Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay in Niagara Falls, NY: $21.82 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a certified nursing assistant working in Niagara Falls, NY runs $21.82 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $45,379 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Weighted against Niagara Falls's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.9, 16% above national), each hour of work buys what $18.83 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $27,234 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Niagara Falls, the certified nursing assistant hourly pay stands at a promising $21.82, slightly ahead of the national hourly median of $21.64 for this role. This competitive rate benefits not only full-time workers but also part-time (3 days a week) and per-diem employees, allowing them to earn a decent wage while working in various settings such as skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, assisted living apartments, and even in home care environments. The hourly range reveals opportunities for those just entering the profession earning around $17.81 per hour, while seasoned professionals can command rates up to $25.09, illustrating a lucrative career path that offers growth potential. Estimated from annual salary data and reflecting the evolving landscape of care facilities in the area, these rates contribute to effective financial planning for CNAs in Niagara Falls.
About the Niagara Falls Market
Salary estimated from New York average ($44,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $17.81 | $142.45 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.18 | $153.45 |
| Median (P50) | $21.82 | $174.57 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $23.60 | $188.80 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $25.09 | $200.73 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Niagara Falls
Based on $21.82/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $21.82/hr, a certified nursing assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Niagara Falls, NY can expect to earn approximately $45,389 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $26,186. With a cost-of-living index of 115.90 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Niagara Falls.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Niagara Falls
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $872.87 | $3,782 | $45,389 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $523.72 | $2,269 | $27,234 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $349.15 | $1,513 | $18,156 |
Compare CNA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Certified Nursing Assistant (Niagara Falls) | $21.82 |
| 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 Niagara Falls, NY earn a median of $45,379 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.83% higher than the national median of $45,007 and 1.50% below the New York state average of $46,070.
Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $21.82/hr = $27,234/year (purchasing power: $23,498).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $45,389/year (purchasing power: $39,163).
CoL index: 115.9 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$14.38/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$20.49/hr
2026 Current Est.
$21.82/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Niagara Falls (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $14.38/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $14.96/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $14.70/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $17.34/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $18.52/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $24.15/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $20.49/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $21.82/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $23.24/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for certified nursing assistants in Niagara Falls grew 42.5% from $14.38/hr (2019) to $20.49/hr (2025). At a 6.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $23.24/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 Niagara Falls 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 Niagara Falls
Turning to the financial implications for certified nursing assistants, a part-time worker logging 24 hours per week can expect to take home roughly $27,068 annually, while those opting for full-time positions may reach significantly higher incomes. The per diem certified nursing assistant pay in Niagara Falls can be even more lucrative, especially for agency shifts that often range from $22 to $32 per hour, with weekend work commanding premiums as high as $30 to $45. Notably, travel contracts have emerged, offering weekly rates between $1,000 and $1,800, though these positions are less common in comparison to traditional roles. Moreover, hourly rates may differ depending on the type of employer, with skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, and rehabilitation centers offering varied pay structures. CNAs might also face a benefits trade-off; some accept lower pay for health insurance and stability, while others seek higher wages without those benefits. Negotiation tips include discussing shift differentials, leveraging existing experience, and understanding market rates to secure the best hourly pay in Niagara Falls.
More salary data for Niagara Falls, NY:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for certified nursing assistants in Niagara Falls in 2026?
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Do certified nursing assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Niagara Falls?
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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 Niagara Falls. 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 Niagara Falls 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