Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay in Hackensack, NJ: $23.92 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a certified nursing assistant working in Hackensack, NJ runs $23.92 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $49,751 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Weighted against Hackensack's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $20.76 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $29,852 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Certified nursing assistants in Hackensack, NJ, can expect a median hourly pay of $23.92 in 2026, significantly higher than the national median of $21.64. This competitive pay reflects the rigorous demands of the role across various settings, including skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, and home health. For those working part-time, such as three days a week, this hourly wage translates to a manageable income, enabling many to balance their professional responsibilities with personal commitments. The hourly wage ranges from $20.46 for entry-level positions up to $28.60 for experienced professionals, indicating that even within the same city, earnings can vary considerably based on experience and specific employer settings. The salaries are derived from annual projections, but they show a strong potential for certified nursing assistants to build a stable career in a growing field.
About the Hackensack 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) | $20.46 | $163.67 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.72 | $173.72 |
| Median (P50) | $23.92 | $191.36 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $25.63 | $205.08 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $28.60 | $228.76 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Hackensack
Based on $23.92/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $23.92/hr, a certified nursing assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Hackensack, NJ can expect to earn approximately $49,753 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $28,704. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Hackensack.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Hackensack
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $956.80 | $4,146 | $49,753 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $574.08 | $2,488 | $29,852 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $382.72 | $1,658 | $19,901 |
Compare CNA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Certified Nursing Assistant (Hackensack) | $23.92 |
| 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 Hackensack, NJ earn a median of $49,751 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.54% higher than the national median of $45,007 and 4.00% below the New Jersey state average of $51,824.
Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $23.92/hr = $29,852/year (purchasing power: $25,913).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $49,753/year (purchasing power: $43,189).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$15.76/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.46/hr
2026 Current Est.
$23.92/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Hackensack (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $15.76/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $16.40/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $16.11/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $19.01/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $20.30/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $21.26/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.46/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23.92/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $25.47/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for certified nursing assistants in Hackensack grew 42.5% from $15.76/hr (2019) to $22.46/hr (2025). At a 6.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $25.47/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 Hackensack 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 Hackensack
The earnings potential for part-time certified nursing assistants in Hackensack is quite remarkable. A CNA working three days a week, totaling 24 hours, could take home approximately $28,059 annually. This is in stark contrast to full-time workers who have the benefit of more consistent income. Per diem certified nursing assistant pay in Hackensack is also valuable; CNAs contracted through agencies typically charge between $22 to $32 per hour, with weekend premiums sometimes reaching $30 to $45 in high-demand situations. Moreover, travel contracts have emerged post-COVID, with some positions offering between $1,000 to $1,800 per week, though these are less common. It's essential to note that hourly rates can fluctuate depending on the type of employer, whether it be a skilled nursing facility, hospital, or home health agency, prompting some CNAs to negotiate benefits like health insurance in exchange for slightly lower hourly pay. Workers should remain flexible and informed when discussing their compensation packages to ensure they secure the best arrangement for their financial and personal needs.
More salary data for Hackensack, 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 Hackensack. 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 Hackensack 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