Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay in Asheville, NC: $20.57 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a certified nursing assistant working in Asheville, NC runs $20.57 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $42,781 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Weighted against Asheville's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.5, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $21.31 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $25,665 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
Asheville, North Carolina, currently offers a competitive certified nursing assistant hourly pay of $20.57, slightly trailing the national median of $21.64. This rate is essential for individuals considering both part-time and per diem roles within diverse healthcare settings such as skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, and home health agencies. For those working three days a week, particularly in entry-level positions, the hourly pay can range from $17.24 to $25.10 for top earners, providing a clear snapshot of the local market dynamics. With approximately 2,590 certified nursing assistants employed in the region, the figures are informed by the official Bureau of Labor Statistics data projected for 2026, reflecting Asheville's position in an evolving healthcare environment.
Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $17.24 | $137.94 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.31 | $154.47 |
| Median (P50) | $20.57 | $164.52 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $23.30 | $186.42 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $25.10 | $200.82 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Asheville
Based on $20.57/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $20.57/hr, a certified nursing assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Asheville, NC can expect to earn approximately $42,776 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $24,678. With a cost-of-living index of 96.51 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Asheville.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Asheville
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $822.61 | $3,565 | $42,776 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $493.56 | $2,139 | $25,665 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $329.04 | $1,426 | $17,110 |
Compare CNA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Certified Nursing Assistant (Asheville) | $20.57 |
| 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 Asheville, NC earn a median of $42,781 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.95% lower than the national median of $45,007 and 4.20% above the North Carolina state average of $41,057.
Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $20.57/hr = $25,665/year (purchasing power: $26,595).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $42,776/year (purchasing power: $44,324).
CoL index: 96.506 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$13.98/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$19.31/hr
2026 Current Est.
$20.57/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+56.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Asheville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $13.98/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $14.50/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $14.28/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $16.23/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $17.75/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $18.63/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $19.31/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $20.57/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $21.90/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for certified nursing assistants in Asheville grew 38.1% from $13.98/hr (2019) to $19.31/hr (2025). At a 6.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $21.90/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 Asheville 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 Asheville
When contemplating part-time earnings, a certified nursing assistant working 24 hours a week could see a significant annual income difference when compared to full-time counterparts. In Asheville, many part-time CNAs and those working on a per diem basis can expect rates that may range dramatically depending on the employer, with agencies sometimes billing as much as $22 to $32 an hour. Weekend shifts and specialized contracts, particularly in high-demand areas, can offer further increases, with some exceeding $30 to $45 per hour. While facilities like hospitals may provide higher hourly rates, they often come at the expense of comprehensive benefits, prompting some to accept lower pay for insurance and job stability. For those seeking better rates, understanding the negotiation process and recognizing the value of their skills in Asheville's competitive landscape is essential. The certified nursing assistant hourly rate in NC presents not just the financial aspect of the role but also the potential trajectories towards higher certifications, bridging from CNA to LPN or RN roles.
More salary data for Asheville, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for certified nursing assistants in Asheville in 2026?
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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 Asheville. 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