Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay in Grand Forks, ND: $23.42 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a certified nursing assistant working in Grand Forks, ND runs $23.42 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $48,713 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Weighted against Grand Forks's regional price level (BEA RPP 86.7, 13% below national), each hour of work buys what $27.02 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $29,227 per year.
Official BLS data · View source

In Grand Forks, North Dakota, the projected certified nursing assistant hourly pay stands at $23.42, significantly higher than the national median of $21.64. This competitive wage allows CNAs who typically work part-time, such as those on three-day weeks, to benefit from a steady income while balancing other commitments. Whether working in skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, or providing home care, certified nursing assistants earn between $18.09 at the lower end and up to $25.01 for those in more experienced positions or specialized areas. This official BLS hourly data reflects not only the local economic conditions but also the rising demand for healthcare professionals who contribute vital services across various settings, including hospice and assisted living environments.
Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $18.09 | $144.75 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $18.93 | $151.40 |
| Median (P50) | $23.42 | $187.35 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $24.77 | $198.18 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $25.01 | $200.05 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Grand Forks
Based on $23.42/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $23.42/hr, a certified nursing assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Grand Forks, ND can expect to earn approximately $48,712 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $28,103. With a cost-of-living index of 86.66 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Grand Forks.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Grand Forks
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $936.77 | $4,059 | $48,712 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $562.06 | $2,436 | $29,227 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $374.71 | $1,624 | $19,485 |
Compare CNA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Certified Nursing Assistant (Grand Forks) | $23.42 |
| 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 Grand Forks, ND earn a median of $48,713 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.23% higher than the national median of $45,007 and 17.60% above the North Dakota state average of $41,423.
Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $23.42/hr = $29,227/year (purchasing power: $33,725).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $48,712/year (purchasing power: $56,209).
CoL index: 86.663 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$16.38/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$21.99/hr
2026 Current Est.
$23.42/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+52.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Grand Forks (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $16.38/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $16.87/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.45/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $18.32/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $20.91/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $21.69/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $21.99/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23.42/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24.94/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for certified nursing assistants in Grand Forks grew 34.2% from $16.38/hr (2019) to $21.99/hr (2025). At a 6.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $24.94/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 Grand Forks 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 Grand Forks
When considering earnings for certified nursing assistants in part-time roles, those working approximately 24 hours a week can expect to make a considerable income, although it will not match the full-time earnings potential. Per diem certified nursing assistant pay in Grand Forks tends to be higher than standard hourly rates, with agency CNAs charging between $22 to $32, and premium weekend roles exceeding $30 per hour. Additionally, travel contracts have emerged in response to staffing shortages, offering competitive weekly pay ranging from $1,000 to $1,800, though these opportunities are less common than nursing travel roles. It's also worth noting that different employer types often offer varying pay rates; for instance, skilled nursing facilities and hospitals may provide modest benefits, which lead some CNAs to accept lower hourly rates in exchange for healthcare coverage. For those negotiating their certified nursing assistant hourly rate in ND, understanding the local market dynamics and being aware of the potential for shift differentials or weekend premiums could enhance their earning prospects significantly.
More salary data for Grand Forks, ND:
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 Grand Forks. 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