Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay in Lancaster, PA: $22.98 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a certified nursing assistant working in Lancaster, PA runs $22.98 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $47,808 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Weighted against Lancaster's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.3, 2% below national), each hour of work buys what $23.39 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $28,682 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
Certified nursing assistants (CNAs) in Lancaster, PA, earn a median hourly pay of $22.98, which exceeds the national median of $21.64 per hour. This rate presents promising earning opportunities, especially for part-time or per-diem workers who typically operate in various healthcare settings, including skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, and home health care. A three-day workweek could mean substantial income, as part-time CNAs can expect to earn around $1,103 weekly based on the median rate. Moreover, the hourly wage can vary, ranging from $19.81 for entry-level positions to $25.12 for top earners, indicating a healthy job market for certified nursing assistants in the area. This data, derived from 2025 BLS OEWS estimates projected to 2026, highlights the increasing demand for nursing support roles amid a shifting healthcare landscape.
Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $19.81 | $158.47 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $20.44 | $163.50 |
| Median (P50) | $22.98 | $183.86 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $23.61 | $188.89 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $25.12 | $200.99 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lancaster
Based on $22.98/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $22.98/hr, a certified nursing assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lancaster, PA can expect to earn approximately $47,804 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $27,579. With a cost-of-living index of 98.26 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Lancaster.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lancaster
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $919.31 | $3,984 | $47,804 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $551.58 | $2,390 | $28,682 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $367.72 | $1,593 | $19,122 |
Compare CNA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Certified Nursing Assistant (Lancaster) | $22.98 |
| 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 Lancaster, PA earn a median of $47,808 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.22% higher than the national median of $45,007 and 2.10% above the Pennsylvania state average of $46,825.
Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $22.98/hr = $28,682/year (purchasing power: $29,191).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $47,804/year (purchasing power: $48,652).
CoL index: 98.257 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$15.64/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$21.58/hr
2026 Current Est.
$22.98/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+56.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Lancaster (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $15.64/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $15.93/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $16.75/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $17.67/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $18.15/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $19.27/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $21.58/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $22.98/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24.48/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for certified nursing assistants in Lancaster grew 38.0% from $15.64/hr (2019) to $21.58/hr (2025). At a 6.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $24.48/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 Lancaster 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 Lancaster
Individuals working as certified nursing assistants in Lancaster have the potential to optimize their earnings significantly through various employment arrangements. A part-time CNA working three days a week can net around $57,336 annually, whereas full-time positions may offer more stability but often come with a different benefits package. Per-diem certified nursing assistants can find lucrative opportunities, often billing from $22 to $32 per hour, with premium weekend contracts that can pay as much as $30 to $45 per hour in high-demand environments. The type of employer also influences pay; CNAs employed in hospitals generally earn more than those in assisted living communities. For those considering positions, it is essential to weigh the option of higher pay against benefits like health insurance, which may lead some to accept slightly lower hourly rates. Negotiation can also be a decisive factor—potential employees are encouraged to seek clarity on shift differentials and other incentives to maximize their earning potential in Lancaster’s evolving healthcare sector.
More salary data for Lancaster, PA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for certified nursing assistants in Lancaster in 2026?
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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 Lancaster. 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