Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay in Tulsa, OK: $18.80 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a certified nursing assistant working in Tulsa, OK runs $18.80 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $39,107 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Weighted against Tulsa's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.2, 11% below national), each hour of work buys what $21.07 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $23,459 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Tulsa, OK, the certified nursing assistant hourly pay is projected to reach $18.80 in 2026 according to estimates based on 2025 BLS data. This rate is below the national average of $21.64 per hour, highlighting a significant regional wage gap. For part-time workers, such as those operating on a typical three-day workweek, this translates to earnings of approximately $1,505 per month based on regular shifts. Per diem certified nursing assistants may find flexible opportunities across various settings, including skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, and home care, often impacting their total earnings based on demand and shift differentials. The hourly pay range in Tulsa spans from $16.25 at the entry-level to $22.27 for the most experienced professionals, illustrating the variability in compensation based on experience and facility type.
Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $16.25 | $130.02 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $18.04 | $144.33 |
| Median (P50) | $18.80 | $150.38 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $19.59 | $156.68 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $22.27 | $178.15 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Tulsa
Based on $18.80/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $18.80/hr, a certified nursing assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Tulsa, OK can expect to earn approximately $39,098 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $22,557. With a cost-of-living index of 89.21 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Tulsa.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Tulsa
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $751.89 | $3,258 | $39,098 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $451.13 | $1,955 | $23,459 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $300.76 | $1,303 | $15,639 |
Compare CNA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Certified Nursing Assistant (Tulsa) | $18.80 |
| 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 Tulsa, OK earn a median of $39,107 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.11% lower than the national median of $45,007 and 2.30% below the Oklahoma state average of $40,027.
Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $18.80/hr = $23,459/year (purchasing power: $26,295).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $39,098/year (purchasing power: $43,825).
CoL index: 89.214 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$12.37/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$17.65/hr
2026 Current Est.
$18.80/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+61.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Tulsa (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $12.37/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $12.97/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $14.21/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $15.02/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $16.72/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $17.39/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $17.65/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $18.80/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $20.02/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for certified nursing assistants in Tulsa grew 42.7% from $12.37/hr (2019) to $17.65/hr (2025). At a 6.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $20.02/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 Tulsa 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 Tulsa
A part-time certified nursing assistant working 24 hours each week can expect to take home around $18,060 annually, a stark contrast to full-time earnings that could surpass $39,107. The rise of per diem roles has reshaped earning potential in Tulsa, with certified nursing assistants often commanding $22 to $32 hourly through agency work, especially during high-demand periods. Weekend premium contracts can range from $30 to $45 per hour, with occasional travel positions offering between $1,000 to $1,800 weekly, though such opportunities remain limited. Salary rates can vary significantly depending on the employer; for instance, CNAs may earn more in hospitals and specialized facilities compared to assisted living centers. Many assistants face a trade-off when considering employment options between lower hourly rates with health benefits and higher pay without them. Negotiation tactics, including the timing of your discussion and awareness of local pay rates, can position candidates effectively within this evolving job market.
More salary data for Tulsa, OK:
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 Tulsa. 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