Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Manchester, NH: $49,416 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time certified nursing assistant in Manchester, NH earns a median $49,416/year (≈ $23.76/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Once you factor in Manchester's price level (6% above national, BEA RPP 105.7), that paycheck buys what $46,770 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.3% above the New Hampshire state average.
Official BLS data · View source
For certified nursing assistants in Manchester, New Hampshire, the 2026 median annual salary is projected to reach $49,416, which reflects a notable increase compared to the national median of $45,007. This salary range spans from $40,374 at the 10th percentile to $61,621 at the 90th percentile, demonstrating the potential for significant salary growth for CNAs who seek to advance their careers. The data, derived from the official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS surveys, underscores the local demand for certified nursing assistants amidst a robust healthcare sector. With rising wages driven by the post-COVID staffing crisis, Manchester's job market offers promising pathways for CNAs, especially those who pursue advancement into LPN or RN roles.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,374 | $19.41 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $47,339 | $22.76 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $49,416 | $23.76 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $52,377 | $25.18 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $61,621 | $29.63 |
Median Salary Position
9.80% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Manchester
In Manchester, NH, the certified nursing assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $21,247 (2026 est.). At $49,416, the local median is 9.8% above the national median of $45,007.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Manchester: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Manchester Certified Nursing Assistant Pay Compares
Manchester median: $49,416/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Manchester Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Hampshire Average | $48,305 | +2.30% more |
| National Average | $45,007 | +9.80% more |
Certified Nursing Assistants in Manchester, NH earn a median of $49,416 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.80% higher than the national median of $45,007 and 2.30% above the New Hampshire state average of $48,305.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Manchester has a cost of living 5.66% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Manchester, NH has a cost-of-living index of 105.657 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $49,416 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $46,770 — a 5.35% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$33,410
2025 BLS Actual
$46,400
2026 Current Est.
$49,416
2019–2027 Growth
+57.5%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Manchester (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33,410 | Actual |
| 2020 | $33,420 | Actual |
| 2021 | $36,770 | Actual |
| 2022 | $38,070 | Actual |
| 2023 | $43,910 | Actual |
| 2024 | $45,720 | Actual |
| 2025 | $46,400 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49,416 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $52,628 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Manchester metropolitan area, the median certified nursing assistant salary grew 38.9% from $33,410 (2019) to $46,400 (2025). At a 6.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $52,628 by 2027 — a total increase of $19,218 (57.52%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Manchester 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) | $40,374 – $47,339 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $47,339 – $49,416 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $49,416 – $52,377 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $52,377 – $61,621 |
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 Manchester
The job market in Manchester currently employs approximately 2,410 certified nursing assistants, reflecting a strong local demand for this essential role. Given the cost of living index of 105.657, CNAs must consider how their compensation translates into real purchasing power. Employers such as skilled nursing facilities and hospitals typically offer the most competitive pay rates. The disparity in salaries often comes from factors such as shift differentials, with additional pay for evenings, weekends, and specialized roles. Those who pursue weekend-only positions or take on higher-acuity tasks may see substantial benefits from these incentives. To maximize their earning potential in Manchester, CNAs should remain flexible with their available shifts and consider further certifications, such as the CMA, to enhance their marketability in an increasingly competitive environment.
More salary data for Manchester, NH:
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 $46,400 for certified nursing assistantsin the Manchester 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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