Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay in Norfolk, VA: $20.26 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a certified nursing assistant working in Norfolk, VA runs $20.26 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $42,144 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Weighted against Norfolk's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.2, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $19.63 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $25,280 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Norfolk, Virginia, the certified nursing assistant hourly pay stands at $20.26, which is slightly below the national median of $21.64. This rate is particularly relevant for part-time workers, such as those who may choose a three-day workweek in various healthcare settings—like skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, or home health agencies. For certified nursing assistants (CNAs) engaged in per-diem work, the industry offers flexibility while still providing competitive compensation. The hourly pay for CNAs ranges from $15.18 for entry-level positions to up to $26.02 for more experienced practitioners or those in high-demand specialties. These hourly estimates are derived from a broader analysis of annual salary data, helping to illustrate the potential earning landscape for CNAs in the Norfolk area.
About the Norfolk 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) | $15.18 | $121.41 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $17.10 | $136.83 |
| Median (P50) | $20.26 | $162.05 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $23.21 | $185.65 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $26.02 | $208.14 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Norfolk
Based on $20.26/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $20.26/hr, a certified nursing assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Norfolk, VA can expect to earn approximately $42,133 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $24,308. With a cost-of-living index of 103.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Norfolk.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Norfolk
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $810.25 | $3,511 | $42,133 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $486.15 | $2,107 | $25,280 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $324.10 | $1,404 | $16,853 |
Compare CNA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Certified Nursing Assistant (Norfolk) | $20.26 |
| 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 Norfolk, VA earn a median of $42,144 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.36% lower than the national median of $45,007 and 1.00% below the Virginia state average of $42,570.
Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $20.26/hr = $25,280/year (purchasing power: $24,496).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $42,133/year (purchasing power: $40,827).
CoL index: 103.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$13.35/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$19.02/hr
2026 Current Est.
$20.26/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Norfolk (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $13.35/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $13.88/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $13.64/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $16.09/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $17.19/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $18.15/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $19.02/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $20.26/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $21.57/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for certified nursing assistants in Norfolk grew 42.5% from $13.35/hr (2019) to $19.02/hr (2025). At a 6.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $21.57/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 Norfolk 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 Norfolk
When considering the earning potential for part-time CNAs, working three days a week typically results in around $31,302 annually, which showcases the significant difference compared to full-time counterparts. Per diem certified nursing assistant pay in Norfolk can see rates billable at $22 to $32 per hour, with weekend-only positions offering a premium that can reach between $30 and $45 in periods of high demand. Additionally, travel contracts have become more frequent following the COVID-19 pandemic, with earnings ranging from $1,000 to $1,800 per week, although they remain less common. The hourly rates can vary significantly depending on the employer type; for example, skilled nursing facilities may offer lower pay compared to hospitals or home health agencies, where pay rates can vary substantially due to the different demands associated with each setting. The trade-off between salary and benefits is essential, as CNAs sometimes accept lower hourly wages in exchange for health insurance and other benefits. In the competitive job market of Norfolk, practical negotiation strategies could involve understanding the value of additional benefits versus hourly compensation, ensuring the right balance for income stability and overall job satisfaction.
More salary data for Norfolk, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for certified nursing assistants in Norfolk in 2026?
How much do part-time certified nursing assistants make in Norfolk?
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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 Norfolk. 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 Norfolk 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