Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay in Salem, VA: $19.84 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a certified nursing assistant working in Salem, VA runs $19.84 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $41,273 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Weighted against Salem's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.2, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $19.23 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $24,762 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Salem, Virginia, the certified nursing assistant hourly pay stands at $19.84, which is slightly below the national median of $21.64. This hourly figure is relevant for both part-time and per diem workers in various settings such as skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, home health agencies, and assisted living communities. A certified nursing assistant working part-time three days a week can expect to earn a steady income while maintaining flexibility in their schedule. Those entering the profession can earn between $15.64 and $22.90 based on their experience, responsibilities, and the nature of the workplace. The competitive range—from entry-level positions to the higher earnings of seasoned professionals—allows for a diverse workforce while reflecting the ongoing demand for these skilled workers in the healthcare sector.
About the Salem 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) | $15.64 | $125.16 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $18.26 | $146.12 |
| Median (P50) | $19.84 | $158.73 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $21.49 | $171.93 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $22.90 | $183.18 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Salem
Based on $19.84/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $19.84/hr, a certified nursing assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Salem, VA can expect to earn approximately $41,269 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $23,809. With a cost-of-living index of 103.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Salem.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Salem
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $793.64 | $3,439 | $41,269 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $476.18 | $2,063 | $24,762 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $317.46 | $1,376 | $16,508 |
Compare CNA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Certified Nursing Assistant (Salem) | $19.84 |
| 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 Salem, VA earn a median of $41,273 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.30% lower than the national median of $45,007 and 3.00% below the Virginia state average of $42,549.
Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $19.84/hr = $24,762/year (purchasing power: $23,994).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $41,269/year (purchasing power: $39,990).
CoL index: 103.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$13.08/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$18.63/hr
2026 Current Est.
$19.84/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Salem (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $13.08/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $13.60/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $13.36/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $15.76/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $16.84/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $16.84/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $18.63/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $19.84/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $21.13/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for certified nursing assistants in Salem grew 42.5% from $13.08/hr (2019) to $18.63/hr (2025). At a 6.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $21.13/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 Salem 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 Salem
For a certified nursing assistant in Salem working 24 hours a week, the annual income would be noticeably lower compared to full-time employment, potentially affecting financial stability. Many in the industry are attracted to per diem roles, which can command higher hourly rates between $22 and $32, especially for weekend shifts or in shortage markets where rates can reach $30 to $45 per hour. The variation in pay often reflects the type of employer: hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and home health agencies may offer different compensation packages. The trade-off between hourly wages and benefits can be significant; some choose lower hourly rates with health insurance, while others pursue higher pay without benefits. When negotiating pay, recognizing the local market conditions in Salem and the demand for certified nursing assistants can be advantageous in securing a favorable hourly rate.
More salary data for Salem, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for certified nursing assistants in Salem in 2026?
How much do part-time certified nursing assistants make in Salem?
Are certified nursing assistants in Salem paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time certified nursing assistant make per year in Salem?
Do certified nursing assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Salem?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Virginia
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 Salem. 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 Salem 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