Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay in Salem, NH: $22.65 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a certified nursing assistant working in Salem, NH runs $22.65 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $47,126 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Weighted against Salem's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.3, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $21.11 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $28,270 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Salem, New Hampshire, the certified nursing assistant hourly pay reaches a median of $22.65, which is notably higher than the national median hourly rate of $21.64. This competitive rate reflects the local demand within various healthcare settings, including skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, and home health agencies. For those working part-time at roughly three days a week, this translates to approximately $1,306 per week, allowing flexibility in their schedules. On the other end of the spectrum, the hourly rate can vary significantly, with entry-level positions starting at $18.12 and more experienced professionals earning up to $26.43. These values indicate that a career as a certified nursing assistant offers substantial earning potential, accommodating both per diem workers seeking flexible or sporadic shifts and those looking for steady employment in Salem's healthcare sector.
About the Salem 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) | $18.12 | $144.93 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.65 | $157.19 |
| Median (P50) | $22.65 | $181.22 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $24.72 | $197.75 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $26.43 | $211.47 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Salem
Based on $22.65/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $22.65/hr, a certified nursing assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Salem, NH can expect to earn approximately $47,117 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $27,183. With a cost-of-living index of 107.30 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Salem.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Salem
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $906.10 | $3,926 | $47,117 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $543.66 | $2,356 | $28,270 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $362.44 | $1,571 | $18,847 |
Compare CNA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Certified Nursing Assistant (Salem) | $22.65 |
| 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 Salem, NH earn a median of $47,126 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.71% higher than the national median of $45,007 and 2.40% below the New Hampshire state average of $48,285.
Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $22.65/hr = $28,270/year (purchasing power: $26,347).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $47,117/year (purchasing power: $43,912).
CoL index: 107.3 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$14.93/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$21.27/hr
2026 Current Est.
$22.65/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Salem (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $14.93/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $15.53/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $15.26/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $18.00/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $19.23/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $20.14/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $21.27/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $22.65/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24.12/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for certified nursing assistants in Salem grew 42.5% from $14.93/hr (2019) to $21.27/hr (2025). At a 6.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $24.12/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 Salem 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 Salem
The potential earnings for part-time certified nursing assistants in Salem become particularly interesting when considering a typical schedule. A CNA working 24 hours per week could expect to take home about $32,298 annually, effectively balancing between work and personal commitments. Moreover, per diem certified nursing assistant pay in Salem can be quite lucrative, with agencies often billing between $22 and $32 per hour; weekend-only contracts can reach $30 to $45 per hour depending on market demand. Different employer types also influence hourly pay variations. For instance, CNAs in hospitals may earn higher rates compared to those in assisted living facilities due to the rigorous demands of the role. While some may opt for higher hourly pay without benefits, others might choose positions offering stability and health coverage amidst increasing living costs in New Hampshire. For candidates looking to negotiate their pay, understanding the local market and being open to explore various settings can lead to better compensation.
More salary data for Salem, 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 Salem. 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 Salem 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