Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay in Mequon, WI: $21.33 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a certified nursing assistant working in Mequon, WI runs $21.33 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $44,380 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Weighted against Mequon's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.4, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $22.84 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $26,622 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In 2026, certified nursing assistants in Mequon, Wisconsin, can expect to earn a median hourly pay of $21.33. This rate is slightly below the national hourly median of $21.64, indicating that while local wages are competitive, they are still a bit lower than the average across the United States. For part-time workers, such as those on a typical schedule of three days a week, this hourly rate translates to a solid income while allowing for flexibility in their lives. Per-diem certified nursing assistant pay in Mequon also aligns with the local market, which typically sees rates ranging from $18.91 to $23.70, catering to a variety of work environments including skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, and assisted living apartments. This spectrum provides opportunities for both entry-level entries and experienced CNAs looking to maximize their compensation.
About the Mequon Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($38,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $18.91 | $151.32 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.81 | $158.47 |
| Median (P50) | $21.33 | $170.66 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $22.61 | $180.88 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $23.70 | $189.57 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Mequon
Based on $21.33/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $21.33/hr, a certified nursing assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Mequon, WI can expect to earn approximately $44,370 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $25,598. With a cost-of-living index of 93.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Mequon.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Mequon
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $853.28 | $3,698 | $44,370 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $511.97 | $2,219 | $26,622 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $341.31 | $1,479 | $17,748 |
Compare CNA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Certified Nursing Assistant (Mequon) | $21.33 |
| 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 Mequon, WI earn a median of $44,380 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.39% lower than the national median of $45,007 and 6.50% below the Wisconsin state average of $47,465.
Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $21.33/hr = $26,622/year (purchasing power: $28,504).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $44,370/year (purchasing power: $47,506).
CoL index: 93.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$14.06/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$20.03/hr
2026 Current Est.
$21.33/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Mequon (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $14.06/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $14.62/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $14.37/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $16.95/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $18.11/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $15.95/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $20.03/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $21.33/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $22.72/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for certified nursing assistants in Mequon grew 42.5% from $14.06/hr (2019) to $20.03/hr (2025). At a 6.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $22.72/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 Mequon 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 Mequon
Examining the earning potential for part-time certified nursing assistants working in Mequon highlights the disparity between various job types. A part-time CNA working a 24-hour week would bring home about $26,497 annually, a nice sum, but still significantly less than a full-time counterpart. On the other hand, per-diem and agency positions can see higher pay rates, ranging between $22 and $32 per hour for specialized work or weekend shifts that may reach $30 to $45. Given this background, hourly wages vary across healthcare settings; for example, skilled nursing facilities may offer different rates compared to home health agencies or hospitals, each dependent on patient acuity and staffing needs. Some certified nursing assistants intentionally accept lower hourly pay in exchange for benefits like health insurance, while others prefer higher pay without such perks. Therefore, negotiations play a key role, with understanding these dynamics providing leverage for CNAs to advocate effectively for their worth in the Mequon market.
More salary data for Mequon, WI:
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 Mequon. 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 Mequon 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