Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay in Ithaca, NY: $23.37 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a certified nursing assistant working in Ithaca, NY runs $23.37 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $48,607 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Weighted against Ithaca's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.3, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $22.62 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $29,161 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Ithaca, New York, the certified nursing assistant hourly pay is projected to reach $23.37 in 2026, positioning it above the national median of $21.64. This competitive rate benefits part-time workers, particularly those who might work three days a week in various settings, such as skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, and home health care. For per diem certified nursing assistants, the earnings can significantly vary based on the demand and specific employer. The hourly rate range for this profession spans from $19.76 at the lower end to $25.92 for experienced professionals, underlining both the entry-level opportunities and the potential for higher earnings among seasoned CNAs. These figures are derived from official Bureau of Labor Statistics data anticipating trends in 2026.
Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $19.76 | $158.05 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $20.44 | $163.50 |
| Median (P50) | $23.37 | $186.93 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $24.58 | $196.64 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $25.92 | $207.38 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Ithaca
Based on $23.37/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $23.37/hr, a certified nursing assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Ithaca, NY can expect to earn approximately $48,601 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $28,039. With a cost-of-living index of 103.32 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Ithaca.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Ithaca
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $934.64 | $4,050 | $48,601 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $560.79 | $2,430 | $29,161 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $373.86 | $1,620 | $19,441 |
Compare CNA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Certified Nursing Assistant (Ithaca) | $23.37 |
| 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 Ithaca, NY earn a median of $48,607 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.00% higher than the national median of $45,007 and 5.50% above the New York state average of $46,073.
Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $23.37/hr = $29,161/year (purchasing power: $28,225).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $48,601/year (purchasing power: $47,041).
CoL index: 103.317 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$15.40/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$21.94/hr
2026 Current Est.
$23.37/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Ithaca (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $15.40/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $14.33/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $15.19/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $16.62/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $20.34/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $19.19/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $21.94/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23.37/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24.88/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for certified nursing assistants in Ithaca grew 42.5% from $15.40/hr (2019) to $21.94/hr (2025). At a 6.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $24.88/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 Ithaca 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 Ithaca
Focusing on the practicalities of part-time work, a certified nursing assistant working 24 hours a week can expect to earn around $27,356 annually, considerably less than full-time counterparts. However, the per diem reality offers different earning potentials. Agency CNAs in Ithaca may bill $22-$32 per hour, and those willing to work during weekends could secure contracts commanding $30-$45 per hour, particularly in markets facing staffing shortages. Additionally, varying employer types contribute to disparities in hourly rates; skilled nursing facilities and hospitals often have different compensations when compared to home health agencies or hospice care providers. Many CNAs face decisions on accepting lower hourly rates tied to health benefits or opting for higher pay without such safety nets. Understanding the hourly market dynamics is crucial for CNAs in Ithaca seeking to negotiate pay effectively, especially as the nursing workforce continues to evolve post-COVID.
More salary data for Ithaca, NY:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for certified nursing assistants in Ithaca in 2026?
How much do part-time certified nursing assistants make in Ithaca?
Are certified nursing assistants in Ithaca paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time certified nursing assistant make per year in Ithaca?
Do certified nursing assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Ithaca?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in New York
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 Ithaca. 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, 6-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