Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay in Dayton, OH: $21.33 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a certified nursing assistant working in Dayton, OH runs $21.33 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $44,379 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Weighted against Dayton's regional price level (BEA RPP 92.7, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $23.01 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $26,622 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Dayton, Ohio, the certified nursing assistant hourly pay stands at $21.33, which is slightly below the national hourly median of $21.64. This pay reflects the financial landscape for those working in various settings such as skilled nursing facilities, assisted living apartments, and hospitals. For part-time workers, typically logging three 8-hour shifts a week, this translates into a stable income while still allowing flexibility. The hourly range for certified nursing assistants in Dayton extends from $18.66 for entry-level positions to approximately $23.01 for experienced professionals, providing a pathway for growth as one continues to gain experience and pursue further qualifications. This data, drawn from projections for 2026 based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, highlights both the earning potential and the vitality of this workforce in the local healthcare system.
Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $18.66 | $149.27 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.15 | $153.19 |
| Median (P50) | $21.33 | $170.66 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $22.38 | $179.01 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $23.01 | $184.12 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Dayton
Based on $21.33/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $21.33/hr, a certified nursing assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Dayton, OH can expect to earn approximately $44,370 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $25,598. With a cost-of-living index of 92.69 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Dayton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Dayton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $853.28 | $3,698 | $44,370 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $511.97 | $2,219 | $26,622 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $341.31 | $1,479 | $17,748 |
Compare CNA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Certified Nursing Assistant (Dayton) | $21.33 |
| 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 Dayton, OH earn a median of $44,379 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.40% lower than the national median of $45,007 and 6.50% above the Ohio state average of $41,670.
Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $21.33/hr = $26,622/year (purchasing power: $28,721).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $44,370/year (purchasing power: $47,868).
CoL index: 92.694 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$13.41/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$20.03/hr
2026 Current Est.
$21.33/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+69.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Dayton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $13.41/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $14.17/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $14.32/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $16.95/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $18.07/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $18.73/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $20.03/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $21.33/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $22.72/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for certified nursing assistants in Dayton grew 49.4% from $13.41/hr (2019) to $20.03/hr (2025). At a 6.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $22.72/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 Dayton 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 Dayton
For those considering part-time work in the certified nursing assistant field, a 24-hour work week can yield about $27,061 annually, which contrasts with full-time earnings that approach $44,379. The opportunity for per diem work can further bolster income, especially as agency certified nursing assistants often earn between $22 and $32 per hour. In some cases, premium weekend shifts can command pay rates as high as $30 to $45 per hour. Hourly rates may also differ based on the type of facilities; for instance, hospitals typically offer higher wages than assisted living communities or home health agencies. While some CNAs might consider lower-paying positions that provide health insurance and benefits, others may prioritize higher hourly rates without benefits. Therefore, when negotiating compensation in Dayton, it's crucial to assess your priorities regarding pay and associated benefits, allowing for a tailored approach to each job offer.
More salary data for Dayton, 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 Dayton. 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