Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay in Memphis, TN: $19.46 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a certified nursing assistant working in Memphis, TN runs $19.46 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $40,481 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Weighted against Memphis's regional price level (BEA RPP 92.2, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $21.11 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $24,283 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, the certified nursing assistant hourly pay in Memphis, TN, is projected to be $19.46, slightly lower than the national median of $21.64. This figure presents potential earnings for part-time or per diem workers in various care settings, including skilled nursing facilities and hospitals. For a typical part-time schedule of three days a week, a certified nursing assistant could expect to earn approximately $1,000 per month before taxes. With the hourly earnings ranging from $16.21 for entry-level positions to $22.81 for experienced professionals, there are opportunities for growth as CNAs gain experience and additional certifications. These figures are based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, ensuring accuracy in understanding the certified nursing assistant hourly rate in TN.
Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $16.21 | $129.67 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $18.64 | $149.10 |
| Median (P50) | $19.46 | $155.66 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $21.49 | $171.93 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $22.81 | $182.50 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Memphis
Based on $19.46/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $19.46/hr, a certified nursing assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Memphis, TN can expect to earn approximately $40,472 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $23,349. With a cost-of-living index of 92.18 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Memphis.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Memphis
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $778.30 | $3,373 | $40,472 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $466.98 | $2,024 | $24,283 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $311.32 | $1,349 | $16,189 |
Compare CNA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Certified Nursing Assistant (Memphis) | $19.46 |
| 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 Memphis, TN earn a median of $40,481 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.06% lower than the national median of $45,007 and 1.10% above the Tennessee state average of $40,040.
Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $19.46/hr = $24,283/year (purchasing power: $26,343).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $40,472/year (purchasing power: $43,906).
CoL index: 92.179 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$13.29/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$18.27/hr
2026 Current Est.
$19.46/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+55.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Memphis (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $13.29/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $13.85/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $14.26/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $15.15/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $17.28/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $17.71/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $18.27/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $19.46/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $20.72/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for certified nursing assistants in Memphis grew 37.5% from $13.29/hr (2019) to $18.27/hr (2025). At a 6.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $20.72/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 Memphis 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 Memphis
Part-time certified nursing assistants earning $19.46 per hour could take home around $18,000 annually if they work a regular part-time schedule. In contrast, full-time CNAs may experience annual earnings that surpass $40,000, showcasing a significant difference in income based on hours worked. Per diem certified nursing assistant pay in Memphis may reach as high as $32 per hour when working through staffing agencies, particularly in high-demand areas or during weekends, where premiums can climb to $30-$45 per hour. Hourly rates vary depending on the type of employer; for instance, those working in hospitals or rehabilitation centers may command higher wages compared to those in residential settings. Many CNAs must weigh the trade-off between higher hourly pay without benefits versus lower pay that includes health insurance. Effective negotiation skills are essential in Memphis, especially when discussing compensation packages that may include shift differentials or other incentives that can enhance overall earnings.
More salary data for Memphis, TN:
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 Memphis. 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