 hours a week can expect an annual income of approximately $28,882. In contrast, full-time CNAs earn a more stable income, but part-time work allows flexibility often sought by those managing family or education commitments. Additionally, per diem and agency positions present alternative compensation models, where rates often reach between $22 and $32 per hour; in some cases, weekend-only shifts can command premiums of $30 to $45 per hour in response to workforce shortages. Hourly rates can also differ greatly depending on the care setting, with hospitals, rehabilitation facilities, or hospices potentially offering more competitive wages than typical skilled nursing environments. While some certified nursing assistants may prefer higher hourly pay without benefits, others opt for slightly lower rates that include health insurance and other perks. This underscores the importance of understanding the trade-offs when negotiating hourly rates for work in Southaven.
More salary data for Southaven, 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 Southaven. 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 Southaven 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