Entry-Level Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Randolph, MA: $40,733 (2026)
Quick Answer:New certified nursing assistants entering the Randolph, MA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $40,733 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-1131, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Randolph's local price level (BEA RPP 108.5 — 9% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $37,542 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($49,075) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For those entering the field, the starting certified nursing assistant salary in Randolph, Massachusetts, is projected at $40,733 in 2026. This figure represents an essential starting point for new graduates, with a gap of approximately $8,342 when compared to the city's median annual salary of $49,075. As aspiring CNAs gain experience over their first three to five years, they can expect gradual salary increases, moving from the entry-level pay to the 25th percentile earnings of $43,672 and eventually approaching the median level. The positive growth trajectory, coupled with an annual growth rate of 6.50%, makes Randolph a promising market for new graduates, offering ample opportunities for those starting their careers in nursing and patient care.
About the Randolph Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($42,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Randolph
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 Randolph
Entry-level certified nursing assistants in Randolph, MA typically start between $40,733 and $43,672 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $16,551 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $49,075 — 9.04% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nursing program cost in Massachusetts of $3,500 represents just 8.59% of the starting certified nursing assistant pay ($40,733/year) in Randolph. 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 Randolph
- 1Research the Randolph market: entry-level certified nursing assistant pay ranges from $40,733 to $43,672, 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 Randolph, 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 Randolph for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Randolph'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 Randolph is $16,551 ( 40.63%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $40,733, experienced hygienists can earn up to $57,284.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$24,747
2025 BLS Actual
$38,247
2026 Current Est.
$40,733
2019–2027 Growth
+75.3%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Randolph (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $24,747 | Actual |
| 2020 | $25,637 | Actual |
| 2021 | $26,910 | Actual |
| 2022 | $31,587 | Actual |
| 2023 | $33,830 | Actual |
| 2024 | $37,169 | Actual |
| 2025 | $38,247 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $40,733 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $43,381 | Projected |
Entry-level certified nursing assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Randolph, MA grew 54.6% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $24,747 in 2019 to $38,247 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $43,381. New graduates entering the Randolph job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Randolph 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 Randolph
When it comes to employment opportunities, skilled nursing facilities in Randolph are the primary employers of new graduate CNAs, often offering paid training programs that facilitate the transition into the workforce. Hospital systems tend to prefer candidates with experience but may provide apprenticeship pipelines for those willing to learn. Home health agencies also seek candidates for flexible schedules, which is advantageous for new CNAs. Credentials such as state CNA certification, CPR/BLS training, and optional certifications like medication aide or dementia care can significantly enhance starting pay in Massachusetts. Given that the CNA workforce has experienced high turnover in the post-COVID era, wage increases of 20-40% in various markets reflect the urgent need for personnel. Many individuals may find that their career path leads from a CNA position into LPN or RN roles, further increasing their earning potential. Thus, realism in salary expectations shows that new graduates can anticipate steady growth in their first few years.
More salary data for Randolph, 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 Randolph. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Randolph 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