Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay in Medford, MA: $23.46 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a certified nursing assistant working in Medford, MA runs $23.46 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $48,793 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Weighted against Medford's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $21.62 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $29,281 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Medford, Massachusetts, certified nursing assistants command a median hourly pay of $23.46, surpassing the national median of $21.64. This competitive hourly rate positions CNAs well for part-time and per-diem roles in various healthcare settings, such as skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, and home health agencies. For those working three days a week, typically around 24 hours, or in per-diem positions, this level of pay provides a substantial income while offering flexibility. Entry-level CNAs may earn around $19.77 per hour, while more experienced professionals in the area can achieve earnings of up to $29.33 per hour. These hourly rates reflect a positive market trend for CNAs in Medford, supported by recent annual estimates based on 2025 BLS data, projected to 2026.
About the Medford 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) | $19.77 | $158.13 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.23 | $169.80 |
| Median (P50) | $23.46 | $187.70 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $25.76 | $206.10 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $29.33 | $234.64 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Medford
Based on $23.46/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $23.46/hr, a certified nursing assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Medford, MA can expect to earn approximately $48,801 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $28,154. With a cost-of-living index of 108.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Medford.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Medford
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $938.48 | $4,067 | $48,801 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $563.09 | $2,440 | $29,281 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $375.39 | $1,627 | $19,520 |
Compare CNA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Certified Nursing Assistant (Medford) | $23.46 |
| 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 Medford, MA earn a median of $48,793 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.41% higher than the national median of $45,007 and 1.20% below the Massachusetts state average of $49,386.
Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $23.46/hr = $29,281/year (purchasing power: $26,987).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $48,801/year (purchasing power: $44,978).
CoL index: 108.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$15.46/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.03/hr
2026 Current Est.
$23.46/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Medford (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $15.46/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $16.08/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $15.80/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $18.64/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $19.91/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $21.65/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.03/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23.46/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24.99/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for certified nursing assistants in Medford grew 42.5% from $15.46/hr (2019) to $22.03/hr (2025). At a 6.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $24.99/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 Medford 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 Medford
The earning potential for a certified nursing assistant working part-time in Medford can be significant. A standard schedule of three 8-hour shifts each week translates to approximately $36,798 annually, versus a full-time schedule which would yield around $48,793. Many CNAs opt for per diem contracts, where agency rates range from $22 to $32 per hour; those taking on weekend shifts in urgent markets can see hourly rates soar to between $30 and $45. Across various employers in Medford, such as rehabilitation hospitals or assisted living communities, hourly wages can vary, and some CNAs might choose slightly lower-paying jobs with health benefits over higher hourly wages without them. For those seeking to maximize their income, actively negotiating contracts and considering alternative work settings can help navigate the competitive market while advancing their careers, often toward roles such as LPN or RN.
More salary data for Medford, 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
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 Medford. 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 Medford 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