Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay in Cleveland, TN: $19.01 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a certified nursing assistant working in Cleveland, TN runs $19.01 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $39,543 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Weighted against Cleveland's regional price level (BEA RPP 88.1, 12% below national), each hour of work buys what $21.58 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $23,725 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Cleveland, TN, the certified nursing assistant hourly pay stands at $19.01, which is notably lower than the national median hourly rate of $21.64. This discrepancy can significantly impact part-time workers, such as those who might only work three days a week at a typical full shift. For example, per diem professionals providing care in skilled nursing facilities or during home visits could find this rate suitable for their flexibility while facing the realities of variable hours. Entry-level CNAs in Cleveland earn around $15.56, with experienced workers reaching as high as $19.41, according to projections based on 2025 BLS OEWS data for 2026. This broad range reflects the diverse working environments these assistants encounter, from hospitals and hospice care to assisted living facilities.
Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $15.56 | $124.48 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $18.30 | $146.37 |
| Median (P50) | $19.01 | $152.08 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $19.17 | $153.36 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $19.41 | $155.32 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Cleveland
Based on $19.01/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $19.01/hr, a certified nursing assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Cleveland, TN can expect to earn approximately $39,541 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $22,812. With a cost-of-living index of 88.08 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Cleveland.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Cleveland
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $760.41 | $3,295 | $39,541 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $456.25 | $1,977 | $23,725 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $304.16 | $1,318 | $15,817 |
Compare CNA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Certified Nursing Assistant (Cleveland) | $19.01 |
| 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 Cleveland, TN earn a median of $39,543 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.14% lower than the national median of $45,007 and 1.20% below the Tennessee state average of $40,024.
Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $19.01/hr = $23,725/year (purchasing power: $26,936).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $39,541/year (purchasing power: $44,893).
CoL index: 88.08 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$12.40/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$17.85/hr
2026 Current Est.
$19.01/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+63.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Cleveland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $12.40/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $11.21/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $11.13/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $11.69/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $16.30/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $17.11/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $17.85/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $19.01/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $20.25/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for certified nursing assistants in Cleveland grew 44.0% from $12.40/hr (2019) to $17.85/hr (2025). At a 6.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $20.25/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 Cleveland 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 Cleveland
When considering the earning potential for part-time certified nursing assistants, working 24 hours weekly translates to an approximate gross annual income less than full-time counterparts, with salaries around $29,798 annually. For those in per diem or agency roles, the pay can vary considerably, especially during peak shifts or shortages; these CNAs might secure rates as high as $32 per hour or even more for weekend contracts. Though some facilities in Cleveland may offer lower hourly rates, they often compensate with benefits like health insurance, which can be a crucial consideration for many employees. Moreover, hourly pay can also differ by setting; skilled nursing facilities may pay less than acute hospitals or home health agencies. Understanding these dynamics allows certified nursing assistants to negotiate effectively for better rates, balancing job satisfaction with financial needs in Cleveland's evolving healthcare market.
More salary data for Cleveland, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for certified nursing assistants in Cleveland 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 Cleveland. 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