Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay in Jefferson City, MO: $18.48 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a certified nursing assistant working in Jefferson City, MO runs $18.48 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $38,425 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Weighted against Jefferson City's regional price level (BEA RPP 88.0, 12% below national), each hour of work buys what $21.00 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $23,060 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Jefferson City, Missouri, certified nursing assistants (CNAs) earn a median hourly rate of $18.48, which is notably below the national median of $21.64. This pay reflects the compensation structure for those working in various settings such as skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, and home health care. The hourly pay range for CNAs in Jefferson City can vary significantly, with entry-level positions starting at approximately $15.39 and top earners hitting around $21.93. For part-time workers, such as those on a three-day work week, this hourly rate translates into a reliable income stream that supports their living expenses, especially in a market where the cost of living index sits below the national average.
Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $15.39 | $123.11 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $18.12 | $144.93 |
| Median (P50) | $18.48 | $147.82 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $19.59 | $156.68 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $21.93 | $175.43 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Jefferson City
Based on $18.48/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $18.48/hr, a certified nursing assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Jefferson City, MO can expect to earn approximately $38,434 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $22,173. With a cost-of-living index of 87.97 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Jefferson City.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Jefferson City
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $739.11 | $3,203 | $38,434 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $443.47 | $1,922 | $23,060 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $295.64 | $1,281 | $15,373 |
Compare CNA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Certified Nursing Assistant (Jefferson City) | $18.48 |
| 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 Jefferson City, MO earn a median of $38,425 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.62% lower than the national median of $45,007 and 0.90% below the Missouri state average of $38,774.
Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $18.48/hr = $23,060/year (purchasing power: $26,212).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $38,434/year (purchasing power: $43,687).
CoL index: 87.975 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$12.46/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$17.35/hr
2026 Current Est.
$18.48/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+57.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Jefferson City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $12.46/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $12.79/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $14.41/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $14.27/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $16.98/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $16.95/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $17.35/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $18.48/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $19.68/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for certified nursing assistants in Jefferson City grew 39.2% from $12.46/hr (2019) to $17.35/hr (2025). At a 6.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $19.68/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 Jefferson City 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 Jefferson City
Examining the earnings potential for a three-day-a-week certified nursing assistant reveals a clear difference when compared to full-time employment. For those entering per diem or agency work, the scenario shifts dramatically, as these CNAs can charge between $22 and $32 per hour, often enjoying premium rates during weekend shifts that can climb to $30-$45. Travel contracts are less common but have emerged recently, typically offering pay that ranges from $1,000 to $1,800 per week. In Jefferson City, wages can fluctuate based on the type of employer; hospital CNAs generally earn more than those in assisted living, reflecting the demand for skilled staffing in acute care settings. Some CNAs may opt for lower-paying opportunities offering health insurance, weighing the stability of benefits against potentially higher pay without them. For those negotiating hourly rates, understanding local market rates and specific employer needs can be an asset in securing favorable pay.
More salary data for Jefferson City, 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 Jefferson City. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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