Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Salem, MA: $47,578 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time certified nursing assistant in Salem, MA earns a median $47,578/year (≈ $22.88/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Once you factor in Salem's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 108.5), that paycheck buys what $43,851 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.6% below the Massachusetts state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the certified nursing assistant salary in Salem, Massachusetts, is projected to reach a median annual income of $47,578, reflecting a notable adjustment due to the workforce changes following the COVID-19 pandemic. This figure is approximately 5.71% higher than the national median of $45,007, indicating a competitive local market. The salary range in Salem varies significantly, from $40,959 at the 10th percentile to $58,948 at the 90th percentile, outlining the diverse earning potential within this profession based on experience and the specific care environment. These estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional price disparities, highlight the strong earning capacity for certified nursing assistants in this coastal city, where opportunities continue to evolve in a post-pandemic landscape.
About the Salem Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($42,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,959 | $19.69 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $43,434 | $20.88 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $47,578 | $22.88 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $51,191 | $24.61 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $58,948 | $28.34 |
Median Salary Position
5.71% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Salem
In Salem, MA, the certified nursing assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $17,989 (2026 est.). At $47,578, the local median is 5.71% above the national median of $45,007.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Salem: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Salem Certified Nursing Assistant Pay Compares
Salem median: $47,578/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Salem Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Average | $49,355 | -3.60% less |
| National Average | $45,007 | +5.71% more |
Certified Nursing Assistants in Salem, MA earn a median of $47,578 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.71% higher than the national median of $45,007 and 3.60% below the Massachusetts state average of $49,355.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Salem has a cost of living 8.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Salem, MA has a cost-of-living index of 108.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $47,578 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $43,851 — a 7.83% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$31,354
2025 BLS Actual
$44,674
2026 Current Est.
$47,578
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Salem (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31,354 | Actual |
| 2020 | $32,612 | Actual |
| 2021 | $32,041 | Actual |
| 2022 | $37,803 | Actual |
| 2023 | $40,382 | Actual |
| 2024 | $43,908 | Actual |
| 2025 | $44,674 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $47,578 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $50,670 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Salem metropolitan area, the median certified nursing assistant salary grew 42.5% from $31,354 (2019) to $44,674 (2025). At a 6.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $50,670 by 2027 — a total increase of $19,316 (61.61%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Salem 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) | $40,959 – $43,434 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $43,434 – $47,578 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $47,578 – $51,191 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $51,191 – $58,948 |
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 Salem
As of the latest data, only 8 certified nursing assistants are currently employed in Salem, making it a niche market where opportunities may be selective but rewarding. The cost of living index stands at 108.5, indicating that living expenses are slightly above the national average, which can affect overall take-home pay for CNAs. In Salem, skilled nursing facilities and hospitals, particularly those operating medical/surgical floors and ICUs, typically offer the highest salaries among employers. Factors contributing to pay variances include shift differentials, as working nights can result in an additional $2-4/hour and weekends add around $1-3/hour. Additionally, CNAs can seek out positions with agency premium pay during workforce shortages or explore weekend-only roles for higher rates. To enhance earning potential, pursuing advanced certifications or transitioning towards LPN or RN roles can provide significant salary increases and career advancement opportunities in the ever-demanding healthcare field.
More salary data for Salem, 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 $44,674 for certified nursing assistantsin the Salem 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 Salem 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