Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay in New Brunswick, NJ: $25.03 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a certified nursing assistant working in New Brunswick, NJ runs $25.03 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $52,047 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Weighted against New Brunswick's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $21.73 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $31,234 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, certified nursing assistant hourly pay in New Brunswick, NJ, stands at a median rate of $25.03, significantly higher than the national median of $21.64 per hour. This variance is advantageous for those pursuing part-time opportunities, such as a standard 24-hour workweek, or for individuals seeking per diem employment, which is common in various healthcare settings like skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, and home health agencies. The hourly pay range for certified nursing assistants in the area varies from $19.75 at the lower end to around $30.49 for top earners, providing a clear pathway for entry-level workers to increase their earnings as they gain experience and take on more responsibilities in critical environments.
About the New Brunswick 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) | $19.75 | $157.96 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.61 | $172.87 |
| Median (P50) | $25.03 | $200.22 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $27.98 | $223.82 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $30.49 | $243.93 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in New Brunswick
Based on $25.03/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $25.03/hr, a certified nursing assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in New Brunswick, NJ can expect to earn approximately $52,057 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $30,033. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in New Brunswick.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in New Brunswick
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,001.10 | $4,338 | $52,057 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $600.66 | $2,603 | $31,234 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $400.44 | $1,735 | $20,823 |
Compare CNA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Certified Nursing Assistant (New Brunswick) | $25.03 |
| 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 New Brunswick, NJ earn a median of $52,047 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.64% higher than the national median of $45,007 and 0.40% above the New Jersey state average of $51,839.
Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $25.03/hr = $31,234/year (purchasing power: $27,113).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $52,057/year (purchasing power: $45,189).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$16.49/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$23.50/hr
2026 Current Est.
$25.03/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in New Brunswick (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $16.49/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $17.16/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $16.85/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $19.89/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $21.24/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $22.24/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $23.50/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $25.03/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $26.65/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for certified nursing assistants in New Brunswick grew 42.5% from $16.49/hr (2019) to $23.50/hr (2025). At a 6.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $26.65/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 New Brunswick 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 New Brunswick
Part-time certified nursing assistants working three days a week can expect to take home a respectable income while allowing scheduling flexibility for other commitments. For instance, working 24 hours a week results in an annual income reflective of the hourly wage, significantly contributing to living expenses in New Brunswick. Per diem certified nursing assistant pay in New Brunswick varies widely, with agency rates typically falling between $22 and $32 per hour. Weekend premiums for such roles can push earnings to $30-$45 per hour, reflecting the market's demand in times of staffing shortages. It's vital for certified nursing assistants to understand how hourly rates fluctuate by employer type; skilled nursing facilities and hospitals may offer different compensation packages compared to home health agencies or hospice services. Moreover, health insurance benefits might tempt some certified nursing assistants to accept slightly lower hourly pay in exchange for a more stable benefits package, while others may prefer higher hourly earnings. Negotiating wisely can help workers secure the best possible deal, considering the unique labor demands of New Brunswick's healthcare landscape.
More salary data for New Brunswick, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for certified nursing assistants in New Brunswick in 2026?
How much do part-time certified nursing assistants make in New Brunswick?
Are certified nursing assistants in New Brunswick paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time certified nursing assistant make per year in New Brunswick?
Do certified nursing assistants earn more per hour working part-time in New Brunswick?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in New Jersey
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 New Brunswick. 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 New Brunswick 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