Entry-Level Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Brunswick, ME: $36,224 (2026)
Quick Answer:New certified nursing assistants entering the Brunswick, ME job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $36,224 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-1131, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Brunswick's local price level (BEA RPP 99.6 — 0% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $36,369 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($41,482) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the starting salary for certified nursing assistants in Brunswick, Maine, is projected to be approximately $36,224. This figure, which represents the 10th percentile, serves as a realistic benchmark for new graduates entering the workforce. The gap between this entry-level salary and the city’s median of $41,482 highlights the typical growth trajectory that new CNAs can expect during their initial years of employment. Over the first three to five years, many can anticipate moving from the entry-level salary to around $38,005, the 25th percentile, eventually working their way up toward the median. Given the employment growth rate of 6.50% annually in this field, Brunswick presents a favorable market for graduates eager to begin their careers in hands-on patient care.
About the Brunswick Market
Salary estimated from Maine average ($38,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Brunswick
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Brunswick
Entry-level certified nursing assistants in Brunswick, ME typically start between $36,224 and $38,005 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $12,864 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $41,482 — 7.83% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nursing program cost in Maine of $2,200 represents just 6.07% of the starting certified nursing assistant pay ($36,224/year) in Brunswick. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on state nurse aide registry-approved CNA training programs meeting federal CMS requirements. Tuition varies widely between free employer-sponsored programs, community college courses, and private training schools.
CNA Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Brunswick
- 1Research the Brunswick market: entry-level certified nursing assistant pay ranges from $36,224 to $38,005, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the nursing field — employers in ME often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Brunswick, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Brunswick for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Brunswick's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Certified Nursing Assistant Compensation Range
The certified nursing assistant wage spread in Brunswick is $12,864 ( 35.51%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $36,224, experienced hygienists can earn up to $49,088.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$22,007
2025 BLS Actual
$34,013
2026 Current Est.
$36,224
2019–2027 Growth
+75.3%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Brunswick (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22,007 | Actual |
| 2020 | $22,799 | Actual |
| 2021 | $23,931 | Actual |
| 2022 | $28,090 | Actual |
| 2023 | $30,085 | Actual |
| 2024 | $30,248 | Actual |
| 2025 | $34,013 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $36,224 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $38,578 | Projected |
Entry-level certified nursing assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Brunswick, ME grew 54.6% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $22,007 in 2019 to $34,013 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $38,578. New graduates entering the Brunswick job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Brunswick 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.
Starting Your nursing Career in Brunswick
Various employers in Brunswick actively seek newly certified nursing assistants, with skilled nursing facilities being the primary hiring entities. These organizations often provide paid training programs for entry-level candidates. While hospitals typically prefer experienced staff, they may also offer apprenticeship pipelines for new graduates willing to learn on the job. Home health agencies represent another option for new CNAs, particularly those who require flexible schedules. To enhance starting pay and career advancement opportunities, obtaining credentials such as CPR/BLS certification and optional qualifications like a medication aide (CMA) can be beneficial. With the ongoing staffing crisis impacting CNA wages—having risen significantly from 2020 to 2024—new graduates can expect a steady salary growth within their first three years in Brunswick, especially if they consider bridging their careers to LPN or RN roles.
More salary data for Brunswick, ME:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for certified nursing assistants in Brunswick in 2026?
How fast do certified nursing assistant salaries grow in Brunswick?
Is nursing school worth it in Brunswick?
What do new certified nursing assistants make right out of school in Brunswick?
How do I become a certified nursing assistant in Maine?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Maine
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
Entry-level 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 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new nursing graduates. A 6.50% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Brunswick. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Brunswick 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