Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay in Ponca City, OK: $17.87 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a certified nursing assistant working in Ponca City, OK runs $17.87 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $37,173 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Weighted against Ponca City's regional price level (BEA RPP 88.9, 11% below national), each hour of work buys what $20.10 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $22,303 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Ponca City, Oklahoma, certified nursing assistants can expect a median hourly pay of $17.87, which trails the national median of $21.64 by a significant margin. This hourly rate reflects the compensation landscape for CNAs working in a variety of settings, including skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, and home health services. Entry-level positions start around $15.74, while those with more experience can earn upwards of $20.72 per hour. For part-time workers, such as those on a typical three-day workweek or per-diem shifts, this hourly rate translates into manageable earnings, although it is essential to weigh the benefits of securing full-time employment, which may offer stability and additional perks.
Looking at the possibilities for earning, a part-time certified nursing assistant working 24 hours per week could expect to bring home approximately $22,377 annually, a figure that pales in comparison to full-time counterparts. In addition, those seeking per diem certified nursing assistant pay in Ponca City may find rates between $22 and $32 per hour, while premium weekend contracts can soar to $30-$45 in areas with staffing shortages. The hourly rates also fluctuate depending on the type of employer, with hospitals generally offering more than home health agencies or assisted living communities. Many certified nursing assistants face tough choices between accepting a lower hourly rate with the security of health benefits or opting for higher pay without additional support. To maximize earnings in Ponca City, negotiation plays a pivotal role; understanding the local market and employer needs can empower CNAs to secure better pay within their hourly framework while potentially exploring opportunities for advancement to LPN or RN roles.
About the Ponca City Market
Salary estimated from Oklahoma average ($31,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $15.74 | $125.93 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $16.46 | $131.72 |
| Median (P50) | $17.87 | $142.97 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $19.47 | $155.75 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $20.72 | $165.80 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Ponca City
Based on $17.87/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $17.87/hr, a certified nursing assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Ponca City, OK can expect to earn approximately $37,171 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $21,445. With a cost-of-living index of 88.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Ponca City.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Ponca City
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $714.83 | $3,098 | $37,171 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $428.90 | $1,859 | $22,303 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $285.93 | $1,239 | $14,868 |
Compare CNA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Certified Nursing Assistant (Ponca City) | $17.87 |
| 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 Ponca City, OK earn a median of $37,173 per year (2026 est.), which is 17.41% lower than the national median of $45,007 and 7.10% below the Oklahoma state average of $40,014.
Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $17.87/hr = $22,303/year (purchasing power: $25,087).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $37,171/year (purchasing power: $41,812).
CoL index: 88.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$11.78/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$16.78/hr
2026 Current Est.
$17.87/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Ponca City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $11.78/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $12.25/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $12.04/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $14.20/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $15.17/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $12.31/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $16.78/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $17.87/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $19.03/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for certified nursing assistants in Ponca City grew 42.5% from $11.78/hr (2019) to $16.78/hr (2025). At a 6.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $19.03/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 Ponca City 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.
More salary data for Ponca City, OK:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for certified nursing assistants in Ponca City in 2026?
How much do part-time certified nursing assistants make in Ponca City?
Are certified nursing assistants in Ponca City paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time certified nursing assistant make per year in Ponca City?
Do certified nursing assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Ponca City?
Related Pages
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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 Ponca City. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Ponca City is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
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