Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Cambridge, MA: $49,474 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time certified nursing assistant in Cambridge, MA earns a median $49,474/year (≈ $23.78/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Once you factor in Cambridge's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 108.5), that paycheck buys what $45,598 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.2% above the Massachusetts state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, certified nursing assistants in Cambridge, Massachusetts, can expect to earn a median annual salary of $49,474, illustrating a competitive position compared to the national median of $45,007. The local salary range shows significant variation, with the lowest earners making around $37,802 and top earners reaching up to $61,007. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional cost considerations, underscore the financial dynamics of the Cambridge job market. The demand for skilled nursing versus hospital work affects pay scales, with hospital positions typically generating higher salaries due to the increased acuity and complexity of care required in medical settings.
About the Cambridge Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($42,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,802 | $18.17 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $41,951 | $20.17 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $49,474 | $23.78 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $55,420 | $26.65 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $61,007 | $29.33 |
Median Salary Position
9.93% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Cambridge
In Cambridge, MA, the certified nursing assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $23,205 (2026 est.). At $49,474, the local median is 9.93% above the national median of $45,007.
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At 40 hours/week in Cambridge: You'd be above the median
How Cambridge Certified Nursing Assistant Pay Compares
Cambridge median: $49,474/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Cambridge Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Average | $49,375 | +0.20% more |
| National Average | $45,007 | +9.93% more |
Certified Nursing Assistants in Cambridge, MA earn a median of $49,474 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.93% higher than the national median of $45,007 and 0.20% above the Massachusetts state average of $49,375.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Cambridge has a cost of living 8.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Cambridge, MA has a cost-of-living index of 108.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $49,474 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $45,598 — a 7.83% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$32,604
2025 BLS Actual
$46,454
2026 Current Est.
$49,474
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Cambridge (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32,604 | Actual |
| 2020 | $33,912 | Actual |
| 2021 | $33,318 | Actual |
| 2022 | $39,309 | Actual |
| 2023 | $41,991 | Actual |
| 2024 | $44,927 | Actual |
| 2025 | $46,454 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49,474 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $52,689 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Cambridge metropolitan area, the median certified nursing assistant salary grew 42.5% from $32,604 (2019) to $46,454 (2025). At a 6.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $52,689 by 2027 — a total increase of $20,085 (61.60%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Cambridge 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) | $37,802 – $41,951 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $41,951 – $49,474 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $49,474 – $55,420 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $55,420 – $61,007 |
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 Cambridge
The job market for certified nursing assistants in Cambridge is robust, with 22 professionals currently employed in the area. However, the cost of living index stands at 108.5, indicating a higher living expense than the national average. This reality can significantly influence take-home pay and purchasing power. Among the various employers, skilled nursing facilities and hospitals generally offer the highest compensation. Factors like shift differentials can increase pay—positions on night shifts often see an additional $2-4 per hour, while weekends may add $1-3. Agency staffing shortages create additional premiums for critical shifts. For those considering maximizing their earnings in Cambridge MA, pursuing further certifications like CMA or exploring weekend-only premium roles can provide substantial pay increases. Understanding these market nuances empowers certified nursing assistants to strategically navigate their career paths while considering opportunities for bridging into LPN or RN roles.
More salary data for Cambridge, MA:
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 $46,454 for certified nursing assistantsin the Cambridge 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 Cambridge 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