Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay in Charleston, WV: $18.56 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a certified nursing assistant working in Charleston, WV runs $18.56 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $38,606 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Weighted against Charleston's regional price level (BEA RPP 88.7, 11% below national), each hour of work buys what $20.92 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $23,167 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Charleston, West Virginia, the projected median hourly rate for certified nursing assistants (CNAs) in 2026 stands at $18.56. This figure is notably lower than the national median of $21.64, indicating a local market that might be challenging for some CNAs. For those looking to work part-time, such as three days a week, this translates to a manageable level of income that can be critical for personal budgets. Per diem positions, common in various healthcare settings like skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, and assisted living environments, can provide slightly more flexibility but come with varying pay scales. In Charleston, the hourly earnings can range from $16.70 for entry-level positions to $22.34 for top earners, showcasing a diverse opportunity landscape driven by experience and specialty.
Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $16.70 | $133.59 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $18.39 | $147.14 |
| Median (P50) | $18.56 | $148.50 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $19.44 | $155.49 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $22.34 | $178.75 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Charleston
Based on $18.56/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $18.56/hr, a certified nursing assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Charleston, WV can expect to earn approximately $38,611 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $22,276. With a cost-of-living index of 88.72 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Charleston.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Charleston
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $742.52 | $3,218 | $38,611 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $445.51 | $1,931 | $23,167 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $297.01 | $1,287 | $15,444 |
Compare CNA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Certified Nursing Assistant (Charleston) | $18.56 |
| 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 Charleston, WV earn a median of $38,606 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.22% lower than the national median of $45,007 and 0.10% above the West Virginia state average of $38,568.
Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $18.56/hr = $23,167/year (purchasing power: $26,113).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $38,611/year (purchasing power: $43,521).
CoL index: 88.717 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$12.61/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$17.43/hr
2026 Current Est.
$18.56/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+56.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Charleston (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $12.61/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $13.32/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $13.86/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $14.37/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $15.82/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $16.77/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $17.43/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $18.56/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $19.77/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for certified nursing assistants in Charleston grew 38.2% from $12.61/hr (2019) to $17.43/hr (2025). At a 6.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $19.77/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 Charleston 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 Charleston
Working part-time as a certified nursing assistant in Charleston could yield substantial annual earnings depending on the number of hours worked each week. For instance, a 24-hour work week would result in approximately $18,667, significantly less than a full-time commitment. Conversely, many CNAs choose agency roles that allow them to command higher hourly rates; for example, per diem certified nursing assistant pay in Charleston can exceed $22, with weekend contracts sometimes reaching $30-$45. Variability exists across different employment types—whether in medical/surgical units, hospice care, or home health agencies—and knowing where to focus efforts can influence earnings. Furthermore, many in the CNA field weigh the benefits of stable pay and health insurance against opportunities for higher hourly wages that lack additional benefits. Understanding these dynamics and knowing negotiation strategies specific to Charleston can enhance earnings potential for both full-time and part-time workers.
More salary data for Charleston, WV:
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 Charleston. 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