Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay in Bridgewater, NJ: $24.55 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a certified nursing assistant working in Bridgewater, NJ runs $24.55 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $51,059 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Weighted against Bridgewater's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $21.31 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $30,636 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Bridgewater, New Jersey, certified nursing assistants (CNAs) can expect a median hourly rate of $24.55, significantly higher than the national median of $21.64. This competitive hourly pay impacts workers seeking part-time employment, such as those on a three-day work schedule, allowing for flexibility while still earning a respectable income. Per-diem positions, which are common in settings like skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, and assisted living communities, also take advantage of this hourly rate. Those entering the field can expect to earn around $19.92 per hour at entry-level positions, while experienced CNAs can reach as high as $28.27 per hour, reflecting the demand for skilled professionals in Bridgewater's healthcare landscape.
About the Bridgewater Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($40,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $19.92 | $159.32 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.57 | $172.53 |
| Median (P50) | $24.55 | $196.39 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $26.50 | $211.98 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $28.27 | $226.12 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Bridgewater
Based on $24.55/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $24.55/hr, a certified nursing assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Bridgewater, NJ can expect to earn approximately $51,060 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $29,458. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Bridgewater.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Bridgewater
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $981.93 | $4,255 | $51,060 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $589.16 | $2,553 | $30,636 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $392.77 | $1,702 | $20,424 |
Compare CNA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Certified Nursing Assistant (Bridgewater) | $24.55 |
| 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 Bridgewater, NJ earn a median of $51,059 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.45% higher than the national median of $45,007 and 1.50% below the New Jersey state average of $51,837.
Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $24.55/hr = $30,636/year (purchasing power: $26,594).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $51,060/year (purchasing power: $44,323).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$16.18/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$23.05/hr
2026 Current Est.
$24.55/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Bridgewater (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $16.18/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $16.83/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $16.53/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $19.50/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $20.84/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $21.82/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $23.05/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $24.55/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $26.14/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for certified nursing assistants in Bridgewater grew 42.5% from $16.18/hr (2019) to $23.05/hr (2025). At a 6.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $26.14/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 Bridgewater 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 Bridgewater
For part-time CNAs working three days a week, the earnings can equate to a substantial annual income compared to full-time positions. While full-time CNAs benefit from steady hours, part-time employees still reap rewards without the commitment. Agency workers can find varied compensation, frequently billing $22-$32 per hour, with weekend shifts potentially offering premium rates that climb as high as $45 per hour in high-demand environments. Different employer types in Bridgewater contribute to wage fluctuations; skilled nursing facilities may have varied pay compared to hospitals or home health agencies. Those accepting lower hourly rates might find benefits like health insurance attractive, while others may prefer higher hourly wages without such perks. When negotiating pay, being aware of the average rates for specific services and demonstrating flexibility with scheduling can enhance a CNA’s earning potential.
More salary data for Bridgewater, NJ:
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 Bridgewater. 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 Bridgewater 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