Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay in Bethlehem, PA: $23.27 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a certified nursing assistant working in Bethlehem, PA runs $23.27 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $48,395 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Weighted against Bethlehem's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.4, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $23.89 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $29,041 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, certified nursing assistants receive a median hourly pay of $23.27, significantly higher than the national median of $21.64. This competitive hourly rate benefits those who work part-time, such as individuals on a three-day workweek or per-diem roles, where flexibility is essential. Certified nursing assistants typically find employment in diverse settings, including skilled nursing facilities, medical/surgical hospital floors, and home health environments, which provide both regular shifts and occasional visits. Entry-level positions start at around $18.65 per hour, while top earners can make as much as $28.05, reflecting a broad range that accommodates experience and specialization within the community. It's important to recognize that these hourly rates are derived from projected annual salary data, illustrating the financial potential of this vital healthcare role in the region.
About the Bethlehem Market
Salary estimated from Pennsylvania average ($38,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $18.65 | $149.19 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $20.38 | $163.07 |
| Median (P50) | $23.27 | $186.16 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $25.76 | $206.10 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $28.05 | $224.42 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Bethlehem
Based on $23.27/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $23.27/hr, a certified nursing assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Bethlehem, PA can expect to earn approximately $48,402 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $27,924. With a cost-of-living index of 97.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Bethlehem.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Bethlehem
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $930.81 | $4,034 | $48,402 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $558.49 | $2,420 | $29,041 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $372.32 | $1,613 | $19,361 |
Compare CNA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Certified Nursing Assistant (Bethlehem) | $23.27 |
| 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 Bethlehem, PA earn a median of $48,395 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.53% higher than the national median of $45,007 and 3.40% above the Pennsylvania state average of $46,803.
Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $23.27/hr = $29,041/year (purchasing power: $29,817).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $48,402/year (purchasing power: $49,694).
CoL index: 97.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$15.34/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$21.85/hr
2026 Current Est.
$23.27/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Bethlehem (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $15.34/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $15.95/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $15.67/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $18.49/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $19.75/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $18.05/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $21.85/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23.27/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24.78/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for certified nursing assistants in Bethlehem grew 42.5% from $15.34/hr (2019) to $21.85/hr (2025). At a 6.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $24.78/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 Bethlehem 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 Bethlehem
For certified nursing assistants considering part-time work, committing to a 24-hour workweek can yield an annual take-home pay significantly less than that of full-time counterparts. Part-time CNAs might earn around $29,000, compared to full-time earnings that approach $48,395. Per-diem and agency positions offer an interesting avenue for supplemental income, with hourly rates often billed between $22 and $32, and lucrative weekend-only contracts reaching $30 to $45 in areas experiencing staffing shortages. Different employer types within Bethlehem, such as rehabilitation hospitals and assisted living communities, can also influence earning potential, with factors like weekend and shift differentials augmenting take-home pay. While some CNAs may opt for lower hourly rates in exchange for health benefits, others might prioritize higher pay without benefits. Therefore, it's vital for hourly workers to engage in thoughtful negotiation regarding their contracts, taking into account both immediate earnings and long-term career aspirations achievable through pathways to LPN or RN roles.
More salary data for Bethlehem, PA:
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 Bethlehem. 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 Bethlehem 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