Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay in Independence, MO: $19.03 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a certified nursing assistant working in Independence, MO runs $19.03 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $39,579 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Weighted against Independence's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.6, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $21.24 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $23,751 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Independence, Missouri, the certified nursing assistant hourly pay is projected to be $19.03 in 2026, which falls below the national hourly median of $21.64. For part-time workers averaging three days a week, this rate translates to approximately $29,000 annually, which can be a significant factor for those considering positions in various healthcare settings such as skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, and home health agencies. The hourly wage for certified nursing assistants in Independence ranges from $15.56 at entry-level positions to $24.79 for top earners, reflecting the differences in experience and the specific challenges faced in roles such as hospice care and assisted living facilities. These hourly figures estimate earnings based on the projected annual salary data and underscore the financial implications of choosing a career in this vital sector.
About the Independence 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) | $15.56 | $124.48 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $16.91 | $135.30 |
| Median (P50) | $19.03 | $152.25 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $20.96 | $167.67 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $24.79 | $198.35 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Independence
Based on $19.03/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $19.03/hr, a certified nursing assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Independence, MO can expect to earn approximately $39,586 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $22,838. With a cost-of-living index of 89.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Independence.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Independence
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $761.26 | $3,299 | $39,586 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $456.76 | $1,979 | $23,751 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $304.50 | $1,320 | $15,834 |
Compare CNA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Certified Nursing Assistant (Independence) | $19.03 |
| 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 Independence, MO earn a median of $39,579 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.06% lower than the national median of $45,007 and 2.10% above the Missouri state average of $38,765.
Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $19.03/hr = $23,751/year (purchasing power: $26,508).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $39,586/year (purchasing power: $44,180).
CoL index: 89.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$12.54/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$17.87/hr
2026 Current Est.
$19.03/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Independence (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $12.54/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $13.05/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $12.82/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $15.12/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $16.15/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $13.63/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $17.87/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $19.03/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $20.27/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for certified nursing assistants in Independence grew 42.5% from $12.54/hr (2019) to $17.87/hr (2025). At a 6.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $20.27/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 Independence 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 Independence
Focusing on part-time earnings illustrates a stark reality for certified nursing assistants. A 24-hour workweek brings home around $29,000 compared to full-time workers who average a higher income due to the additional hours. Moreover, the allure of per diem certified nursing assistant pay in Independence can reach between $22 and $32 per hour, with weekend-only contracts in high-demand areas offering premiums of $30 to $45 per hour. The variety of employer types affects pay as well, with skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, and urgent care settings generally offering different compensation structures compared to home health agencies or rehabilitation hospitals. Some CNAs may elect to accept lower hourly wages in exchange for benefits like health insurance, which can be critical for those juggling multiple responsibilities. Those in the workforce should consider negotiation tactics when assessing job offers, recognizing that skilled labor can command higher pay rates when adequately positioned within Independence's unique healthcare market.
More salary data for Independence, 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 Independence. 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 Independence 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