Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in East Honolulu, HI: $52,634 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time certified nursing assistant in East Honolulu, HI earns a median $52,634/year (≈ $25.30/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Once you factor in East Honolulu's price level (19% above national, BEA RPP 119.3), that paycheck buys what $44,119 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.0% below the Hawaii state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, those pursuing a career as a certified nursing assistant in East Honolulu, HI, can expect to earn a median annual salary of $52,634, significantly higher than the national median of $45,007. The salary range reflects the diversity of roles within the profession, spanning from $42,305 at the lower end (P10) to an impressive $65,245 for those at the top (P90). These figures, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for local cost of living factors, indicate a positive trend in the job market. With the projected growth rate of 6.50% annually, the increasing demand for certified nursing assistants may also create opportunities for those looking to bridge into LPN or RN roles, which typically offer enhanced responsibilities and compensation.
About the East Honolulu Market
Salary estimated from Hawaii average ($42,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $42,305 | $20.34 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $45,942 | $22.09 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $52,634 | $25.30 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $56,532 | $27.18 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $65,245 | $31.36 |
Median Salary Position
16.95% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in East Honolulu
In East Honolulu, HI, the certified nursing assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $22,940 (2026 est.). At $52,634, the local median is 16.95% above the national median of $45,007.
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At 40 hours/week in East Honolulu: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How East Honolulu Certified Nursing Assistant Pay Compares
East Honolulu median: $52,634/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | East Honolulu Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Hawaii Average | $53,709 | -2.00% less |
| National Average | $45,007 | +16.95% more |
Certified Nursing Assistants in East Honolulu, HI earn a median of $52,634 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.95% higher than the national median of $45,007 and 2.00% below the Hawaii state average of $53,709.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
East Honolulu has a cost of living 19.30% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
East Honolulu, HI has a cost-of-living index of 119.3 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $52,634 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $44,119 — a 16.18% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$34,687
2025 BLS Actual
$49,422
2026 Current Est.
$52,634
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in East Honolulu (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $34,687 | Actual |
| 2020 | $36,078 | Actual |
| 2021 | $35,447 | Actual |
| 2022 | $41,820 | Actual |
| 2023 | $44,674 | Actual |
| 2024 | $49,118 | Actual |
| 2025 | $49,422 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $52,634 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $56,056 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the East Honolulu metropolitan area, the median certified nursing assistant salary grew 42.5% from $34,687 (2019) to $49,422 (2025). At a 6.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $56,056 by 2027 — a total increase of $21,369 (61.61%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the East Honolulu 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $42,305 – $45,942 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $45,942 – $52,634 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $52,634 – $56,532 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $56,532 – $65,245 |
CNA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual certified nursing assistant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Certified Nursing Assistant Job Market in East Honolulu
In East Honolulu, the job market for certified nursing assistants is relatively stable, with 12 professionals employed in the area. However, the cost of living is notably higher than the national average, evidenced by a cost of living index of 119.3, which can impact take-home purchasing power. Employers in skilled nursing facilities and rehabilitation hospitals tend to offer higher wages, particularly for specialized roles. Factors contributing to the disparity between minimum and maximum salaries include shift differentials that can add $2-4 per hour for nights and $1-3 for weekends, as well as potential premium pay during staffing shortages. To maximize pay potential, certified nursing assistants should consider obtaining additional certifications, such as CMA, which can lead to higher wages, and seek out weekend-only positions, known to offer premium rates in this competitive market in East Honolulu.
More salary data for East Honolulu, HI:
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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $49,422 for certified nursing assistantsin the East Honolulu metropolitan area. A 6.50% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for East Honolulu 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