Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Dover, NH: $46,696 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time certified nursing assistant in Dover, NH earns a median $46,696/year (≈ $22.45/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Once you factor in Dover's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.3), that paycheck buys what $43,519 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.3% below the New Hampshire state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, a certified nursing assistant salary in Dover, New Hampshire, reflects the local healthcare market's increasing demand for skilled professionals. With a median annual salary projected at $46,696, individuals in this role can expect to earn between $40,520 and $53,644 depending on their experience and workplace. These figures are derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS data, which take into account regional price adjustments. This compensation package not only aligns favorably against the national median of $45,007 but also highlights the potential for further financial growth should CNAs pursue advanced credentials, transitioning to licensed practical nurses (LPNs) or registered nurses (RNs). The robust demand in Dover's healthcare environment suggests a noteworthy path for career progression for those entering the field.
About the Dover Market
Salary estimated from New Hampshire average ($40,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,520 | $19.48 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $42,820 | $20.59 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $46,696 | $22.45 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $50,471 | $24.26 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $53,644 | $25.79 |
Median Salary Position
3.75% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Dover
In Dover, NH, the certified nursing assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $13,124 (2026 est.). At $46,696, the local median is 3.75% above the national median of $45,007.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Dover: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Dover Certified Nursing Assistant Pay Compares
Dover median: $46,696/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Dover Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Hampshire Average | $48,290 | -3.30% less |
| National Average | $45,007 | +3.75% more |
Certified Nursing Assistants in Dover, NH earn a median of $46,696 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.75% higher than the national median of $45,007 and 3.30% below the New Hampshire state average of $48,290.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Dover has a cost of living 7.30% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Dover, NH has a cost-of-living index of 107.3 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $46,696 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $43,519 — a 6.8% reduction.
Compare Purchasing Power
Select a city to see how your salary compares after cost of living
Select a city above to compare purchasing power
2019 BLS Actual
$32,360
2025 BLS Actual
$43,846
2026 Current Est.
$46,696
2019–2027 Growth
+53.7%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Dover (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32,360 | Actual |
| 2020 | $34,520 | Actual |
| 2021 | $36,570 | Actual |
| 2022 | $37,110 | Actual |
| 2023 | $40,300 | Actual |
| 2024 | $41,501 | Actual |
| 2025 | $43,846 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $46,696 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $49,731 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Dover metropolitan area, the median certified nursing assistant salary grew 35.5% from $32,360 (2019) to $43,846 (2025). At a 6.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $49,731 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,371 (53.68%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Dover 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) | $40,520 – $42,820 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $42,820 – $46,696 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $46,696 – $50,471 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $50,471 – $53,644 |
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 Dover
In Dover, job opportunities for certified nursing assistants are limited, with only five individuals employed in this role. However, local conditions point to a promising outlook driven by a cost-of-living index of 107.3, indicating that wages can support a comfortable lifestyle despite the higher living expenses. The highest salaries typically come from skilled nursing facilities or hospitals, particularly in departments such as intensive care units and medical-surgical floors. Factors contributing to the wage spread include shift differentials; CNAs working nights may earn an additional $2-4 per hour, while weekend shifts can command a premium of $1-3. Furthermore, various certifications and agency staffing needs may contribute to increased pay rates. To maximize earnings in this market, pursuing certifications and seeking roles with night or weekend shifts can be effective strategies, enhancing both base salary and overall compensation.
More salary data for Dover, NH:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do certified nursing assistants make in Dover, NH in 2026?
Is Dover, NH a good place to work as a certified nursing assistant?
Can certified nursing assistants make $100K in Dover?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted certified nursing assistant salary in Dover?
How much does a certified nursing assistant make per hour in Dover?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in New Hampshire
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 $43,846 for certified nursing assistantsin the Dover 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 Dover 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