Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay in Merrimack, NH: $22.63 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a certified nursing assistant working in Merrimack, NH runs $22.63 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $47,067 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Weighted against Merrimack's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.3, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $21.09 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $28,244 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, certified nursing assistants (CNAs) in Merrimack, NH, can expect to earn a median hourly pay of $22.63, which surpasses the national median of $21.64. This competitive rate enhances the overall appeal of working in various settings, such as skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, and home health agencies. For part-time workers, those clocking in about three days per week typically earn a steady income while maintaining their flexibility. Hourly pay varies significantly, with newcomers starting around $18.04 and seasoned professionals earning as much as $26.35. As these hourly figures are derived from annual salary projections, they provide insight into the financial landscape available to CNAs while highlighting the potential for growth in this essential healthcare role.
About the Merrimack Market
Salary estimated from New Hampshire average ($40,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $18.04 | $144.33 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.59 | $156.68 |
| Median (P50) | $22.63 | $181.05 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $24.65 | $197.24 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $26.35 | $210.78 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Merrimack
Based on $22.63/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $22.63/hr, a certified nursing assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Merrimack, NH can expect to earn approximately $47,073 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $27,158. With a cost-of-living index of 107.30 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Merrimack.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Merrimack
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $905.25 | $3,923 | $47,073 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $543.15 | $2,354 | $28,244 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $362.10 | $1,569 | $18,829 |
Compare CNA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Certified Nursing Assistant (Merrimack) | $22.63 |
| 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 Merrimack, NH earn a median of $47,067 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.58% higher than the national median of $45,007 and 2.50% below the New Hampshire state average of $48,273.
Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $22.63/hr = $28,244/year (purchasing power: $26,322).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $47,073/year (purchasing power: $43,870).
CoL index: 107.3 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$14.91/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$21.25/hr
2026 Current Est.
$22.63/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Merrimack (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $14.91/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $15.51/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $15.24/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $17.98/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $19.21/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $20.11/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $21.25/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $22.63/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24.10/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for certified nursing assistants in Merrimack grew 42.5% from $14.91/hr (2019) to $21.25/hr (2025). At a 6.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $24.10/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 Merrimack 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 Merrimack
Part-time CNAs, who may work 24 hours weekly, have the opportunity to generate a decent income while enjoying a balanced work-life dynamic. These individuals can earn around $35,132 annually, a figure that provides a substantial yet different perspective compared to full-time earnings. Moreover, per diem certified nursing assistant pay in Merrimack can range significantly, with agency CNAs billing $22 to $32 per hour and weekend-only contracts often commanding $30 to $45 per hour. The variance in pay among different employer types—like hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and home health agencies—offers CNAs the ability to negotiate based on the benefits package and the nature of their employment. For those willing to transition to higher hourly rates without benefits, practical negotiation strategies can emphasize work experience and particular skills in high demand, making it an advantageous time for CNAs in Merrimack to explore their options.
More salary data for Merrimack, NH:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for certified nursing assistants in Merrimack in 2026?
How much do part-time certified nursing assistants make in Merrimack?
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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 Merrimack. 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 Merrimack 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