Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay in Allentown, PA: $22.72 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a certified nursing assistant working in Allentown, PA runs $22.72 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $47,243 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Weighted against Allentown's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.0, 0% above national), each hour of work buys what $22.72 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $28,350 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Allentown, Pennsylvania, the certified nursing assistant hourly pay stands at a competitive $22.72, which surpasses the national median of $21.64. This rate is particularly appealing to those considering part-time or per-diem positions, common in settings like skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, and home health agencies, where flexibility is often prioritized. With the hourly range extending from $19.47 for entry-level roles to $24.62 for experienced practitioners, individuals can find opportunities suited to their skills and schedules. As vacancy rates fluctuate across various healthcare environments, these official Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates, based on 2025 BLS OEWS data and projected to 2026, reflect an increasing recognition of the vital role CNAs play in patient care.
Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $19.47 | $155.75 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $20.32 | $162.56 |
| Median (P50) | $22.72 | $181.73 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $23.57 | $188.55 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $24.62 | $196.98 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Allentown
Based on $22.72/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $22.72/hr, a certified nursing assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Allentown, PA can expect to earn approximately $47,250 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $27,260. With a cost-of-living index of 99.97 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Allentown.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Allentown
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $908.66 | $3,938 | $47,250 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $545.19 | $2,363 | $28,350 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $363.46 | $1,575 | $18,900 |
Compare CNA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Certified Nursing Assistant (Allentown) | $22.72 |
| 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 Allentown, PA earn a median of $47,243 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.97% higher than the national median of $45,007 and 0.90% above the Pennsylvania state average of $46,822.
Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $22.72/hr = $28,350/year (purchasing power: $28,359).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $47,250/year (purchasing power: $47,265).
CoL index: 99.968 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$15.37/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$21.33/hr
2026 Current Est.
$22.72/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+57.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Allentown (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $15.37/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $16.21/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.50/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $17.67/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $18.52/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $18.96/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $21.33/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $22.72/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24.19/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for certified nursing assistants in Allentown grew 38.8% from $15.37/hr (2019) to $21.33/hr (2025). At a 6.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $24.19/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 Allentown 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 Allentown
For part-time certified nursing assistants working three days a week, the financial landscape can be significant. A typical 24-hour work week allows them to bring home about $28,780 annually, a more modest figure compared to full-time workers. While agency CNAs often bill between $22-$32 an hour, the rise of per diem certified nursing assistant pay in Allentown can lead to lucrative weekend-only contracts that fetch between $30 to $45 an hour, particularly in markets experiencing staffing shortages. Additionally, hourly rates can vary widely depending on where one finds employment; skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, home health agencies, and assisted living communities may have differing compensation levels. Some CNAs might opt for positions offering lower hourly rates in exchange for health benefits, which remain a vital consideration in career choices. As negotiations are part of this dynamic field, factors like shift differentials for evenings and weekends can be persuasive tools for increasing overall earnings.
More salary data for Allentown, PA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for certified nursing assistants in Allentown in 2026?
How much do part-time certified nursing assistants make in Allentown?
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Do certified nursing assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Allentown?
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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 Allentown. 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