Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Merrimack, NH: $47,067 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time certified nursing assistant in Merrimack, NH earns a median $47,067/year (≈ $22.63/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Once you factor in Merrimack's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.3), that paycheck buys what $43,865 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.5% below the New Hampshire state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, professionals in Merrimack, New Hampshire, can expect a median annual certified nursing assistant salary of $47,067, which reflects a competitive edge over the national median of $45,007. The salary landscape in Merrimack showcases a range that spans from $37,525 at the 10th percentile to $54,793 for those at the 90th percentile. These estimates are derived from BLS state-level data and adjusted for regional cost variations. Given that the path from certified nursing assistant to licensed practical nurse (LPN) is a common career progression, individuals in Merrimack may find that further credentials can significantly enhance their earning potential and job opportunities in a market shaped by a growing demand for healthcare professionals.
About the Merrimack Market
Salary estimated from New Hampshire average ($40,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,525 | $18.04 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40,747 | $19.59 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $47,067 | $22.63 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $51,278 | $24.65 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $54,793 | $26.35 |
Median Salary Position
4.58% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Merrimack
In Merrimack, NH, the certified nursing assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $17,268 (2026 est.). At $47,067, the local median is 4.58% above the national median of $45,007.
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At 40 hours/week in Merrimack: You'd be above the median
How Merrimack Certified Nursing Assistant Pay Compares
Merrimack median: $47,067/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Merrimack Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Hampshire Average | $48,273 | -2.50% less |
| National Average | $45,007 | +4.58% more |
Certified Nursing Assistants in Merrimack, NH earn a median of $47,067 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.58% higher than the national median of $45,007 and 2.50% below the New Hampshire state average of $48,273.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Merrimack has a cost of living 7.30% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Merrimack, NH has a cost-of-living index of 107.3 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $47,067 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $43,865 — a 6.8% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$31,017
2025 BLS Actual
$44,194
2026 Current Est.
$47,067
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Merrimack (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31,017 | Actual |
| 2020 | $32,262 | Actual |
| 2021 | $31,697 | Actual |
| 2022 | $37,397 | Actual |
| 2023 | $39,948 | Actual |
| 2024 | $41,831 | Actual |
| 2025 | $44,194 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $47,067 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $50,126 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Merrimack metropolitan area, the median certified nursing assistant salary grew 42.5% from $31,017 (2019) to $44,194 (2025). At a 6.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $50,126 by 2027 — a total increase of $19,109 (61.61%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Merrimack 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) | $37,525 – $40,747 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $40,747 – $47,067 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $47,067 – $51,278 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $51,278 – $54,793 |
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 Merrimack
The job market for certified nursing assistants in Merrimack is characterized by a modest workforce of five individuals currently employed in this role. With a cost-of-living index of 107.3, salaries need to be viewed in light of local purchasing power, which could impact take-home pay. Skilled nursing facilities and hospitals typically offer the highest wages, while factors such as shift differentials and weekend premiums can create variations between pay scales. For example, night shifts might attract an additional $2-4 per hour, while weekends can carry a $1-3 premium. As local employers scramble to fill positions, staffing agencies may also offer competitive rates due to increased demand, presenting growth opportunities for certified nursing assistants willing to adapt to varied working conditions. Strategically pursuing shifts with higher premiums or considering long-term career pathways toward LPN or RN roles can leverage potential earnings in Merrimack's evolving healthcare job market.
More salary data for Merrimack, NH:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can certified nursing assistants make $100K in Merrimack?
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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 $44,194 for certified nursing assistantsin the Merrimack 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 Merrimack 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