Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay in Branson, MO: $17.33 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a certified nursing assistant working in Branson, MO runs $17.33 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $36,040 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Weighted against Branson's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.6, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $19.34 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $21,625 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Branson, Missouri, the certified nursing assistant hourly pay is projected to reach $17.33 in 2026, significantly lower than the national median of $21.64. This hourly rate plays a crucial role for part-time workers—those typically logging three shifts per week will earn an estimated $1,036.38 monthly. Per-diem certified nursing assistants working in various settings, including skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, and home health care, will find themselves earning anywhere from $15.20 to $20.10 per hour, depending on experience and shift differentials. The hourly pay range reflects the opportunities for both entry-level positions and seasoned professionals seeking more lucrative roles within the healthcare industry in Branson, allowing them to navigate expectations based on their qualifications and work settings.
About the Branson Market
Salary estimated from Missouri average ($31,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $15.20 | $121.58 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $15.96 | $127.71 |
| Median (P50) | $17.33 | $138.62 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $18.88 | $151.06 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $20.10 | $160.77 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Branson
Based on $17.33/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $17.33/hr, a certified nursing assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Branson, MO can expect to earn approximately $36,041 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $20,793. With a cost-of-living index of 89.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Branson.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Branson
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $693.10 | $3,003 | $36,041 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $415.86 | $1,802 | $21,625 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $277.24 | $1,201 | $14,417 |
Compare CNA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Certified Nursing Assistant (Branson) | $17.33 |
| 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 Branson, MO earn a median of $36,040 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.92% lower than the national median of $45,007 and 7.10% below the Missouri state average of $38,794.
Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $17.33/hr = $21,625/year (purchasing power: $24,135).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $36,041/year (purchasing power: $40,225).
CoL index: 89.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$11.42/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$16.27/hr
2026 Current Est.
$17.33/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Branson (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $11.42/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $11.88/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $11.67/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $13.77/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $14.71/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $12.41/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $16.27/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $17.33/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $18.45/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for certified nursing assistants in Branson grew 42.5% from $11.42/hr (2019) to $16.27/hr (2025). At a 6.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $18.45/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 Branson 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 Branson
For those considering part-time roles, working as a certified nursing assistant for just three days a week translates to an annual income significantly less than full-time employment, which typically offers more stable financial security. In the dynamic health care job market, per diem positions can command higher rates, with agency CNAs billing between $22 and $32 per hour, and weekend-only premium contracts potentially reaching $30 to $45, especially in shortage areas. Hourly rates can vary by employer type; for example, skilled nursing facilities may offer lower compensation than hospitals' intensive care units or rehabilitation centers. Many CNAs must balance the trade-offs of accepting lower pay for benefits such as health insurance or choosing higher pay without those perks. For those negotiating their certified nursing assistant hourly rate in Branson, researching the varying pay across employers and understanding the local market trends is essential in securing the best possible compensation.
More salary data for Branson, MO:
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 Branson. 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 Branson 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