Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay in Alexandria, VA: $23.22 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a certified nursing assistant working in Alexandria, VA runs $23.22 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $48,291 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Weighted against Alexandria's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.2, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $22.50 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $28,975 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Alexandria, Virginia, the certified nursing assistant hourly pay is projected to be $23.22 by 2026, which is substantially higher than the national median of $21.64. This competitive hourly rate makes the profession appealing for both part-time (typically working 24 hours a week) and per-diem CNAs who aim to balance flexibility with reasonable earnings. For those in less demanding roles within skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, and assisted living environments, starting pay may be as low as $18.95, while top earners can command as much as $29.30 hourly. This range reflects the varied demands of positions in different platforms, such as home health visits or working in hospice settings, where experience, location, and type of care directly influence compensation.
About the Alexandria Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($35,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $18.95 | $151.57 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $20.62 | $164.95 |
| Median (P50) | $23.22 | $185.74 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $26.47 | $211.72 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $29.30 | $234.39 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Alexandria
Based on $23.22/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $23.22/hr, a certified nursing assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Alexandria, VA can expect to earn approximately $48,291 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $27,860. With a cost-of-living index of 103.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Alexandria.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Alexandria
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $928.68 | $4,024 | $48,291 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $557.21 | $2,415 | $28,975 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $371.47 | $1,610 | $19,317 |
Compare CNA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Certified Nursing Assistant (Alexandria) | $23.22 |
| 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 Alexandria, VA earn a median of $48,291 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.30% higher than the national median of $45,007 and 13.40% above the Virginia state average of $42,585.
Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $23.22/hr = $28,975/year (purchasing power: $28,076).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $48,291/year (purchasing power: $46,794).
CoL index: 103.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$15.30/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$21.80/hr
2026 Current Est.
$23.22/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Alexandria (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $15.30/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $15.91/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $15.64/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $18.45/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $19.71/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $17.39/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $21.80/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23.22/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24.73/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for certified nursing assistants in Alexandria grew 42.5% from $15.30/hr (2019) to $21.80/hr (2025). At a 6.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $24.73/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 Alexandria 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 Alexandria
For part-time certified nursing assistants in Alexandria working three days a week, the take-home pay falls significantly below full-time earnings, illustrating the realities of the profession in a city where weekend shifts can pay premium rates. Per diem opportunities are available, with agency CNAs often billing at rates between $22 to $32 hourly, while those willing to work weekend or temporary contracts may see wages spike to between $30 and $45, reflecting shortages in the market. The type of employer plays a critical role in determining hourly wages; skilled nursing facilities and rehabilitation hospitals might pay differently compared to hospitals or home health agencies. Many CNAs may choose to accept lower hourly rates for the stability of benefits such as health insurance, illustrating the trade-offs in this field. When negotiating pay, candidates should consider the total compensation package, including available benefits, as these can significantly impact overall job satisfaction in Alexandria's competitive healthcare market.
More salary data for Alexandria, VA:
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 Alexandria. 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 Alexandria 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