Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay in Tupelo, MS: $18.36 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a certified nursing assistant working in Tupelo, MS runs $18.36 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $38,196 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Weighted against Tupelo's regional price level (BEA RPP 85.7, 14% below national), each hour of work buys what $21.42 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $22,914 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Tupelo, Mississippi, the certified nursing assistant hourly pay is projected to be $18.36 in 2026, which is notably lower than the national median of $21.64. This disparity reflects the local cost of living index, which stands at 85.7, indicating a budget-sensitive environment. For part-time workers typically scheduled for three days a week, this hourly rate translates to a reasonable earning potential while allowing flexibility in personal schedules. However, entry-level CNAs earn around $14.60, while top earners can see hourly rates as high as $21.35. These figures are derived from the broader annual salary data and suggest a market where certified nursing assistants can find positions in various settings, including skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, assisted living communities, and home health agencies, adapting their work hours to suit their individual needs.
About the Tupelo 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) | $14.60 | $116.81 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $16.97 | $135.72 |
| Median (P50) | $18.36 | $146.88 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $19.95 | $159.58 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $21.35 | $170.83 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Tupelo
Based on $18.36/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $18.36/hr, a certified nursing assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Tupelo, MS can expect to earn approximately $38,190 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $22,033. With a cost-of-living index of 85.70 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Tupelo.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Tupelo
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $734.42 | $3,183 | $38,190 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $440.65 | $1,910 | $22,914 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $293.77 | $1,273 | $15,276 |
Compare CNA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Certified Nursing Assistant (Tupelo) | $18.36 |
| 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 Tupelo, MS earn a median of $38,196 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.13% lower than the national median of $45,007 and 1.00% below the Mississippi state average of $38,582.
Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $18.36/hr = $22,914/year (purchasing power: $26,737).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $38,190/year (purchasing power: $44,562).
CoL index: 85.7 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$12.10/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$17.24/hr
2026 Current Est.
$18.36/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Tupelo (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $12.10/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $12.59/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $12.36/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $14.59/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $15.58/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $11.42/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $17.24/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $18.36/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $19.55/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for certified nursing assistants in Tupelo grew 42.5% from $12.10/hr (2019) to $17.24/hr (2025). At a 6.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $19.55/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 Tupelo 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 Tupelo
Part-time certified nursing assistants working 24 hours per week at the local $18.36 hourly rate will earn about $22,948 annually, significantly lower than their full-time counterparts. Meanwhile, those pursuing per diem work can experience a higher earning potential, with agency CNAs typically billing anywhere from $22 to $32 per hour. Weekend-only premium contracts further sweeten the deal, often reaching rates between $30 and $45, especially in markets facing staffing shortages. Employment across different environments in Tupelo influences pay as well; for instance, skilled nursing facilities may offer different rates than hospitals or rehabilitation centers. Those CNAs who prioritize health benefits may accept lower hourly rates compared to their peers opting for higher pay without healthcare coverage. Understanding these nuances and effectively negotiating rates based on local demand can help certified nursing assistants in Tupelo make informed decisions about their careers.
More salary data for Tupelo, 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 Tupelo. 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 Tupelo 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