Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Chelmsford, MA: $46,938 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time certified nursing assistant in Chelmsford, MA earns a median $46,938/year (≈ $22.57/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Once you factor in Chelmsford's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 108.5), that paycheck buys what $43,261 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.9% below the Massachusetts state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Chelmsford, Massachusetts, the projected median annual salary for certified nursing assistants in 2026 is $46,938, a figure that surpasses the national median of $45,007. The local salary range reveals considerable variability, from $39,225 at the lower end to $57,054 for those at the high end. These figures reflect data projected from 2025 BLS OEWS statistics, adjusted for regional economic conditions. While salaries for CNAs can vary significantly between different healthcare settings, the persistent gap between nursing homes and hospitals often shapes employment decisions in the area. This dual structure highlights the ongoing demand for certified nursing assistants and the competitive pay opportunities available within Chelmsford’s healthcare system.
About the Chelmsford Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($42,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,225 | $18.86 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $42,077 | $20.22 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $46,938 | $22.57 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $52,499 | $25.24 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $57,054 | $27.43 |
Median Salary Position
4.29% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Chelmsford
In Chelmsford, MA, the certified nursing assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $17,829 (2026 est.). At $46,938, the local median is 4.29% above the national median of $45,007.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Chelmsford: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Chelmsford Certified Nursing Assistant Pay Compares
Chelmsford median: $46,938/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Chelmsford Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Average | $49,356 | -4.90% less |
| National Average | $45,007 | +4.29% more |
Certified Nursing Assistants in Chelmsford, MA earn a median of $46,938 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.29% higher than the national median of $45,007 and 4.90% below the Massachusetts state average of $49,356.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Chelmsford has a cost of living 8.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Chelmsford, MA has a cost-of-living index of 108.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $46,938 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $43,261 — a 7.83% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$30,932
2025 BLS Actual
$44,073
2026 Current Est.
$46,938
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Chelmsford (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30,932 | Actual |
| 2020 | $32,173 | Actual |
| 2021 | $31,610 | Actual |
| 2022 | $37,294 | Actual |
| 2023 | $39,839 | Actual |
| 2024 | $43,317 | Actual |
| 2025 | $44,073 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $46,938 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $49,989 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Chelmsford metropolitan area, the median certified nursing assistant salary grew 42.5% from $30,932 (2019) to $44,073 (2025). At a 6.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $49,989 by 2027 — a total increase of $19,057 (61.61%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Chelmsford 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) | $39,225 – $42,077 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $42,077 – $46,938 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $46,938 – $52,499 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $52,499 – $57,054 |
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 Chelmsford
At present, only eight certified nursing assistants are employed locally, creating a niche job market in an area with a cost of living index of 108.5. This higher cost of living means that though salaries are slightly elevated, take-home purchasing power can be challenged. Employers such as skilled nursing facilities and hospitals tend to offer the most competitive wages, but CNAs can enhance their earning potential through various strategies. For instance, working night shifts typically increases pay by $2-4 per hour, while weekend shifts can add $1-3 more. Embracing roles in home health agencies or assisted living communities can also lead to bonuses, especially for those with advanced certifications like CMA. To optimize compensation in Chelmsford, aspiring CNAs should consider focusing on shift differentials, obtaining additional certifications, and exploring opportunities for bridging to LPN or RN pathways.
More salary data for Chelmsford, 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 $44,073 for certified nursing assistantsin the Chelmsford 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 Chelmsford 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