Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Stratford, CT: $46,778 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time certified nursing assistant in Stratford, CT earns a median $46,778/year (≈ $22.49/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Once you factor in Stratford's price level (8% above national, BEA RPP 107.9), that paycheck buys what $43,353 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.9% below the Connecticut state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
The 2026 median annual certified nursing assistant salary in Stratford, Connecticut, has reached $46,778, reflecting the impact of a post-COVID wage reset. This salary position places Stratford slightly above the national median of $45,007, indicative of a local market that has adjusted its compensation in response to evolving demand for healthcare professionals. Within the city, CNA salaries range from $35,913 at the lower end to $55,872 at the higher end, showcasing the variability in pay largely influenced by factors such as experience, specialization, and the type of employer. These figures are based on 2025 BLS data, projected to 2026, and encompass adjustments for local cost-of-living factors in the area. As nursing facilities and hospitals continue to seek stability in their workforce, competitive salaries are becoming a vital recruiting tool.
About the Stratford Market
Salary estimated from Connecticut average ($42,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $35,913 | $17.26 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $42,458 | $20.42 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $46,778 | $22.49 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $51,476 | $24.75 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $55,872 | $26.86 |
Median Salary Position
3.93% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Stratford
In Stratford, CT, the certified nursing assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $19,959 (2026 est.). At $46,778, the local median is 3.93% above the national median of $45,007.
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At 40 hours/week in Stratford: You'd be above the median
How Stratford Certified Nursing Assistant Pay Compares
Stratford median: $46,778/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Stratford Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Connecticut Average | $47,203 | -0.90% less |
| National Average | $45,007 | +3.93% more |
Certified Nursing Assistants in Stratford, CT earn a median of $46,778 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.93% higher than the national median of $45,007 and 0.90% below the Connecticut state average of $47,203.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Stratford has a cost of living 7.90% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Stratford, CT has a cost-of-living index of 107.9 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $46,778 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $43,353 — a 7.32% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$30,827
2025 BLS Actual
$43,923
2026 Current Est.
$46,778
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Stratford (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30,827 | Actual |
| 2020 | $32,064 | Actual |
| 2021 | $31,503 | Actual |
| 2022 | $37,167 | Actual |
| 2023 | $39,703 | Actual |
| 2024 | $44,892 | Actual |
| 2025 | $43,923 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $46,778 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $49,819 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Stratford metropolitan area, the median certified nursing assistant salary grew 42.5% from $30,827 (2019) to $43,923 (2025). At a 6.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $49,819 by 2027 — a total increase of $18,992 (61.61%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Stratford 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) | $35,913 – $42,458 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $42,458 – $46,778 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $46,778 – $51,476 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $51,476 – $55,872 |
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 Stratford
Looking at the job market for certified nursing assistants in Stratford, there are currently 13 positions available, suggesting both a small but stable workforce in this field. With a cost-of-living index of 107.9, CNAs in Stratford face higher living expenses, influencing the overall impact of their take-home pay. Employers that typically offer the most competitive rates include skilled nursing facilities and hospitals, particularly within their medical/surgical floors and ICUs. Factors such as shift differentials, where night shifts can command a premium of $2 to $4 per hour, along with weekend bonuses of $1 to $3, further complicate the salary landscape. Additionally, staffing shortages may lead to high demand for agency positions, often providing premium pay. For CNAs looking to maximize their earnings in Stratford, focusing on skills enhancement, seeking roles in higher-acuity environments, and considering weekend-only shifts can be strategic moves.
More salary data for Stratford, 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 $43,923 for certified nursing assistantsin the Stratford 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 Stratford 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