Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay in Elizabeth, NJ: $25.16 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a certified nursing assistant working in Elizabeth, NJ runs $25.16 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $52,323 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Weighted against Elizabeth's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $21.84 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $31,394 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the certified nursing assistant hourly pay in Elizabeth, NJ, is projected to reach $25.16, significantly higher than the national hourly median of $21.64. This competitive rate offers a favorable advantage for part-time workers, such as those on three-day schedules, who can earn a respectable income while maintaining flexibility. In a typical work environment like skilled nursing facilities or home health settings, the range for hourly pay varies widely from $20.75 for entry-level positions to up to $32.21 for seasoned professionals. This illustrates the potential for experienced CNAs to command higher wages as they progress within their careers, making this role both a viable entry point into healthcare and a pathway toward advanced positions like nursing or specialized care roles.
About the Elizabeth 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) | $20.75 | $165.97 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.57 | $180.54 |
| Median (P50) | $25.16 | $201.24 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $28.88 | $231.06 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $32.21 | $257.64 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Elizabeth
Based on $25.16/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $25.16/hr, a certified nursing assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Elizabeth, NJ can expect to earn approximately $52,323 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $30,186. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Elizabeth.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Elizabeth
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,006.21 | $4,360 | $52,323 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $603.73 | $2,616 | $31,394 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $402.48 | $1,744 | $20,929 |
Compare CNA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Certified Nursing Assistant (Elizabeth) | $25.16 |
| 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 Elizabeth, NJ earn a median of $52,323 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.26% higher than the national median of $45,007 and 0.90% above the New Jersey state average of $51,857.
Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $25.16/hr = $31,394/year (purchasing power: $27,252).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $52,323/year (purchasing power: $45,419).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$16.58/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$23.62/hr
2026 Current Est.
$25.16/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Elizabeth (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $16.58/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $17.24/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $16.94/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $19.99/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $21.35/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $22.36/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $23.62/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $25.16/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $26.79/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for certified nursing assistants in Elizabeth grew 42.5% from $16.58/hr (2019) to $23.62/hr (2025). At a 6.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $26.79/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 Elizabeth 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 Elizabeth
Exploring the financial implications of working as a certified nursing assistant in Elizabeth highlights the differences in earning potential between full-time and part-time employment. For a part-time, three-day workweek totaling 24 hours, a CNA can expect to take home approximately $31,211 annually, compared to a full-time salary. Many CNAs also turn to per diem work, which often results in a pay rate of $22-$32 per hour, while weekend contracts can offer even more, hitting premiums as high as $30-$45 during staffing shortages. Agencies may provide additional flexibility but often come with variable rates. As the healthcare needs continue to evolve post-COVID, CNAs face a choice between securing benefits with lower hourly rates or opting for higher wages without health insurance, a crucial factor in their financial decisions. Those seeking positions should be prepared to negotiate based on their unique skill sets and the demands of the employer type in the Elizabeth area, whether that’s in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, or home health agencies.
More salary data for Elizabeth, 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 Elizabeth. 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 Elizabeth 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