Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay in Rochester, NY: $20.51 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a certified nursing assistant working in Rochester, NY runs $20.51 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $42,653 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Weighted against Rochester's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.0, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $21.14 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $25,599 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Rochester, New York, the certified nursing assistant hourly pay stands at a median of $20.51 in 2026, which is slightly below the national median of $21.64. For part-time workers, typically those putting in three shifts a week, this translates to approximately $1,053 weekly, making it a reasonable income for those seeking flexibility in their schedules. The hourly compensation ranges from about $19.49 at entry-level positions to $24.47 for those in the upper echelons of the field, reflecting the diverse environments where certified nursing assistants operate, including skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, and private homes. This hourly rate is crucial for individuals considering per diem work, allowing them to capitalize on fluctuating staffing needs while enjoying the mix of flexibility and potential overtime pay in Rochester's healthcare landscape.
Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $19.49 | $155.92 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $20.14 | $161.11 |
| Median (P50) | $20.51 | $164.10 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $23.08 | $184.63 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $24.47 | $195.79 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Rochester
Based on $20.51/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $20.51/hr, a certified nursing assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Rochester, NY can expect to earn approximately $42,665 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $24,614. With a cost-of-living index of 97.03 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Rochester.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Rochester
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $820.48 | $3,555 | $42,665 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $492.29 | $2,133 | $25,599 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $328.19 | $1,422 | $17,066 |
Compare CNA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Certified Nursing Assistant (Rochester) | $20.51 |
| 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 Rochester, NY earn a median of $42,653 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.23% lower than the national median of $45,007 and 7.40% below the New York state average of $46,062.
Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $20.51/hr = $25,599/year (purchasing power: $26,381).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $42,665/year (purchasing power: $43,968).
CoL index: 97.035 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$14.54/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$19.26/hr
2026 Current Est.
$20.51/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+50.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Rochester (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $14.54/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $15.34/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $14.62/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $18.13/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $18.70/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $19.14/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $19.26/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $20.51/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $21.85/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for certified nursing assistants in Rochester grew 32.5% from $14.54/hr (2019) to $19.26/hr (2025). At a 6.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $21.85/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 Rochester 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 Rochester
Considering the earning potential for part-time certified nursing assistants, a typical workweek of 24 hours yields an annual take-home of around $52,956, significantly lower than what full-time colleagues might earn. For many CNAs, the choice to work per diem often hinges on the lucrative contracts offered by agencies, where pay can soar to $22-$32 per hour or even higher for weekend-only shifts reaching $30-$45 in high-demand situations. Different employers, including hospitals and skilled nursing facilities, often offer varied hourly rates reflecting the unique challenges they face in staffing. While some CNAs might opt for positions with lower pay for benefits, others may prioritize higher wages and flexibility. In Rochester’s competitive market, knowing how to negotiate based on projected rates and understanding the trade-offs between pay and health insurance can be key to maximizing one’s earnings as a certified nursing assistant.
More salary data for Rochester, NY:
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 Rochester. 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