Arlington vs Worcester: Certified Nursing Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare certified nursing assistant salaries between Arlington, MA and Worcester, MA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Arlington, MA | Worcester, MA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $48,643 | $48,681▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $23.39 | $23.41▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,700 | $40,917▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $42,751 | $47,041▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $53,579▲ | $50,609 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $56,047 | $59,257▲ |
| Total Employed | 9 | 5,250▲ |
Verdict
Worcester, MA offers better overall compensation for certified nursing assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Arlington.
The salary gap between Arlington and Worcester is $38 (0.08%). Worcester's median is +8.16% compared to the US national median of $45,007.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Arlington spans $16,347,Worcester spans $18,340. Worcester has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced certified nursing assistants.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Worcester ($47,483 effective) pays 5.91% more than Arlington ($44,832 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Arlington if…
- ✓You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle
Choose Worcester if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($48,681/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($59,257)
- ✓Larger job market (5,250 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $47,483)
- ✓You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, certified nursing assistant salaries in Arlington grew 1.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 50.0% growth in Worcester over the same period.
Arlington, MA
$44,891 (2024) → $45,674 (2025)
Worcester, MA
$30,480 (2019) → $45,710 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Arlington, MA
Worcester, MA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays certified nursing assistants more: Arlington or Worcester?
What is the hourly rate difference between Arlington and Worcester?
Should I relocate from Arlington to Worcester as a certified nursing assistant?
What do entry-level certified nursing assistants earn in Arlington vs Worcester?
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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
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 6.50% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
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