Entry-Level Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Haverhill, MA: $38,816 (2026)
Quick Answer:New certified nursing assistants entering the Haverhill, MA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $38,816 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-1131, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Haverhill's local price level (BEA RPP 108.5 — 9% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $35,775 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($49,528) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the entry-level certified nursing assistant salary in Haverhill, Massachusetts is projected to begin at around $38,816, setting a realistic framework for new graduates stepping into this rewarding field. This initial figure represents a noticeable gap from the city’s median salary of $49,528, suggesting that new CNAs can expect to move upward in their earnings as they gain experience. Over the first three to five years, starting salaries can progress from $38,816 up through the first quartile figure of $42,729, culminating in the median as graduates build their skills and leverage additional training opportunities. Given the job market dynamics in Haverhill, with a growth rate forecasted at 6.50%, it appears to be an encouraging environment for recent graduates eager to embark on their careers in nursing assistance.
About the Haverhill Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($42,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Haverhill
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 Haverhill
Entry-level certified nursing assistants in Haverhill, MA typically start between $38,816 and $42,729 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $19,777 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $49,528 — 10.05% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nursing program cost in Massachusetts of $3,500 represents just 9.02% of the starting certified nursing assistant pay ($38,816/year) in Haverhill. 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 Haverhill
- 1Research the Haverhill market: entry-level certified nursing assistant pay ranges from $38,816 to $42,729, 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 Haverhill, 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 Haverhill for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Haverhill'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 Haverhill is $19,777 ( 50.95%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $38,816, experienced hygienists can earn up to $58,593.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$23,582
2025 BLS Actual
$36,447
2026 Current Est.
$38,816
2019–2027 Growth
+75.3%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Haverhill (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $23,582 | Actual |
| 2020 | $24,430 | Actual |
| 2021 | $25,644 | Actual |
| 2022 | $30,100 | Actual |
| 2023 | $32,237 | Actual |
| 2024 | $35,409 | Actual |
| 2025 | $36,447 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $38,816 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $41,339 | Projected |
Entry-level certified nursing assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Haverhill, MA grew 54.6% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $23,582 in 2019 to $36,447 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $41,339. New graduates entering the Haverhill job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Haverhill 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 Haverhill
While entering the job market, new graduates in Haverhill should focus on potential employers like skilled nursing facilities, which are eager to hire entry-level CNAs and often provide paid training programs. Hospital systems, although typically favoring more experienced applicants, are increasingly developing apprenticeship pipelines that can help new CNAs gain crucial hands-on experience. Home health agencies also present opportunities for those seeking flexible schedules. Obtaining state CNA certification, which requires a minimum of 75 hours of federal training and passing a state exam, alongside CPR/BLS certification, is essential for competitive starting pay in MA. Early in their careers, CNAs may consider additional certifications, such as becoming a medication aide (CMA) or pursuing dementia care training, to enhance their professional credentials. After navigating the initial phase, realistic salary growth for CNAs in Haverhill could reflect the broader shifts seen in the workforce, particularly given the hiring urgency driven by the post-COVID turnover. Many CNAs transition into LPN or RN roles, providing a clear pathway for career advancement as they build on their experience and resume.
More salary data for Haverhill, MA:
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
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 Haverhill. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Haverhill 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