Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay in Hamden, CT: $22.34 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a certified nursing assistant working in Hamden, CT runs $22.34 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $46,467 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Weighted against Hamden's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.9, 8% above national), each hour of work buys what $20.71 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $27,885 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In 2026, the certified nursing assistant hourly pay in Hamden, Connecticut, stands at $22.34, which is higher than the national median hourly rate of $21.64. This competitive hourly rate makes a career in this field appealing for part-time employees and per-diem workers alike. Working three days a week, a certified nursing assistant can expect to earn a solid income while balancing other commitments. The hourly range for certified nursing assistants in Hamden spans from $18.68 at the entry-level to as high as $28.56 for experienced professionals. These figures are derived from annual salary estimates, illustrating the potential for a rewarding career in various settings, including hospitals, assisted living facilities, and home care environments.
About the Hamden Market
Salary estimated from Connecticut average ($42,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $18.68 | $149.44 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $20.10 | $160.77 |
| Median (P50) | $22.34 | $178.75 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $24.42 | $195.36 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $28.56 | $228.51 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Hamden
Based on $22.34/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $22.34/hr, a certified nursing assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Hamden, CT can expect to earn approximately $46,475 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $26,812. With a cost-of-living index of 107.90 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Hamden.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Hamden
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $893.75 | $3,873 | $46,475 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $536.25 | $2,324 | $27,885 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $357.50 | $1,549 | $18,590 |
Compare CNA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Certified Nursing Assistant (Hamden) | $22.34 |
| Licensed Practical Nurse (National Avg) | $29.34 |
| Home Health / Personal Care Aide (National Avg) | $16.80 |
| Medical Assistant (National Avg) | $19.70 |
| Psychiatric Aide (National Avg) | $18.50 |
Certified Nursing Assistants in Hamden, CT earn a median of $46,467 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.24% higher than the national median of $45,007 and 1.60% below the Connecticut state average of $47,223.
Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $22.34/hr = $27,885/year (purchasing power: $25,843).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $46,475/year (purchasing power: $43,072).
CoL index: 107.9 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$14.72/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$20.98/hr
2026 Current Est.
$22.34/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Hamden (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $14.72/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $15.32/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $15.05/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $17.75/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $18.96/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $21.44/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $20.98/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $22.34/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $23.80/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for certified nursing assistants in Hamden grew 42.5% from $14.72/hr (2019) to $20.98/hr (2025). At a 6.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $23.80/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem certified nursing assistants can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Hamden 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.
Working as an Hourly Certified Nursing Assistant in Hamden
Examining the potential earnings highlights the financial implications of part-time versus full-time work. For instance, a certified nursing assistant working a three-day week (24 hours) could bring home an annual income significantly less than a full-time wage, especially without benefits. Meanwhile, per diem certified nursing assistant pay in Hamden can vary widely, with agency positions often billing anywhere from $22 to $32 per hour, and weekend contracts offering premiums that can reach $30-$45. Additionally, there are opportunities in travel contracts, although these remain less common. Hourly rates can differ depending on the employer type, with skilled nursing facilities and hospitals generally offering different wages than home health agencies or hospice care. Certified nursing assistants seeking higher compensation might negotiate hourly rates but may forgo benefits packages that often come with lower pay, presenting a crucial decision point in their careers in Hamden.
More salary data for Hamden, CT:
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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 6.50% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for certified nursing assistants in Hamden. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Hamden 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