Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay in Worcester, MA: $23.41 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a certified nursing assistant working in Worcester, MA runs $23.41 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $48,681 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Weighted against Worcester's regional price level (BEA RPP 102.5, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $22.83 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $29,214 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Worcester, Massachusetts, the certified nursing assistant hourly pay is projected to be $23.41 in 2026, significantly higher than the national median of $21.64. This attractive hourly rate opens opportunities for part-time workers, such as those who might work three days a week in various settings including skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, and home care environments. With an hourly range spanning from $19.67 for entry-level positions to $28.49 for top earners in the field, CNAs in Worcester can find a range of employment options that suit their schedules. This data is based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, providing a reliable snapshot of what certified nursing assistants can expect in terms of hourly earnings.
Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $19.67 | $157.36 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.62 | $180.96 |
| Median (P50) | $23.41 | $187.27 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $24.34 | $194.68 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $28.49 | $227.91 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Worcester
Based on $23.41/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $23.41/hr, a certified nursing assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Worcester, MA can expect to earn approximately $48,690 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $28,090. With a cost-of-living index of 102.52 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Worcester.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Worcester
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $936.35 | $4,058 | $48,690 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $561.81 | $2,435 | $29,214 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $374.54 | $1,623 | $19,476 |
Compare CNA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Certified Nursing Assistant (Worcester) | $23.41 |
| 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 Worcester, MA earn a median of $48,681 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.16% higher than the national median of $45,007 and 1.40% below the Massachusetts state average of $49,372.
Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $23.41/hr = $29,214/year (purchasing power: $28,495).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $48,690/year (purchasing power: $47,492).
CoL index: 102.523 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$14.65/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$21.98/hr
2026 Current Est.
$23.41/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+70.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Worcester (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $14.65/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $15.78/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.39/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $18.00/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $19.55/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $21.19/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $21.98/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23.41/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24.93/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for certified nursing assistants in Worcester grew 50.0% from $14.65/hr (2019) to $21.98/hr (2025). At a 6.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $24.93/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 Worcester 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 Worcester
Examining the financial landscape for part-time certified nursing assistants reveals a noteworthy potential for annual earnings. A CNA working three days a week, equating to approximately 24 hours, could bring home around $29,000 annually, depending on their specific scheduling and hours worked. Per diem positions further enhance income potential; while agency CNAs often bill $22 to $32 per hour, weekend contracts may reach $30 to $45 per hour, particularly in high-demand areas. Hourly rates also vary based on employer types in Worcester, with skilled nursing facilities and hospitals typically offering different compensation levels. While some certified nursing assistants might trade slightly lower hourly wages for stable benefits, others prioritize higher pay for more flexible roles. For those in Worcester negotiating their hourly rates, a clear understanding of the prevailing market conditions and available options can provide leverage in discussions with potential employers.
More salary data for Worcester, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for certified nursing assistants in Worcester 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 Worcester. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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