Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Linden, NJ: $50,762 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time certified nursing assistant in Linden, NJ earns a median $50,762/year (≈ $24.41/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Once you factor in Linden's price level (15% above national, BEA RPP 115.2), that paycheck buys what $44,064 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.1% below the New Jersey state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, certified nursing assistant salaries in Linden, NJ, reflect a notable recovery in the market, with a median annual salary projected at $50,762. This figure not only represents a significant adjustment from previous years but also places Linden's compensation 12.79% above the national median of $45,007. Certified nursing assistants in this region can expect a salary range that varies from $40,907 at the lower end (10th percentile) to $59,544 at the higher end (90th percentile). These estimates are derived from 2025 BLS data, taking into account regional price adjustments specific to Linden, which faces a cost-of-living index of 115.2, indicating a relatively higher expense for goods and services compared to the national average. The landscape of local employment for certified nursing assistants shows promising growth, driven by increased demand in healthcare settings.
About the Linden Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($40,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,907 | $19.67 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $44,228 | $21.27 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $50,762 | $24.41 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $55,615 | $26.74 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $59,544 | $28.63 |
Median Salary Position
12.79% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Linden
In Linden, NJ, the certified nursing assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $18,637 (2026 est.). At $50,762, the local median is 12.79% above the national median of $45,007.
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At 40 hours/week in Linden: You'd be above the median
How Linden Certified Nursing Assistant Pay Compares
Linden median: $50,762/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Linden Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey Average | $51,851 | -2.10% less |
| National Average | $45,007 | +12.79% more |
Certified Nursing Assistants in Linden, NJ earn a median of $50,762 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.79% higher than the national median of $45,007 and 2.10% below the New Jersey state average of $51,851.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Linden has a cost of living 15.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Linden, NJ has a cost-of-living index of 115.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $50,762 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $44,064 — a 13.19% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$33,453
2025 BLS Actual
$47,664
2026 Current Est.
$50,762
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Linden (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33,453 | Actual |
| 2020 | $34,795 | Actual |
| 2021 | $34,186 | Actual |
| 2022 | $40,333 | Actual |
| 2023 | $43,085 | Actual |
| 2024 | $45,114 | Actual |
| 2025 | $47,664 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $50,762 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $54,062 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Linden metropolitan area, the median certified nursing assistant salary grew 42.5% from $33,453 (2019) to $47,664 (2025). At a 6.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $54,062 by 2027 — a total increase of $20,609 (61.61%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Linden 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) | $40,907 – $44,228 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $44,228 – $50,762 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $50,762 – $55,615 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $55,615 – $59,544 |
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 Linden
Within Linden's job market, seven certified nursing assistants are currently employed, showcasing stable demand despite the fluctuations caused by the global health crisis. The elevated cost of living in the area significantly impacts take-home pay, making it essential for CNAs to consider employers that offer higher compensation, particularly skilled nursing facilities and hospitals. Shift differentials contribute substantially to income potential, with night shifts generally paying an additional $2 to $4 per hour and weekend shifts bringing in an extra $1 to $3. Seasonal staffing challenges also create opportunities for agency premium pay, encouraging Certified Nursing Assistants to be flexible in scheduling. As a practical strategy for increasing earnings, pursuing certifications that lead to advanced roles—such as transitioning to LPN or RN—can open doors for better job assignments and higher wage brackets. Understanding how to navigate these factors will enhance the overall certified nursing assistant pay in Linden, NJ.
More salary data for Linden, NJ:
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 $47,664 for certified nursing assistantsin the Linden 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 Linden 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