Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay in Sumter, SC: $18.36 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a certified nursing assistant working in Sumter, SC runs $18.36 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $38,191 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Weighted against Sumter's regional price level (BEA RPP 88.0, 12% below national), each hour of work buys what $20.86 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $22,914 per year.
Official BLS data · View source

Certified nursing assistants in Sumter, South Carolina, can expect a median hourly pay of $18.36 in 2026, which is notably lower than the national median of $21.64. This discrepancy suggests that those working in typical settings such as skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, and assisted living communities may find their earnings slightly restrained compared to their peers in other parts of the country. While entry-level CNAs can earn around $14.46 per hour, top earners in the region can make up to $19.86 hourly. These wages are key for part-time workers, who might typically work three days per week, as well as for per-diem certified nursing assistants aiming to maximize their earnings during shifts at various health care settings.
Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $14.46 | $115.70 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $15.91 | $127.29 |
| Median (P50) | $18.36 | $146.88 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $19.86 | $158.90 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $19.86 | $158.90 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Sumter
Based on $18.36/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $18.36/hr, a certified nursing assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Sumter, SC can expect to earn approximately $38,190 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $22,033. With a cost-of-living index of 88.02 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Sumter.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Sumter
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $734.42 | $3,183 | $38,190 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $440.65 | $1,910 | $22,914 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $293.77 | $1,273 | $15,276 |
Compare CNA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Certified Nursing Assistant (Sumter) | $18.36 |
| 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 Sumter, SC earn a median of $38,191 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.14% lower than the national median of $45,007 and 3.90% below the South Carolina state average of $39,741.
Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $18.36/hr = $22,914/year (purchasing power: $26,033).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $38,190/year (purchasing power: $43,388).
CoL index: 88.02 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$11.72/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$17.24/hr
2026 Current Est.
$18.36/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+66.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Sumter (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $11.72/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $12.38/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $13.20/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $14.25/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $16.53/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $17.14/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $17.24/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $18.36/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $19.55/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for certified nursing assistants in Sumter grew 47.1% from $11.72/hr (2019) to $17.24/hr (2025). At a 6.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $19.55/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 Sumter 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 Sumter
Moving beyond general expectations, part-time certified nursing assistants in Sumter working 24 hours a week could take home approximately $22,751 annually, considerably less than a full-time income. For those opting for per diem or agency positions, compensation can vary significantly, with rates often ranging from $22 to $32 per hour. This creates opportunities for higher earnings, especially for weekend shifts or in shortage markets where premiums can reach between $30 and $45 per hour. Different employer types also affect pay scales; for instance, skilled nursing facilities and hospice agencies may offer lower rates but provide benefits like health insurance that many CNAs might find desirable. Conversely, negotiating for higher hourly pay at home health agencies could yield better pay without benefits, giving CNAs in Sumter multiple paths to consider as they build their careers and potentially transition into nursing roles.
More salary data for Sumter, SC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for certified nursing assistants in Sumter 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 Sumter. 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