Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay in Cincinnati, OH: $20.66 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a certified nursing assistant working in Cincinnati, OH runs $20.66 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $42,973 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Weighted against Cincinnati's regional price level (BEA RPP 95.4, 5% below national), each hour of work buys what $21.66 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $25,785 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Cincinnati, the certified nursing assistant hourly pay reflects a median rate of $20.66, slightly below the national median of $21.64. This pay structure significantly impacts the income for part-time and per-diem certified nursing assistants, who often work in various healthcare settings such as skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, home health visits, and assisted living communities. For those working part-time—typically three days a week—which translates to about 24 hours, earnings can vary widely depending on their experience and location within the city. The expected hourly compensation ranges from approximately $19.10 for entry-level positions up to $24.16 for seasoned professionals, illustrating both the entry point and the potential for higher earnings in the Cincinnati area.
Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $19.10 | $152.76 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.61 | $156.85 |
| Median (P50) | $20.66 | $165.29 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $23.19 | $185.48 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $24.16 | $193.32 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Cincinnati
Based on $20.66/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $20.66/hr, a certified nursing assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Cincinnati, OH can expect to earn approximately $42,975 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $24,793. With a cost-of-living index of 95.37 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Cincinnati.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Cincinnati
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $826.44 | $3,581 | $42,975 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $495.86 | $2,149 | $25,785 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $330.58 | $1,432 | $17,190 |
Compare CNA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Certified Nursing Assistant (Cincinnati) | $20.66 |
| 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 Cincinnati, OH earn a median of $42,973 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.52% lower than the national median of $45,007 and 3.10% above the Ohio state average of $41,681.
Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $20.66/hr = $25,785/year (purchasing power: $27,037).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $42,975/year (purchasing power: $45,061).
CoL index: 95.37 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$14.79/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$19.40/hr
2026 Current Est.
$20.66/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+48.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Cincinnati (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $14.79/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $15.12/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $14.53/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $17.11/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $18.52/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $18.82/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $19.40/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $20.66/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $22.00/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for certified nursing assistants in Cincinnati grew 31.2% from $14.79/hr (2019) to $19.40/hr (2025). At a 6.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $22.00/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 Cincinnati 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 Cincinnati
Examining the earning potential for a certified nursing assistant in Cincinnati presents a clearer picture of financial realities for part-time versus full-time employment. A part-time worker on a regular schedule could take home approximately $32,000 annually, a stark contrast to full-time earnings. For those seeking greater flexibility, per diem certified nursing assistants often find themselves in a lucrative position, with agency rates ranging from $22 to $32 per hour, and lucrative weekend-only contracts reaching up to $30-$45 per hour in shortage markets. Employment across different facilities can impact wages significantly; typically, skilled nursing facilities might offer lower rates compared to hospitals or specialized care settings. While some CNAs may opt for higher hourly rates without benefits, the trade-off often involves steady hours and health insurance provided by employers. Strategies for successful negotiations include presenting previous experience, understanding the local employment market, and emphasizing flexibility regarding shift preferences in Cincinnati's evolving healthcare landscape.
More salary data for Cincinnati, OH:
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 Cincinnati. 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