Entry-Level Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Concord, NH: $38,832 (2026)
Quick Answer:New certified nursing assistants entering the Concord, NH job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $38,832 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-1131, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Concord's local price level (BEA RPP 107.3 — 7% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $36,190 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($46,018) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Starting a career as a certified nursing assistant in Concord, NH, presents new graduates with an entry-level certified nursing assistant salary projected at $38,832 for 2026. This initial pay may seem modest when compared to the city’s median annual income of $46,018, creating a notable gap that aspiring CNAs should plan for in their early years. However, earning potential shows promise, with growth expected to progress from entry-level compensation to $41,386 within the first quartile (P25), and potentially reaching the median as experience accumulates. Given Concord’s current market conditions, which have seen a growth rate of 6.50% annually, this is an opportune time for newcomers to enter the field. Increased demand from healthcare facilities—particularly following the significant turnover during the post-COVID period—also suggests that recent graduates have viable opportunities to secure meaningful positions in this profession.
About the Concord Market
Salary estimated from New Hampshire average ($40,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Concord
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 Concord
Entry-level certified nursing assistants in Concord, NH typically start between $38,832 and $41,386 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $17,318 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $46,018 — 2.25% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nursing program cost in New Hampshire of $2,800 represents just 7.21% of the starting certified nursing assistant pay ($38,832/year) in Concord. 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 Concord
- 1Research the Concord market: entry-level certified nursing assistant pay ranges from $38,832 to $41,386, 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 NH often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Concord, 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 Concord for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Concord'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 Concord is $17,318 ( 44.60%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $38,832, experienced hygienists can earn up to $56,150.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$23,592
2025 BLS Actual
$36,462
2026 Current Est.
$38,832
2019–2027 Growth
+75.3%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Concord (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $23,592 | Actual |
| 2020 | $24,440 | Actual |
| 2021 | $25,654 | Actual |
| 2022 | $30,113 | Actual |
| 2023 | $32,251 | Actual |
| 2024 | $34,131 | Actual |
| 2025 | $36,462 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $38,832 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $41,356 | Projected |
Entry-level certified nursing assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Concord, NH grew 54.6% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $23,592 in 2019 to $36,462 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $41,356. New graduates entering the Concord job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Concord 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 Concord
Opportunities for employment as new grad certified nursing assistants in Concord predominantly lie within skilled nursing facilities, which often provide paid training programs for recent graduates. Hospitals tend to favor candidates with prior experience but are increasingly establishing apprenticeship pathways. Additionally, home health agencies are seeking flexible workers, presenting another avenue for those just starting out. To enhance earning potential, obtaining state CNA certification, CPR/BLS credentials, and exploring additional certifications like dementia care or hospice aide can significantly benefit new CNAs. In the first three years of employment, it’s reasonable to expect steady salary growth in this market, especially as nursing facilities have raised wages significantly due to staffing shortages. As professionals gain experience, the path typically diverges toward becoming a licensed practical nurse (LPN) or registered nurse (RN), further amplifying income potential beyond the initial entry-level certified nursing assistant salary in Concord.
More salary data for Concord, NH:
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 Concord. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Concord 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