Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay in Whitewater, WI: $21.66 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a certified nursing assistant working in Whitewater, WI runs $21.66 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $45,059 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Weighted against Whitewater's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.4, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $23.19 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $27,034 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Whitewater, Wisconsin, the certified nursing assistant hourly pay is projected at $21.66 in 2026, slightly above the national median of $21.64. This hourly rate positions CNAs well for various work arrangements, including part-time and per-diem opportunities. For those opting for a part-time schedule, such as three days a week, the earnings can provide a stable income while still allowing flexibility in personal commitments. The hourly range extends from approximately $18.02 for entry-level positions to $25.92 for highly experienced professionals, highlighting a diverse earning potential that aligns with experience and specific employment settings, such as skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, and assisted living environments. These figures are derived from annual salary estimates, enabling aspiring CNAs to grasp what they can expect on an hourly basis in their crucial roles within healthcare.
About the Whitewater 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) | $18.02 | $144.16 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.18 | $153.45 |
| Median (P50) | $21.66 | $173.30 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $22.91 | $183.27 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $25.92 | $207.38 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Whitewater
Based on $21.66/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $21.66/hr, a certified nursing assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Whitewater, WI can expect to earn approximately $45,057 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $25,995. With a cost-of-living index of 93.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Whitewater.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Whitewater
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $866.48 | $3,755 | $45,057 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $519.89 | $2,253 | $27,034 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $346.59 | $1,502 | $18,023 |
Compare CNA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Certified Nursing Assistant (Whitewater) | $21.66 |
| 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 Whitewater, WI earn a median of $45,059 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.12% higher than the national median of $45,007 and 5.10% below the Wisconsin state average of $47,481.
Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $21.66/hr = $27,034/year (purchasing power: $28,945).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $45,057/year (purchasing power: $48,241).
CoL index: 93.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$14.28/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$20.34/hr
2026 Current Est.
$21.66/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Whitewater (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $14.28/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $14.85/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $14.59/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $17.21/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $18.39/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $16.19/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $20.34/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $21.66/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $23.07/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for certified nursing assistants in Whitewater grew 42.5% from $14.28/hr (2019) to $20.34/hr (2025). At a 6.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $23.07/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 Whitewater 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 Whitewater
For many certified nursing assistants in Whitewater, part-time work translates to significant annual earnings, especially for those working a 24-hour schedule over three days each week. They can anticipate an annual income that varies based on hours worked, with some opting for per diem certified nursing assistant pay that aligns with their availability and financial needs. In the current market, agency CNAs often earn higher rates, billed between $22 and $32 per hour, and even weekend-only contracts can command impressive premiums of $30 to $45 per hour. However, the trade-off in choosing different work environments can have lasting implications. For example, while some CNAs might accept lower hourly wages in exchange for health benefits, others may pursue roles offering higher pay but without additional health insurance coverage. Negotiating effectively while seeking work in Whitewater, especially when considering various employer types, such as home health agencies or rehabilitation hospitals, can enable CNAs to maximize their earnings while navigating potential employment trade-offs.
More salary data for Whitewater, 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 Whitewater. 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 Whitewater 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