Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay in University City, MO: $18.38 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a certified nursing assistant working in University City, MO runs $18.38 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $38,234 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Weighted against University City's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.6, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $20.52 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $22,941 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In University City, Missouri, the projected median hourly pay for certified nursing assistants (CNAs) in 2026 is estimated at $18.38. This figure is notably lower than the national median hourly rate of $21.64, indicating a regional variance in compensation relative to other areas across the United States. For CNAs working part-time—often encompassing three days a week—this hourly rate can translate to a take-home of around $877 per week based on a typical 24-hour schedule. Entry-level positions may start at approximately $15.01 per hour, while top earners in the field can make up to $21.15 per hour. Certified nursing assistants typically find employment in various settings, including skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, or providing home health care, with hourly compensation reflecting the different operational costs and demands of these environments.
About the University City 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) | $15.01 | $120.05 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $16.18 | $129.42 |
| Median (P50) | $18.38 | $147.06 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $20.27 | $162.14 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $21.15 | $169.21 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in University City
Based on $18.38/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $18.38/hr, a certified nursing assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in University City, MO can expect to earn approximately $38,234 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $22,058. With a cost-of-living index of 89.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in University City.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in University City
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $735.28 | $3,186 | $38,234 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $441.17 | $1,912 | $22,941 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $294.11 | $1,274 | $15,294 |
Compare CNA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Certified Nursing Assistant (University City) | $18.38 |
| 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 University City, MO earn a median of $38,234 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.05% lower than the national median of $45,007 and 1.40% below the Missouri state average of $38,776.
Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $18.38/hr = $22,941/year (purchasing power: $25,603).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $38,234/year (purchasing power: $42,672).
CoL index: 89.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$12.11/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$17.26/hr
2026 Current Est.
$18.38/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in University City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $12.11/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $12.60/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $12.38/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $14.61/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $15.60/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $13.17/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $17.26/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $18.38/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $19.58/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for certified nursing assistants in University City grew 42.5% from $12.11/hr (2019) to $17.26/hr (2025). At a 6.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $19.58/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 University 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 University City
Examining the part-time earning potential reveals that working as a certified nursing assistant for 24 hours a week in University City brings home around $45,000 yearly, a stark contrast to full-timers earning significantly more due to their increased hours. For those seeking more flexible arrangements, per diem certified nursing assistant pay in University City is quite variable, especially with agency roles billing between $22 and $32 per hour. Weekend contracts can offer premiums that reach between $30 and $45, which could greatly enhance earnings for those willing to work during peak demand periods. Furthermore, the types of employers significantly affect pay scales; skilled nursing facilities may offer different rates compared to hospitals or home health agencies. Some CNAs may accept slightly lower hourly wages with the benefits of health insurance and retirement plans, while others might prioritize higher pay without benefits for greater immediate compensation. For effective negotiation, it’s beneficial for CNAs to research local pay rates, be aware of shift differentials, and consider opportunities for advancement into LPN or RN roles, which can open up higher wage potential in the future.
More salary data for University 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 University 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
Salary data for University City 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