Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay in Salem, OR: $25.01 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a certified nursing assistant working in Salem, OR runs $25.01 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $52,015 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Weighted against Salem's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.6, 4% above national), each hour of work buys what $24.13 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $31,208 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Salem, Oregon, the projected median hourly pay for a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in 2026 is $25.01, significantly higher than the national median of $21.64 per hour. This competitive wage reflects the growing demand for CNAs in various healthcare settings, including skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, and home health care. For those working part-time—typically around three days a week—this hourly rate can translate into a respectable weekly income, allowing CNAs to manage their schedules flexibly, whether in resident rooms or during home visits. Entry-level hourly rates are expected to start at approximately $23.03, while top earners in the field may reach around $31.90. These figures are sourced from 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, and highlight the robust job market in Salem for those seeking to enter the nursing profession.
Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $23.03 | $184.20 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.22 | $193.74 |
| Median (P50) | $25.01 | $200.05 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $30.47 | $243.76 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $31.90 | $255.17 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Salem
Based on $25.01/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $25.01/hr, a certified nursing assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Salem, OR can expect to earn approximately $52,013 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $30,007. With a cost-of-living index of 103.65 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Salem.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Salem
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,000.25 | $4,334 | $52,013 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $600.15 | $2,601 | $31,208 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $400.10 | $1,734 | $20,805 |
Compare CNA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Certified Nursing Assistant (Salem) | $25.01 |
| 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 Salem, OR earn a median of $52,015 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.57% higher than the national median of $45,007.
Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $25.01/hr = $31,208/year (purchasing power: $30,109).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $52,013/year (purchasing power: $50,182).
CoL index: 103.649 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$14.94/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$23.48/hr
2026 Current Est.
$25.01/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+78.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Salem (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $14.94/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $16.10/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $18.03/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $19.88/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $22.40/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $23.21/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $23.48/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $25.01/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $26.63/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for certified nursing assistants in Salem grew 57.2% from $14.94/hr (2019) to $23.48/hr (2025). At a 6.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $26.63/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 Salem 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 Salem
Part-time Certified Nursing Assistants in Salem, working an average of 24 hours per week, can expect to take home approximately $31,206 annually, which is substantial considering the flexibility it affords. In contrast, many CNAs choose per diem or agency work, where pay can range from $22 to $32 per hour, and weekend contracts can demand even higher rates, sometimes between $30 to $45. Although travel CNA contracts have emerged in post-COVID markets, regular shifts in familiar environments remain appealing for many. The type of employer significantly influences hourly rates; for instance, skilled nursing facilities and hospitals often provide different compensation structures. Some CNAs opt for roles that offer lower wages in exchange for benefits like health insurance, while others might prioritize higher hourly rates without benefits. Negotiating effectively in this landscape can hinge on understanding the specific needs of the employer and the current demand for CNA services in Salem, OR.
More salary data for Salem, OR:
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 Salem. 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