Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay in Wellesley, MA: $22.56 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a certified nursing assistant working in Wellesley, MA runs $22.56 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $46,911 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Weighted against Wellesley's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $20.79 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $28,151 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Wellesley, Massachusetts, certified nursing assistants earn a median hourly rate of $22.56, which represents a notable increase compared to the national median of $21.64. This rate provides a robust earning potential for both part-time (3 days a week) and per-diem workers, allowing flexibility in settings such as skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, home health visits, and assisted living centers. For entry-level positions, those just starting often see wages around $18.93, while experienced professionals can earn as much as $27.34 per hour. These hourly estimates are derived from annual salary projections, reflecting Wellesley's specific economic conditions and the increased demand for healthcare support.
About the Wellesley 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) | $18.93 | $151.40 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $20.20 | $161.62 |
| Median (P50) | $22.56 | $180.45 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $25.24 | $201.92 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $27.34 | $218.71 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Wellesley
Based on $22.56/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $22.56/hr, a certified nursing assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Wellesley, MA can expect to earn approximately $46,918 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $27,068. With a cost-of-living index of 108.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Wellesley.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Wellesley
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $902.27 | $3,910 | $46,918 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $541.36 | $2,346 | $28,151 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $360.91 | $1,564 | $18,767 |
Compare CNA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Certified Nursing Assistant (Wellesley) | $22.56 |
| 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 Wellesley, MA earn a median of $46,911 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.23% higher than the national median of $45,007 and 5.00% below the Massachusetts state average of $49,380.
Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $22.56/hr = $28,151/year (purchasing power: $25,945).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $46,918/year (purchasing power: $43,242).
CoL index: 108.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$14.87/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$21.18/hr
2026 Current Est.
$22.56/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Wellesley (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $14.87/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $15.46/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $15.19/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $17.92/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $19.15/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $20.81/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $21.18/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $22.56/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24.02/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for certified nursing assistants in Wellesley grew 42.5% from $14.87/hr (2019) to $21.18/hr (2025). At a 6.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $24.02/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 Wellesley 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 Wellesley
Focusing on part-time employment, a certified nursing assistant working 24 hours a week can take home approximately $28,620 annually, which may not offer the same financial security as full-time positions but allows for work-life balance. The per diem certified nursing assistant pay in Wellesley can vary significantly; agency CNAs typically charge between $22 and $32 per hour, with weekend contracts reaching as high as $30 to $45 due to high demand. Different employer types, such as skilled nursing facilities versus home health agencies, can also impact hourly pay, as hospitals generally provide higher wages with the benefit of health insurance. When negotiating salaries, it's crucial for CNAs to consider the trade-offs between higher pay without benefits versus a lower wage that includes health coverage, enabling informed decisions that align with their financial needs and career goals in this evolving job market.
More salary data for Wellesley, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for certified nursing assistants in Wellesley in 2026?
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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 Wellesley. 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 Wellesley 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