Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay in Dallas, TX: $19.73 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a certified nursing assistant working in Dallas, TX runs $19.73 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $41,034 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Weighted against Dallas's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.1, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $19.14 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $24,629 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Dallas, the certified nursing assistant hourly pay stands at $19.73, which positions it slightly below the national median of $21.64 per hour. This rate is significant for those working part-time or in per-diem roles, as it allows for relatively stable income over a flexible schedule. For instance, a CNA working three days a week could expect a reliable income while managing other personal commitments or further training. The hourly wage in this field ranges from $18.36 for entry-level positions to approximately $25.13 for more experienced professionals. These figures are grounded in 2026 estimates derived from 2025 BLS OEWS data, illustrating that while hourly rates in Dallas are competitive, they reflect the ongoing pressures and demands within the healthcare system.
Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $18.36 | $146.88 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.13 | $153.02 |
| Median (P50) | $19.73 | $157.88 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $23.14 | $185.14 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $25.13 | $201.07 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Dallas
Based on $19.73/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $19.73/hr, a certified nursing assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Dallas, TX can expect to earn approximately $41,048 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $23,681. With a cost-of-living index of 103.09 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Dallas.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Dallas
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $789.38 | $3,421 | $41,048 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $473.63 | $2,052 | $24,629 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $315.75 | $1,368 | $16,419 |
Compare CNA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Certified Nursing Assistant (Dallas) | $19.73 |
| 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 Dallas, TX earn a median of $41,034 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.83% lower than the national median of $45,007 and 8.20% above the Texas state average of $37,925.
Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $19.73/hr = $24,629/year (purchasing power: $23,890).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $41,048/year (purchasing power: $39,817).
CoL index: 103.09 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$13.83/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$18.53/hr
2026 Current Est.
$19.73/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+52.0%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Dallas (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $13.83/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $14.48/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $14.47/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $16.04/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $17.57/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $17.92/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $18.53/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $19.73/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $21.02/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for certified nursing assistants in Dallas grew 34.0% from $13.83/hr (2019) to $18.53/hr (2025). At a 6.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $21.02/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 Dallas 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 Dallas
The earning potential for part-time certified nursing assistants in Dallas can quickly accumulate. A worker clocking 24 hours a week at the median hourly rate would garner about $24,680 annually, a stark contrast to full-time earnings. Those seeking more lucrative opportunities often pursue per diem contracts, with rates between $22 and $32 per hour available through agency positions. Particularly in urgent staffing markets, weekend-only shifts can command rates as high as $30 to $45 per hour. This divergence in hourly pay across different employer types—whether in skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, or home health agencies—highlights the complex landscape of pay structures in the healthcare sector. Many CNAs opt for lower rates at stable jobs that offer benefits over higher pay in precarious roles, weighing immediate financial returns against long-term security. In a competitive job market, mastering negotiation skills can significantly benefit hourly workers, allowing them to advocate for better pay conditions.
More salary data for Dallas, TX:
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 Dallas. 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