Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay in East Orange, NJ: $25.27 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a certified nursing assistant working in East Orange, NJ runs $25.27 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $52,564 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Weighted against East Orange's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $21.94 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $31,540 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In East Orange, NJ, the certified nursing assistant hourly pay is notably higher than the national average, with a median hourly rate of $25.27. This rate is 16.79% greater than the national hourly median of $21.64, reflecting the competitive nature of the healthcare sector in this locality. For part-time professionals working three days a week, or per diem certified nursing assistants taking shifts as needed, this translates to an appealing earning potential while providing essential care in environments such as skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, assisted living centers, and even patients' homes. The hourly rate ranges from $20.35 for entry-level CNAs to about $30.45 for the most experienced, illustrating a substantial income opportunity depending on skills, training, and specific workplace demands.
About the East Orange 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) | $20.35 | $162.82 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.58 | $172.62 |
| Median (P50) | $25.27 | $202.18 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $27.97 | $223.74 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $30.45 | $243.59 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in East Orange
Based on $25.27/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $25.27/hr, a certified nursing assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in East Orange, NJ can expect to earn approximately $52,567 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $30,327. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in East Orange.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in East Orange
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,010.90 | $4,381 | $52,567 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $606.54 | $2,628 | $31,540 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $404.36 | $1,752 | $21,027 |
Compare CNA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Certified Nursing Assistant (East Orange) | $25.27 |
| 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 East Orange, NJ earn a median of $52,564 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.79% higher than the national median of $45,007 and 1.40% above the New Jersey state average of $51,838.
Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $25.27/hr = $31,540/year (purchasing power: $27,378).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $52,567/year (purchasing power: $45,631).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$16.65/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$23.73/hr
2026 Current Est.
$25.27/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in East Orange (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $16.65/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $17.32/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.02/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $20.08/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $21.45/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $22.46/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $23.73/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $25.27/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $26.92/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for certified nursing assistants in East Orange grew 42.5% from $16.65/hr (2019) to $23.73/hr (2025). At a 6.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $26.92/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 East Orange 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 East Orange
Part-time CNAs working 24 hours a week can earn approximately $31,541 annually, which is typically lower than what full-time colleagues take home but still provides a viable income for those balancing other commitments. Per diem and agency work can bring additional financial rewards; these certified nursing assistants often charge between $22 and $32 per hour, with potential for weekend and premium contracts that can elevate earnings to $30-$45 per hour in areas experiencing staffing shortages. Healthcare facilities in East Orange, such as hospitals and rehabilitation centers, may offer varying rates based on job demands. While some CNAs may choose lower hourly wages for the added benefit of health insurance and job security, others prefer higher pay rates without benefits for flexibility. Familiarity with local job markets and negotiation techniques is crucial for CNAs looking to maximize their earnings in East Orange.
More salary data for East Orange, 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 East Orange. 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 East Orange 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