Entry-Level Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Woburn, MA: $39,526 (2026)
Quick Answer:New certified nursing assistants entering the Woburn, MA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $39,526 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-1131, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Woburn's local price level (BEA RPP 108.5 — 9% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $36,429 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($46,979) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Woburn, Massachusetts, new graduates stepping into a certified nursing assistant position can expect a starting salary around $39,526 in 2026, which is notably below the city’s median annual salary of $46,979. This gap suggests that while entry-level CNAs may initially earn less, they have potential pathways to increase their earnings over the next few years. With experience, salaries can rise to approximately $41,120 within a few years, allowing new graduates to bridge the gap toward the median pay. For individuals considering a career in this field, Woburn remains a supportive market, particularly after the COVID-19 pandemic, which has created more flexible hiring practices and a higher demand for patient care professionals.
About the Woburn Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($42,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Woburn
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 Woburn
Entry-level certified nursing assistants in Woburn, MA typically start between $39,526 and $41,120 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $15,997 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $46,979 — 4.38% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nursing program cost in Massachusetts of $3,500 represents just 8.85% of the starting certified nursing assistant pay ($39,526/year) in Woburn. 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 Woburn
- 1Research the Woburn market: entry-level certified nursing assistant pay ranges from $39,526 to $41,120, 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 Woburn, 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 Woburn for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Woburn'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 Woburn is $15,997 ( 40.47%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $39,526, experienced hygienists can earn up to $55,523.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$24,014
2025 BLS Actual
$37,114
2026 Current Est.
$39,526
2019–2027 Growth
+75.3%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Woburn (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $24,014 | Actual |
| 2020 | $24,878 | Actual |
| 2021 | $26,113 | Actual |
| 2022 | $30,651 | Actual |
| 2023 | $32,827 | Actual |
| 2024 | $36,074 | Actual |
| 2025 | $37,114 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $39,526 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $42,096 | Projected |
Entry-level certified nursing assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Woburn, MA grew 54.6% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $24,014 in 2019 to $37,114 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $42,096. New graduates entering the Woburn job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Woburn 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 Woburn
In Woburn, various employers actively seek out entry-level certified nursing assistants from local training programs. Skilled nursing facilities often hire new CNAs and even provide paid training, making them a primary source of early employment. While larger hospital systems may prefer candidates with experience, they are beginning to establish apprenticeship programs that can aid in skill development. For those looking to maximize initial earnings, pursuing additional credentials like CPR/BLS certification or specialized training in medications and dementia care can significantly enhance job prospects and pay. Given the recent staffing challenges in the healthcare sector, early-career CNAs in Woburn can expect moderate salary increases within their first few years, with opportunities to transition into roles such as Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or Registered Nurse (RN), should they choose to advance their careers.
More salary data for Woburn, 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 Woburn. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Woburn 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