Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay in Lawrence, MA: $23.15 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a certified nursing assistant working in Lawrence, MA runs $23.15 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $48,156 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Weighted against Lawrence's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $21.34 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $28,895 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Lawrence, Massachusetts, a certified nursing assistant's hourly pay reaches a median of $23.15, surpassing the national hourly median of $21.64. This rate provides a substantial advantage for both part-time workers and those seeking per-diem positions in environments such as skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, hospice care, and assisted living communities. The hourly range for certified nursing assistants in Lawrence stretches from $19.05 at the lower end (P10) to $28.40 for the most experienced and highest earners (P90). These numbers are informed estimates derived from annual salary data, giving potential employees a clear picture of what they can expect based on their qualifications and the local job market.
About the Lawrence Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($42,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $19.05 | $152.42 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $20.59 | $164.69 |
| Median (P50) | $23.15 | $185.22 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $26.43 | $211.47 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $28.40 | $227.23 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lawrence
Based on $23.15/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $23.15/hr, a certified nursing assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lawrence, MA can expect to earn approximately $48,158 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $27,784. With a cost-of-living index of 108.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Lawrence.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lawrence
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $926.12 | $4,013 | $48,158 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $555.67 | $2,408 | $28,895 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $370.45 | $1,605 | $19,263 |
Compare CNA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Certified Nursing Assistant (Lawrence) | $23.15 |
| 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 Lawrence, MA earn a median of $48,156 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.00% higher than the national median of $45,007 and 2.50% below the Massachusetts state average of $49,391.
Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $23.15/hr = $28,895/year (purchasing power: $26,631).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $48,158/year (purchasing power: $44,386).
CoL index: 108.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$15.26/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$21.74/hr
2026 Current Est.
$23.15/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Lawrence (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $15.26/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $15.87/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $15.59/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $18.40/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $19.65/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $21.37/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $21.74/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23.15/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24.66/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for certified nursing assistants in Lawrence grew 42.5% from $15.26/hr (2019) to $21.74/hr (2025). At a 6.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $24.66/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 Lawrence 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 Lawrence
For a certified nursing assistant working part-time at 24 hours a week, the earning potential becomes substantial, translating to a more modest yet steady income compared to full-time staff. Per diem certified nursing assistant pay in Lawrence can vary widely, with agency CNAs typically billing between $22 and $32 per hour and those filling weekend shifts potentially earning $30 to $45, particularly in markets experiencing staffing shortages. Employer variations also impact pay scales significantly; skilled nursing facilities and hospitals tend to have different budget allowances than home health agencies or rehabilitation hospitals. Some CNAs may opt for lower hourly wages in exchange for benefits such as health insurance, while others might pursue higher pay without benefits for greater flexibility. Negotiating hourly rates can be a valuable skill in this market, especially considering the increased demand for certified nursing assistants since the pandemic, creating opportunities for better compensation as they progress toward LPN or RN roles.
More salary data for Lawrence, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for certified nursing assistants in Lawrence in 2026?
How much do part-time certified nursing assistants make in Lawrence?
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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 Lawrence. 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 Lawrence 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