Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay in North Charleston, SC: $20.30 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a certified nursing assistant working in North Charleston, SC runs $20.30 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $42,213 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Weighted against North Charleston's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.5, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $22.18 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $25,333 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In North Charleston, SC, the 2026 certified nursing assistant hourly pay stands at a median of $20.30. This figure is slightly below the national average of $21.64, which highlights the local economic dynamics and demand for CNAs in the area. For those working part-time, such as three days a week, this translates into a practical earning potential that can still support a modest lifestyle. Per-diem certified nursing assistants, who often work in diverse settings ranging from skilled nursing facilities to home visits, can see their hourly rates vary significantly. The pay scale ranges from $15.27 for entry-level positions to $24.83 for more experienced CNAs. These hourly figures provide a framework for understanding how local rates shape the financial landscape for CNAs in North Charleston.
About the North Charleston Market
Salary estimated from South Carolina average ($31,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $15.27 | $122.18 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $18.30 | $146.37 |
| Median (P50) | $20.30 | $162.39 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $22.62 | $180.96 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $24.83 | $198.60 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in North Charleston
Based on $20.30/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $20.30/hr, a certified nursing assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in North Charleston, SC can expect to earn approximately $42,222 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $24,359. With a cost-of-living index of 91.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in North Charleston.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in North Charleston
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $811.96 | $3,518 | $42,222 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $487.17 | $2,111 | $25,333 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $324.78 | $1,407 | $16,889 |
Compare CNA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Certified Nursing Assistant (North Charleston) | $20.30 |
| 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 North Charleston, SC earn a median of $42,213 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.21% lower than the national median of $45,007 and 6.20% above the South Carolina state average of $39,749.
Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $20.30/hr = $25,333/year (purchasing power: $27,686).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $42,222/year (purchasing power: $46,144).
CoL index: 91.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$13.38/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$19.06/hr
2026 Current Est.
$20.30/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in North Charleston (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $13.38/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $13.91/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $13.67/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $16.13/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $17.23/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $14.07/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $19.06/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $20.30/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $21.62/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for certified nursing assistants in North Charleston grew 42.5% from $13.38/hr (2019) to $19.06/hr (2025). At a 6.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $21.62/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 North Charleston 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 North Charleston
Exploring the earnings landscape for part-time certified nursing assistants reveals interesting dynamics. If a CNA works 24 hours a week, they would earn around $26,538 annually, which is substantially lower than the full-time compensation that professionals can achieve. Many CNAs opt for per-diem work to avoid full-time commitments, often enjoying rates that range from $22 to $32 per hour when working through agencies. In high-demand periods, like weekends, these professionals can command premiums of $30 to $45 an hour. However, the hourly rates can vary widely based on the type of employer, with skilled nursing facilities and hospitals generally offering different pay scales. Some CNAs may choose lower hourly rates for the benefits, while others might prioritize higher pay without health coverage. Understanding these nuances is essential for successful negotiation, as those working in North Charleston can leverage their rates based on experience, certifications, and flexibility in scheduling.
More salary data for North Charleston, SC:
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 North Charleston. 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 North Charleston 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