Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay in Wisconsin Rapids, WI: $20.94 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a certified nursing assistant working in Wisconsin Rapids, WI runs $20.94 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $43,541 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Weighted against Wisconsin Rapids's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.4, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $22.42 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $26,130 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Wisconsin Rapids, the projected median hourly pay for certified nursing assistants (CNAs) in 2026 is $20.94, slightly lower than the national median of $21.64. This rate serves as a key factor for individuals considering part-time or per diem positions in various healthcare settings, including assisted living facilities, hospital medical/surgical floors, and hospice care environments. With an hourly range spanning from $17.98 at the entry-level to $23.76 for experienced professionals, CNAs can secure versatile roles that fit their schedules. Given the expected growth rate of 6.50% annually, the financial landscape for CNAs in Wisconsin Rapids is poised for a promising upward trajectory, particularly as facilities seek to attract and retain talent in an increasingly challenging labor market.
About the Wisconsin Rapids 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) | $17.98 | $143.82 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $18.47 | $147.74 |
| Median (P50) | $20.94 | $167.50 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $22.49 | $179.94 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $23.76 | $190.08 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Wisconsin Rapids
Based on $20.94/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $20.94/hr, a certified nursing assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Wisconsin Rapids, WI can expect to earn approximately $43,551 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $25,125. With a cost-of-living index of 93.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Wisconsin Rapids.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Wisconsin Rapids
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $837.52 | $3,629 | $43,551 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $502.51 | $2,178 | $26,130 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $335.01 | $1,452 | $17,420 |
Compare CNA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Certified Nursing Assistant (Wisconsin Rapids) | $20.94 |
| 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 Wisconsin Rapids, WI earn a median of $43,541 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.26% lower than the national median of $45,007 and 8.30% below the Wisconsin state average of $47,483.
Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $20.94/hr = $26,130/year (purchasing power: $27,977).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $43,551/year (purchasing power: $46,628).
CoL index: 93.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$13.80/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$19.66/hr
2026 Current Est.
$20.94/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Wisconsin Rapids (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $13.80/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $14.35/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $14.10/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $16.64/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $17.77/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $15.65/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $19.66/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $20.94/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $22.30/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for certified nursing assistants in Wisconsin Rapids grew 42.5% from $13.80/hr (2019) to $19.66/hr (2025). At a 6.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $22.30/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 Wisconsin Rapids 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 Wisconsin Rapids
For those pursuing part-time work, a typical 3-day workweek at 24 hours can yield a substantial annual income, but naturally less than full-time counterparts. Per diem certified nursing assistant pay in Wisconsin Rapids can be lucrative, with agency rates often ranging from $22 to $32 per hour, depending on demand. Additionally, some weekend-only contracts are known to offer premiums between $30 and $45 per hour, especially in tighter markets. Variability in hourly wages also exists across different types of employers; skilled nursing facilities and rehabilitation hospitals may offer lower base rates compared to acute care hospitals or home health agencies. While some CNAs might accept positions with lower hourly wages for the benefits of health insurance, others target higher-paying roles that do not offer such perks. When negotiating, it's essential for CNAs to evaluate their specific needs and consider shift differentials or options to work weekends, which could significantly enhance their earning potential in Wisconsin Rapids.
More salary data for Wisconsin Rapids, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for certified nursing assistants in Wisconsin Rapids in 2026?
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Are certified nursing assistants in Wisconsin Rapids paid hourly or salary?
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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 Wisconsin Rapids. 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 Wisconsin Rapids 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