Entry-Level Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Everett, MA: $39,258 (2026)
Quick Answer:New certified nursing assistants entering the Everett, MA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $39,258 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-1131, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Everett's local price level (BEA RPP 108.5 — 9% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $36,182 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($48,485) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, newly graduated certified nursing assistants can expect an entry-level salary of approximately $39,258 in Everett, Massachusetts. This figure is notably lower than the city’s median annual salary of $48,485, suggesting that new employees should anticipate a gradual earning trajectory as they gain experience. The potential for salary growth within the first few years is significant, moving towards the 25th percentile of $42,419 and eventually reaching the city median as candidates hone their skills and accumulate work experience. Given the current health care landscape, Everett presents a favorable job market for new CNAs, particularly as facilities are actively seeking to fill positions amid ongoing workforce challenges.
About the Everett Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($42,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Everett
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 Everett
Entry-level certified nursing assistants in Everett, MA typically start between $39,258 and $42,419 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $20,881 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $48,485 — 7.73% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nursing program cost in Massachusetts of $3,500 represents just 8.92% of the starting certified nursing assistant pay ($39,258/year) in Everett. 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 Everett
- 1Research the Everett market: entry-level certified nursing assistant pay ranges from $39,258 to $42,419, 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 Everett, 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 Everett for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Everett'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 Everett is $20,881 ( 53.19%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $39,258, experienced hygienists can earn up to $60,139.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$23,851
2025 BLS Actual
$36,862
2026 Current Est.
$39,258
2019–2027 Growth
+75.3%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Everett (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $23,851 | Actual |
| 2020 | $24,709 | Actual |
| 2021 | $25,936 | Actual |
| 2022 | $30,443 | Actual |
| 2023 | $32,605 | Actual |
| 2024 | $35,813 | Actual |
| 2025 | $36,862 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $39,258 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $41,810 | Projected |
Entry-level certified nursing assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Everett, MA grew 54.6% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $23,851 in 2019 to $36,862 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $41,810. New graduates entering the Everett job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Everett 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 Everett
Employers in Everett that frequently hire entry-level CNAs include skilled nursing facilities that often provide paid training programs to attract new graduates. Although hospitals may typically prefer candidates with experience, many offer apprenticeship programs that allow for on-the-job training to help bridge the gap for new CNAs. Additionally, home health agencies often look for applicants with flexible schedules to meet varying patient needs. To increase starting pay, it is beneficial for new graduates to pursue state CNA certification, including CPR/BLS training, and optional credentials like the medication aide (CMA) certification when applicable. Given the staffing crisis in recent years, new CNAs can expect a realistic salary growth of around 6.50% annually, making the transition from entry-level positions to roles as licensed practical nurses (LPNs) or registered nurses (RNs) a viable pathway for career progression within the ever-evolving healthcare sector in MA.
More salary data for Everett, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for certified nursing assistants in Everett in 2026?
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Is nursing school worth it in Everett?
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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 Everett. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Everett 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