Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay in Lincoln, NE: $19.79 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a certified nursing assistant working in Lincoln, NE runs $19.79 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $41,162 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Weighted against Lincoln's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.6, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $21.61 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $24,695 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Lincoln, Nebraska, the certified nursing assistant hourly pay stands at a median rate of $19.79 in 2026, which is lower than the national median of $21.64. For certified nursing assistants working part-time, such as those on a 3-day workweek, this hourly wage translates to a steady income, especially beneficial in typical settings such as skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, and assisted living communities. The starting pay ranges from about $18.98 for entry-level positions, extending up to $24.74 for top earners. This official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data indicates that, despite a more modest hourly rate compared to national figures, CNAs in Lincoln receive competitive compensation for their essential role, balancing patient care efficiently across various healthcare environments.
Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $18.98 | $151.83 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.30 | $154.38 |
| Median (P50) | $19.79 | $158.30 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $23.29 | $186.33 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $24.74 | $197.92 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lincoln
Based on $19.79/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $19.79/hr, a certified nursing assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lincoln, NE can expect to earn approximately $41,158 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $23,745. With a cost-of-living index of 91.58 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Lincoln.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lincoln
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $791.51 | $3,430 | $41,158 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $474.90 | $2,058 | $24,695 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $316.60 | $1,372 | $16,463 |
Compare CNA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Certified Nursing Assistant (Lincoln) | $19.79 |
| 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 Lincoln, NE earn a median of $41,162 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.54% lower than the national median of $45,007.
Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $19.79/hr = $24,695/year (purchasing power: $26,965).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $41,158/year (purchasing power: $44,942).
CoL index: 91.581 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$14.37/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$18.58/hr
2026 Current Est.
$19.79/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+46.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Lincoln (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $14.37/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $14.49/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $14.28/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $15.48/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $17.51/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $18.15/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $18.58/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $19.79/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $21.07/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for certified nursing assistants in Lincoln grew 29.3% from $14.37/hr (2019) to $18.58/hr (2025). At a 6.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $21.07/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 Lincoln 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 Lincoln
Exploring the potential earnings reveals that a part-time certified nursing assistant working 24 hours a week can expect to take home approximately $24,746 annually, a substantial contrast to the average full-time income derived from working a standard 40-hour week. Many per diem certified nursing assistants in Lincoln find opportunities with agency contracts, often billing between $22 and $32 per hour, including premium weekend shifts that can reach up to $45. Different employer types significantly affect hourly compensation, with skilled nursing facilities and home health agencies often offering lower rates compared to hospitals and rehab centers. Moreover, some CNAs may trade off higher hourly wages for benefits such as health insurance. For those negotiating pay, understanding the specific dynamics of Lincoln’s healthcare market can allow for strategic discussions with employers, enhancing both job satisfaction and financial outcomes.
More salary data for Lincoln, NE:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for certified nursing assistants in Lincoln in 2026?
How much do part-time certified nursing assistants make in Lincoln?
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How much does a full-time certified nursing assistant make per year in Lincoln?
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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 Lincoln. 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