Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Meriden, CT: $46,620 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time certified nursing assistant in Meriden, CT earns a median $46,620/year (≈ $22.42/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Once you factor in Meriden's price level (8% above national, BEA RPP 107.9), that paycheck buys what $43,207 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.3% below the Connecticut state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, certified nursing assistants in Meriden, Connecticut, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $46,620, providing a competitive edge over the national median of $45,007. The salary range for this role in the city varies significantly, with the lower end at $39,271 (P10) and the upper end reaching $55,370 (P90). These figures, derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS data and adjusted for local cost factors, reflect the dynamics of the healthcare job market in Meriden. Notably, certified nursing assistant pay in Meriden, CT, is influenced by whether professionals work in skilled nursing facilities or hospitals, with the former typically offering slightly lower pay than medical or surgical floors and intensive care units.
About the Meriden Market
Salary estimated from Connecticut average ($42,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,271 | $18.88 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $42,127 | $20.26 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $46,620 | $22.42 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $51,115 | $24.57 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $55,370 | $26.63 |
Median Salary Position
3.58% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Meriden
In Meriden, CT, the certified nursing assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $16,099 (2026 est.). At $46,620, the local median is 3.58% above the national median of $45,007.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Meriden: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Meriden Certified Nursing Assistant Pay Compares
Meriden median: $46,620/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Meriden Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Connecticut Average | $47,234 | -1.30% less |
| National Average | $45,007 | +3.58% more |
Certified Nursing Assistants in Meriden, CT earn a median of $46,620 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.58% higher than the national median of $45,007 and 1.30% below the Connecticut state average of $47,234.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Meriden has a cost of living 7.90% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Meriden, CT has a cost-of-living index of 107.9 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $46,620 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $43,207 — a 7.32% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$30,723
2025 BLS Actual
$43,775
2026 Current Est.
$46,620
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Meriden (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30,723 | Actual |
| 2020 | $31,956 | Actual |
| 2021 | $31,397 | Actual |
| 2022 | $37,042 | Actual |
| 2023 | $39,569 | Actual |
| 2024 | $44,741 | Actual |
| 2025 | $43,775 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $46,620 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $49,651 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Meriden metropolitan area, the median certified nursing assistant salary grew 42.5% from $30,723 (2019) to $43,775 (2025). At a 6.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $49,651 by 2027 — a total increase of $18,928 (61.61%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Meriden 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) | $39,271 – $42,127 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $42,127 – $46,620 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $46,620 – $51,115 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $51,115 – $55,370 |
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 Meriden
With only 12 certified nursing assistants employed locally, the job market demonstrates a tight labor supply, enhanced by a cost-of-living index of 107.9 that indicates increased living expenses compared to the national average. This environment can affect take-home purchasing power, making it essential for nursing assistants to seek positions in facilities that tend to offer higher compensation, such as hospitals and rehabilitation centers. Pay variations are further amplified by shift differentials, where night shifts may yield an additional $2-4 per hour, and weekend work can provide a premium of $1-3. Additionally, positions that require specialized competencies or come with CMA certification stipends often pay more. By strategically selecting hours and focusing on high-demand roles, certified nursing assistants can maximize their earning potential in Meriden's evolving healthcare landscape.
More salary data for Meriden, 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 $43,775 for certified nursing assistantsin the Meriden 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 Meriden 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