Entry-Level Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Beverly, MA: $38,495 (2026)
Quick Answer:New certified nursing assistants entering the Beverly, MA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $38,495 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-1131, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Beverly's local price level (BEA RPP 108.5 — 9% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $35,479 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($48,156) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Recent graduates entering the certified nursing assistant field in Beverly, Massachusetts can expect a starting salary close to $38,495 in 2026, which is a realistic figure for new CNAs. Compared to the city’s median annual salary of $48,156, there is a noticeable gap that highlights the typical income increase over the first few years of a nursing career. New hires can anticipate gradual salary progressions; many will find themselves earning around $43,592 within three to five years as they gain experience. Given the current demand for healthcare workers in Beverly, particularly in light of post-pandemic staffing shortages, this city offers a promising market for new graduates seeking stable employment and growth opportunities.
About the Beverly Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($42,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Beverly
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 Beverly
Entry-level certified nursing assistants in Beverly, MA typically start between $38,495 and $43,592 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $20,713 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $48,156 — 7% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nursing program cost in Massachusetts of $3,500 represents just 9.09% of the starting certified nursing assistant pay ($38,495/year) in Beverly. 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 Beverly
- 1Research the Beverly market: entry-level certified nursing assistant pay ranges from $38,495 to $43,592, 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 MA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Beverly, 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 Beverly for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Beverly'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 Beverly is $20,713 ( 53.81%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $38,495, experienced hygienists can earn up to $59,208.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$23,387
2025 BLS Actual
$36,146
2026 Current Est.
$38,495
2019–2027 Growth
+75.3%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Beverly (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $23,387 | Actual |
| 2020 | $24,229 | Actual |
| 2021 | $25,432 | Actual |
| 2022 | $29,852 | Actual |
| 2023 | $31,971 | Actual |
| 2024 | $35,112 | Actual |
| 2025 | $36,146 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $38,495 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $40,998 | Projected |
Entry-level certified nursing assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Beverly, MA grew 54.6% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $23,387 in 2019 to $36,146 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $40,998. New graduates entering the Beverly job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Beverly 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 Beverly
In Beverly, numerous skilled nursing facilities actively recruit entry-level CNAs, often providing paid training programs to help ease the transition into the workforce. Many hospitals prefer applicants with some prior experience but also offer apprenticeship opportunities that can lead to valuable on-the-job training. Home health agencies often seek flexible candidates, making them an appealing option for new grads looking for varied shifts. For those looking to enhance their starting certified nursing assistant pay in MA, obtaining state CNA certification, CPR/BLS credentials, and possibly further qualifications such as medication aide certification or hospice aide training can significantly improve their job prospects. Given the recent staff turnover trends, individuals in the field can realistically expect salary growth that aligns with the current demands, positioning themselves for eventual advancement into LPN or RN roles within the first three years.
More salary data for Beverly, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for certified nursing assistants in Beverly in 2026?
How fast do certified nursing assistant salaries grow in Beverly?
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What do new certified nursing assistants make right out of school in Beverly?
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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
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 Beverly. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Beverly 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