Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in New Jersey: $48,914 (2026)
Quick Answer:Across New Jersey's 61 metropolitan areas, the average median certified nursing assistant pay sits at $48,914/year heading into 2026 — a figure projected from 2025 BLS OEWS wage data for SOC 31-1131. Because New Jersey sits at BEA RPP 115.2 (15% above the U.S. baseline), that statewide median translates to roughly $42,460 in nationally-comparable purchasing power. Highest-paying metros: Jersey City ($50,115), East Orange ($49,356), Franklin ($49,356).
In New Jersey, the average median salary for certified nursing assistants in 2026 is projected to be $48,913, which is 8.7% higher than the national median of $45,007. The salary range across the state varies significantly, with Jersey City offering the highest pay at $53,372 and Atlantic City providing the lowest at $45,880. This difference is largely influenced by the cost of living, regional demand for healthcare services, and the concentration of healthcare facilities in urban areas. New Jersey's state licensing requirements and scope of practice laws set a framework for the responsibilities and expectations of certified nursing assistants, contributing to the profession's overall compensation structure. Currently, there are 4,713 certified nursing assistants employed across the state, reflecting a healthy job market with a projected annual growth rate of 6.50% according to 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics data. The top five cities for salaries in 2026 include East Orange at $52,564, Franklin also at $52,564, Newark at $52,550, and Woodbridge at $52,549. This demand is driven by an aging population and increasing healthcare needs, making certified nursing assistants essential in various healthcare settings throughout New Jersey.
New Jersey Certified Nursing Assistant Salary Range
Overall salary range in New Jersey: $38,493 (lowest entry-level) to $69,506 (highest top earner)
New Jersey vs National Average
New Jersey certified nursing assistants earn 8.68% more than the national median (+$3,907/year difference).
New Jersey Certified Nursing Assistant Salary Distribution (2026)
Certified Nursing Assistant salaries in New Jersey range from $41,039 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $54,699 (top earners, 90th percentile), with a median of $48,914. The New Jersey median is $3,907 above the US national median of $45,007. The average hourly rate is $23.51/hr. Approximately 4,713 certified nursing assistants are employed across 61 cities.
2019 BLS Actual
$29,321
2025 BLS Actual
$45,928
2026 Current Est.
$48,914
2019–2027 Growth
+77.7%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in New Jersey (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29,321 | Actual |
| 2020 | $30,823 | Actual |
| 2021 | $32,557 | Actual |
| 2022 | $35,676 | Actual |
| 2023 | $39,738 | Actual |
| 2024 | $43,621 | Actual |
| 2025 | $45,928 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $48,914 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $52,093 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the New Jersey metropolitan area, the median certified nursing assistant salary grew 56.6% from $29,321 (2019) to $45,928 (2025). At a 6.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $52,093 by 2027 — a total increase of $22,772 (77.66%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the New Jersey 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.
Top 5 Highest Paying Cities in New Jersey
Lowest Paying Cities in New Jersey
| City | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Atlantic City | $45,880 |
| Camden | $48,049 |
| Summit | $48,318 |
| Trenton | $48,969 |
| Rahway | $49,048 |
Best Value Cities for Certified Nursing Assistants in New Jersey
When adjusted for local cost of living, these New Jersey cities offer the most purchasing power for certified nursing assistants.
| City | Nominal Salary | CoL Index | Adjusted Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vineland | $52,068 | 95.968 | $54,256 |
| Trenton | $48,969 | 103.18 | $47,460 |
| Atlantic City | $45,880 | 98.857 | $46,410 |
| Jersey City | $53,372 | 115.2 | $46,330 |
| East Orange | $52,564 | 115.2 | $45,628 |
Adjusted salary = nominal salary × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average. Lower index = lower cost of living.
Salary by Experience Level in New Jersey
| Experience Level | Estimated Annual |
|---|---|
| Entry Level (0-2 years) | $41,039 |
| Mid Career (3-7 years) | $48,914 |
| Experienced (7+ years) | $54,699 |
Estimates based on BLS percentile data averaged across New Jersey metro areas. Individual pay varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
All 61 Cities in New Jersey
More New Jersey Salary Data
Hourly Rates
Explore certified nursing assistant hourly pay in New Jersey cities.
Entry Level
Starting salaries for new certified nursing assistants.
Senior / Experienced
Top earner salaries for experienced certified nursing assistants.
Explore More Certified Nursing Assistant Salary Data
Frequently Asked Questions
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How does New Jersey certified nursing assistant pay compare to the national average?
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How many certified nursing assistants are employed in New Jersey?
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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
Statewide 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. A 6.50% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to each metro area's reported salary to estimate current 2026 certified nursing assistant compensation across New Jersey. State averages are employment-weighted across 61 metro areas — larger metro areas with more certified nursing assistantscontribute proportionally more to the average, producing figures that better reflect typical compensation. Individual pay varies by city, employer, certifications, and experience.
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