Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay in Tahlequah, OK: $18.47 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a certified nursing assistant working in Tahlequah, OK runs $18.47 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $38,409 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Weighted against Tahlequah's regional price level (BEA RPP 88.9, 11% below national), each hour of work buys what $20.77 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $23,047 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Tahlequah, Oklahoma, certified nursing assistants can expect a median hourly pay of $18.47, which is lower than the national hourly median of $21.64. This pay level reflects the cost of living in the local area, which is indexed at 88.9, and is about 14.66% less than the national average. For part-time workers, such as those on a 3-day workweek in settings like skilled nursing facilities and assisted living apartments, this means an annual income of around $28,885 based on 1,560 hours of work. Hourly estimates also reveal a range from $15.73 for entry-level positions to approximately $20.82 for top earners, which provides a perspective on the potential earnings for per diem certified nursing assistants, who may often find themselves working flexible shifts across various healthcare settings like dialysis centers and hospice care.
About the Tahlequah 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) | $15.73 | $125.84 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $16.61 | $132.91 |
| Median (P50) | $18.47 | $147.74 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $20.15 | $161.20 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $20.82 | $166.57 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Tahlequah
Based on $18.47/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $18.47/hr, a certified nursing assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Tahlequah, OK can expect to earn approximately $38,412 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $22,161. With a cost-of-living index of 88.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Tahlequah.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Tahlequah
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $738.68 | $3,201 | $38,412 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $443.21 | $1,921 | $23,047 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $295.47 | $1,280 | $15,365 |
Compare CNA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Certified Nursing Assistant (Tahlequah) | $18.47 |
| 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 Tahlequah, OK earn a median of $38,409 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.66% lower than the national median of $45,007 and 4.00% below the Oklahoma state average of $40,010.
Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $18.47/hr = $23,047/year (purchasing power: $25,925).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $38,412/year (purchasing power: $43,208).
CoL index: 88.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$12.17/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$17.34/hr
2026 Current Est.
$18.47/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Tahlequah (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $12.17/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $12.66/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $12.44/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $14.67/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $15.67/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $12.72/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $17.34/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $18.47/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $19.67/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for certified nursing assistants in Tahlequah grew 42.5% from $12.17/hr (2019) to $17.34/hr (2025). At a 6.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $19.67/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 Tahlequah 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 Tahlequah
Part-time certified nursing assistants in Tahlequah have the potential to take home substantial earnings while maintaining flexibility in their work schedules. A CNA working three days a week can earn an annual income of nearly $28,885, in contrast to a full-time colleague, who would earn a significantly higher salary. For professionals in this field seeking greater financial gains, per diem, agency, or locum opportunities present lucrative options. Typically, agency CNAs can charge between $22 and $32 per hour, while skilled weekend-only contracts may offer pay rates as high as $30 to $45. Moreover, although some employers provide health benefits at a lower hourly wage, many certified nursing assistants are willing to negotiate for higher pay without the promise of additional benefits, reflecting the trade-offs in this sector. It's essential for workers in Tahlequah to understand the unique dynamics of their pay structures and tailor their negotiating strategies accordingly.
More salary data for Tahlequah, OK:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for certified nursing assistants in Tahlequah in 2026?
How much do part-time certified nursing assistants make in Tahlequah?
Are certified nursing assistants in Tahlequah paid hourly or salary?
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Do certified nursing assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Tahlequah?
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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 Tahlequah. 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 Tahlequah 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