Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay in Waukesha, WI: $23.69 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a certified nursing assistant working in Waukesha, WI runs $23.69 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $49,273 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Weighted against Waukesha's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.4, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $25.36 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $29,560 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the certified nursing assistant hourly pay in Waukesha, Wisconsin, is projected to be $23.69, notably higher than the national hourly median of $21.64. This rate provides a comfortable wage for those working in various settings such as skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, and home health care, allowing part-time workers — for instance, those putting in three 8-hour shifts a week — to earn a solid income. The hourly pay range in Waukesha spans from $18.64 for entry-level positions to as high as $28.00 for experienced certified nursing assistants, with the latter often found in specialized medical environments or working closely with critically ill patients. Such figures encourage flexibility for per diem workers, who may find opportunities that suit their schedules while still contributing meaningfully in different care settings.
About the Waukesha 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) | $18.64 | $149.10 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $20.43 | $163.41 |
| Median (P50) | $23.69 | $189.48 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $25.89 | $207.12 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $28.00 | $223.99 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Waukesha
Based on $23.69/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $23.69/hr, a certified nursing assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Waukesha, WI can expect to earn approximately $49,266 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $28,423. With a cost-of-living index of 93.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Waukesha.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Waukesha
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $947.42 | $4,106 | $49,266 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $568.45 | $2,463 | $29,560 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $378.97 | $1,642 | $19,706 |
Compare CNA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Certified Nursing Assistant (Waukesha) | $23.69 |
| 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 Waukesha, WI earn a median of $49,273 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.48% higher than the national median of $45,007 and 3.80% above the Wisconsin state average of $47,469.
Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $23.69/hr = $29,560/year (purchasing power: $31,648).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $49,266/year (purchasing power: $52,747).
CoL index: 93.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$15.61/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.24/hr
2026 Current Est.
$23.69/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Waukesha (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $15.61/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $16.24/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $15.95/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $18.82/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $20.10/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $17.11/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.24/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23.69/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $25.23/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for certified nursing assistants in Waukesha grew 42.5% from $15.61/hr (2019) to $22.24/hr (2025). At a 6.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $25.23/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 Waukesha 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 Waukesha
Taking into account the part-time earnings potential, a certified nursing assistant working 24 hours a week would bring home around $29,397 annually, compared to full-time earnings that would surpass $49,273. For those considering agency work, per diem certified nursing assistant pay in Waukesha often falls between $22 and $32 per hour, with weekend-only shifts or specialty contracts sometimes commanding rates as high as $30 to $45 per hour. While some CNAs may opt for a lower hourly wage in exchange for valuable benefits like health insurance, others might prefer the flexibility and potential for higher pay without benefits, especially considering the evolving dynamics post-COVID. Understanding how hourly rates fluctuate based on the type of employer—be it a skilled nursing facility or a hospice—can provide insights for effective salary negotiations. Potential candidates can maximize their earnings by exploring options that align with their skills and availability, keeping in mind the increased focus on competitive pay in today’s job market.
More salary data for Waukesha, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for certified nursing assistants in Waukesha in 2026?
How much do part-time certified nursing assistants make in Waukesha?
Are certified nursing assistants in Waukesha paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time certified nursing assistant make per year in Waukesha?
Do certified nursing assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Waukesha?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Wisconsin
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 Waukesha. 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 Waukesha 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