Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Manchester, CT: $47,624 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time certified nursing assistant in Manchester, CT earns a median $47,624/year (≈ $22.90/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Once you factor in Manchester's price level (8% above national, BEA RPP 107.9), that paycheck buys what $44,137 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.9% above the Connecticut state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Manchester, CT, the projected median annual salary for certified nursing assistants in 2026 reaches $47,624, reflecting a competitive edge over the national median of $45,007. Within the local market, salaries range from $37,745 at the 10th percentile to $58,604 at the 90th percentile, showcasing the variation in pay across different employment settings. These estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional cost differences, illuminate how local market dynamics can influence earnings. Given that the certified nursing assistant workforce in Manchester primarily serves skilled nursing facilities and home health agencies, the differences in compensation between settings can significantly affect overall salary potential.
About the Manchester Market
Salary estimated from Connecticut average ($42,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,745 | $18.15 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $41,402 | $19.90 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $47,624 | $22.90 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $53,440 | $25.69 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $58,604 | $28.18 |
Median Salary Position
5.81% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Manchester
In Manchester, CT, the certified nursing assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $20,859 (2026 est.). At $47,624, the local median is 5.81% above the national median of $45,007.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Manchester: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Manchester Certified Nursing Assistant Pay Compares
Manchester median: $47,624/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Manchester Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Connecticut Average | $47,199 | +0.90% more |
| National Average | $45,007 | +5.81% more |
Certified Nursing Assistants in Manchester, CT earn a median of $47,624 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.81% higher than the national median of $45,007 and 0.90% above the Connecticut state average of $47,199.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Manchester has a cost of living 7.90% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Manchester, CT has a cost-of-living index of 107.9 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $47,624 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $44,137 — a 7.32% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$31,384
2025 BLS Actual
$44,717
2026 Current Est.
$47,624
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Manchester (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31,384 | Actual |
| 2020 | $32,644 | Actual |
| 2021 | $32,072 | Actual |
| 2022 | $37,839 | Actual |
| 2023 | $40,421 | Actual |
| 2024 | $45,703 | Actual |
| 2025 | $44,717 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $47,624 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $50,719 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Manchester metropolitan area, the median certified nursing assistant salary grew 42.5% from $31,384 (2019) to $44,717 (2025). At a 6.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $50,719 by 2027 — a total increase of $19,335 (61.61%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Manchester 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $37,745 – $41,402 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $41,402 – $47,624 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $47,624 – $53,440 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $53,440 – $58,604 |
CNA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual certified nursing assistant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Certified Nursing Assistant Job Market in Manchester
Looking at the local job market, just 11 certified nursing assistants are currently employed in Manchester, suggesting a tight labor pool. The higher-than-average cost of living index at 107.9 impacts purchasing power, making strategic choices about employment vital for maximizing income. Employers, including skilled nursing facilities and hospitals with specialized units, often offer the highest wages. Variations in pay can also stem from factors such as shift differentials, which may add $2 to $4 per hour for night shifts or increased rates for weekends. Additionally, there are opportunities linked to agency staffing during shortages and premium roles for weekend-only positions. To enhance earning potential, aspiring CNAs in Manchester should consider pursuing certifications beyond basic CNA credentials, such as becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), to capitalize on the growing demand for skilled healthcare workers.
More salary data for Manchester, CT:
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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $44,717 for certified nursing assistantsin the Manchester metropolitan area. A 6.50% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Manchester 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