Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay in Watertown, MA: $23.43 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a certified nursing assistant working in Watertown, MA runs $23.43 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $48,739 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Weighted against Watertown's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $21.59 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $29,241 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Watertown, Massachusetts, the certified nursing assistant hourly pay stands at a median of $23.43, which is notably higher than the national median of $21.64 per hour. This competitive rate reflects the growing demand for healthcare workers, especially as the sector rebounds from recent challenges. For part-time certified nursing assistants working three days a week, this hourly wage translates to valuable earnings while balancing personal commitments. Per-diem roles, often sought after in settings such as skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, and home health care, offer flexibility and can also contribute to a solid financial foundation. Given the hourly range of $19.20 for entry-level positions to $27.09 for experienced professionals in the field, there are opportunities for CNAs to increase their income by gaining experience, skills, and certifications in specialized care areas.
About the Watertown 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) | $19.20 | $153.62 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.56 | $172.44 |
| Median (P50) | $23.43 | $187.44 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $25.36 | $202.86 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $27.09 | $216.75 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Watertown
Based on $23.43/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $23.43/hr, a certified nursing assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Watertown, MA can expect to earn approximately $48,734 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $28,116. With a cost-of-living index of 108.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Watertown.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Watertown
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $937.20 | $4,061 | $48,734 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $562.32 | $2,437 | $29,241 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $374.88 | $1,624 | $19,494 |
Compare CNA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Certified Nursing Assistant (Watertown) | $23.43 |
| 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 Watertown, MA earn a median of $48,739 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.29% higher than the national median of $45,007 and 1.30% below the Massachusetts state average of $49,381.
Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $23.43/hr = $29,241/year (purchasing power: $26,950).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $48,734/year (purchasing power: $44,916).
CoL index: 108.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$15.44/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.00/hr
2026 Current Est.
$23.43/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Watertown (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $15.44/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $16.06/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $15.78/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $18.62/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $19.89/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $21.62/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.00/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23.43/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24.95/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for certified nursing assistants in Watertown grew 42.5% from $15.44/hr (2019) to $22.00/hr (2025). At a 6.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $24.95/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 Watertown 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 Watertown
Examining the financial prospects for a certified nursing assistant in Watertown reveals distinct scenarios based on work patterns and employer types. A part-time CNA working a typical schedule of 24 hours per week can expect to earn approximately $29,074 annually, a figure that demonstrates the appeal of flexible work while still providing a respectable income. For those considering per diem positions, certified nursing assistants can see their pay rates vary widely, with agency contracts typically billing between $22-$32 per hour. Higher premiums, especially for weekend shifts, can reach between $30-$45 in shortage markets, making this an attractive option for CNAs seeking extra income. Hourly compensation tends to differ across various settings in Watertown; for instance, skilled nursing facilities may offer lower wages compared to hospitals and specialized clinics. Nevertheless, some CNAs may choose to accept lower pay for steady hours and benefits provided by full-time roles. When negotiating pay, it's advisable for hourly workers to understand their worth, research local salary trends, and highlight their experience and credentials, as these factors can significantly influence offers in the competitive Watertown job market.
More salary data for Watertown, 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 Watertown. 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 Watertown 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