Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay in Portsmouth, NH: $22.28 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a certified nursing assistant working in Portsmouth, NH runs $22.28 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $46,337 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Weighted against Portsmouth's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.3, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $20.76 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $27,805 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Portsmouth, New Hampshire, a certified nursing assistant can expect to earn a median hourly pay of $22.28, which is notably higher than the national average of $21.64. This rate reflects a growing trend in healthcare compensation, particularly as the demand for CNAs in various settings continues to rise. For those considering part-time roles, working three days a week at this hourly rate equates to potential earnings that can support a small household or cover educational expenses. For per-diem certified nursing assistants, who often work in skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, or provide in-home care, the hourly earnings can range from $18.94 at the lower end to $25.03 for those with more experience or specialized skills. These figures show the financial viability of choosing a nursing assistant career in Portsmouth.
About the Portsmouth 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) | $18.94 | $151.49 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $20.03 | $160.26 |
| Median (P50) | $22.28 | $178.24 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $23.82 | $190.59 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $25.03 | $200.22 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Portsmouth
Based on $22.28/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $22.28/hr, a certified nursing assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Portsmouth, NH can expect to earn approximately $46,342 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $26,736. With a cost-of-living index of 107.30 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Portsmouth.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Portsmouth
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $891.19 | $3,862 | $46,342 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $534.72 | $2,317 | $27,805 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $356.48 | $1,545 | $18,537 |
Compare CNA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Certified Nursing Assistant (Portsmouth) | $22.28 |
| 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 Portsmouth, NH earn a median of $46,337 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.96% higher than the national median of $45,007 and 4.00% below the New Hampshire state average of $48,268.
Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $22.28/hr = $27,805/year (purchasing power: $25,914).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $46,342/year (purchasing power: $43,189).
CoL index: 107.3 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$17.07/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$20.92/hr
2026 Current Est.
$22.28/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+39.0%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Portsmouth (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $17.07/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $17.84/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $18.09/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $19.04/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $21.68/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $19.80/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $20.92/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $22.28/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $23.73/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for certified nursing assistants in Portsmouth grew 22.6% from $17.07/hr (2019) to $20.92/hr (2025). At a 6.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $23.73/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 Portsmouth 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 Portsmouth
In terms of earning potential, part-time CNAs working a 24-hour week could anticipate bringing home approximately $27,706 annually, which presents a reasonable living for many in the region. For those who take on per-diem or agency positions, the compensation can be significantly more lucrative, with agencies billing between $22 and $32 per hour, while weekend-only contracts may offer premiums reaching $30 to $45 per hour, especially in areas facing staffing shortages. Different employer types also affect pay scales; skilled nursing facilities and hospitals may have distinct pay structures, which can also include shift differentials for night and weekend shifts. It's not uncommon for certified nursing assistants to negotiate for better rates, especially when weighing the benefits of hourly pay against those that include health insurance coverage. Navigating these discussions is crucial for maintaining sustainable income in this evolving job market in Portsmouth, NH.
More salary data for Portsmouth, NH:
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 Portsmouth. 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 Portsmouth 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