Entry-Level Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Lynn, MA: $39,421 (2026)
Quick Answer:New certified nursing assistants entering the Lynn, MA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $39,421 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-1131, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Lynn's local price level (BEA RPP 108.5 — 9% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $36,333 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($50,716) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Starting with a competitive entry-level certified nursing assistant salary, new graduates in Lynn, Massachusetts can anticipate earning around $39,421 in 2026. Compared to the city’s overall median annual salary of $50,716, this starting pay reflects the reality many may face as they step into their first role within the healthcare sector. While the gap between these figures may seem significant, entry-level CNAs can expect a pathway of growth within their first few years. Progressing from the entry-level pay bracket at $39,421 to the 25th percentile at $43,550 is well within reach, allowing for a gradual increase towards the city's median salary as experience and skill levels rise.
About the Lynn Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($42,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Lynn
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 Lynn
Entry-level certified nursing assistants in Lynn, MA typically start between $39,421 and $43,550 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $23,889 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $50,716 — 12.68% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nursing program cost in Massachusetts of $3,500 represents just 8.88% of the starting certified nursing assistant pay ($39,421/year) in Lynn. 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 Lynn
- 1Research the Lynn market: entry-level certified nursing assistant pay ranges from $39,421 to $43,550, 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 Lynn, 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 Lynn for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Lynn'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 Lynn is $23,889 ( 60.60%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $39,421, experienced hygienists can earn up to $63,310.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$23,950
2025 BLS Actual
$37,015
2026 Current Est.
$39,421
2019–2027 Growth
+75.3%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Lynn (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $23,950 | Actual |
| 2020 | $24,811 | Actual |
| 2021 | $26,044 | Actual |
| 2022 | $30,570 | Actual |
| 2023 | $32,740 | Actual |
| 2024 | $35,965 | Actual |
| 2025 | $37,015 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $39,421 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $41,983 | Projected |
Entry-level certified nursing assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Lynn, MA grew 54.6% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $23,950 in 2019 to $37,015 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $41,983. New graduates entering the Lynn job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lynn 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 Lynn
In Lynn, several employers actively seek new graduate certified nursing assistants to fill critical roles. Skilled nursing facilities are among the primary hirers, frequently offering paid training programs to facilitate entry into the workforce. Conversely, hospital systems often prioritize applicants with previous experience, but they also provide apprenticeship pipelines that can lead to advantageous positions. Home health agencies, looking for flexible candidates, contribute to employment opportunities in the market. For new CNAs, acquiring essential certifications such as a state CNA certification and CPR/BLS can significantly enhance starting pay. Additionally, pursuing specialties like medication aide or certifications in dementia care can set candidates apart. Given the workforce dynamics post-COVID, with many facilities offering increased wages due to staffing shortages, early-career CNAs in Lynn can expect upward mobility, often transitioning into LPN or RN roles within the first few years. With these factors in play, realistic salary growth expectations during years one to three remain promising as the demand persists in this evolving market.
More salary data for Lynn, 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 Lynn. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Lynn 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