Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay in Bristol, VA: $19.67 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a certified nursing assistant working in Bristol, VA runs $19.67 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $40,911 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Weighted against Bristol's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.2, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $19.06 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $24,549 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Bristol, Virginia, offers certified nursing assistants (CNAs) a median hourly pay of $19.67, which reflects the ongoing demand for healthcare professionals in the region. While this rate is slightly below the national median of $21.64, it provides a competitive wage for CNAs working in various settings such as skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, and home health agencies. The hourly pay ranges from $16.82 for entry-level positions to approximately $22.87 for experienced professionals. For those seeking part-time work, this pay translates into a considerable earning potential, especially for those working three days a week or on a per-diem basis, which is common for CNAs. Knowing the hourly rates helps aspiring CNAs make informed decisions about their career paths and work schedules.
About the Bristol 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) | $16.82 | $134.53 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $17.74 | $141.94 |
| Median (P50) | $19.67 | $157.36 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $21.52 | $172.19 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $22.87 | $182.92 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Bristol
Based on $19.67/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $19.67/hr, a certified nursing assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Bristol, VA can expect to earn approximately $40,915 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $23,605. With a cost-of-living index of 103.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Bristol.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Bristol
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $786.82 | $3,410 | $40,915 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $472.09 | $2,046 | $24,549 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $314.73 | $1,364 | $16,366 |
Compare CNA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Certified Nursing Assistant (Bristol) | $19.67 |
| 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 Bristol, VA earn a median of $40,911 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.10% lower than the national median of $45,007 and 3.90% below the Virginia state average of $42,571.
Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $19.67/hr = $24,549/year (purchasing power: $23,788).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $40,915/year (purchasing power: $39,646).
CoL index: 103.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$12.96/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$18.47/hr
2026 Current Est.
$19.67/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Bristol (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $12.96/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $13.48/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $13.25/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $15.63/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $16.70/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $16.70/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $18.47/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $19.67/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $20.95/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for certified nursing assistants in Bristol grew 42.5% from $12.96/hr (2019) to $18.47/hr (2025). At a 6.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $20.95/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 Bristol 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 Bristol
For a CNA in Bristol working part-time, specifically three days per week for a total of 24 hours, the annual income can be significant when calculated with the hourly pay. With a consistent shift schedule, these part-time workers can expect an annual take-home that is substantially less than their full-time counterparts. However, many CNAs are opting for agency positions that often offer premium hourly rates ranging from $22 to $32. Weekend-only contracts can yield even higher compensation, with earnings hitting $30 to $45/hour, particularly in high-demand markets. Variations in hourly rates across employer types are notable, as skilled nursing facilities may offer different pay scales compared to hospitals or assisted living communities. Additionally, the decision to accept lower rates in exchange for crucial benefits, such as health insurance, is a common trade-off many CNAs face. Negotiation strategies can also play a role in maximizing one’s earnings potential, particularly in a city where the demand for qualified nursing assistants has risen significantly since the staffing challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
More salary data for Bristol, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for certified nursing assistants in Bristol in 2026?
How much do part-time certified nursing assistants make in Bristol?
Are certified nursing assistants in Bristol paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time certified nursing assistant make per year in Bristol?
Do certified nursing assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Bristol?
Related Pages
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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 Bristol. 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 Bristol 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