Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Middletown, NJ: $51,044 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time certified nursing assistant in Middletown, NJ earns a median $51,044/year (≈ $24.54/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Once you factor in Middletown's price level (15% above national, BEA RPP 115.2), that paycheck buys what $44,309 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.6% below the New Jersey state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, certified nursing assistants (CNAs) in Middletown, NJ can expect a median annual salary of $51,044, which is notably higher than the national median of $45,007, reflecting a 13.41% premium. The salary range for this role spans from $42,769 at the 10th percentile to $60,339 at the 90th percentile, illustrating significant earning potential. These figures are derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS state-level data and local cost adjustments, highlighting how the local labor market has rebounded following the post-COVID wage reset. Given the recent trends, the job market for CNAs in Middletown is becoming increasingly competitive, with rising demand for qualified professionals across various healthcare settings.
About the Middletown Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($40,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $42,769 | $20.57 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $45,954 | $22.09 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $51,044 | $24.54 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $55,793 | $26.83 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $60,339 | $29.01 |
Median Salary Position
13.41% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Middletown
In Middletown, NJ, the certified nursing assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $17,570 (2026 est.). At $51,044, the local median is 13.41% above the national median of $45,007.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Middletown: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Middletown Certified Nursing Assistant Pay Compares
Middletown median: $51,044/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Middletown Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey Average | $51,874 | -1.60% less |
| National Average | $45,007 | +13.41% more |
Certified Nursing Assistants in Middletown, NJ earn a median of $51,044 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.41% higher than the national median of $45,007 and 1.60% below the New Jersey state average of $51,874.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Middletown has a cost of living 15.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Middletown, NJ has a cost-of-living index of 115.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $51,044 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $44,309 — a 13.19% 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
$33,639
2025 BLS Actual
$47,929
2026 Current Est.
$51,044
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Middletown (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33,639 | Actual |
| 2020 | $34,988 | Actual |
| 2021 | $34,376 | Actual |
| 2022 | $40,557 | Actual |
| 2023 | $43,324 | Actual |
| 2024 | $45,366 | Actual |
| 2025 | $47,929 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $51,044 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $54,362 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Middletown metropolitan area, the median certified nursing assistant salary grew 42.5% from $33,639 (2019) to $47,929 (2025). At a 6.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $54,362 by 2027 — a total increase of $20,723 (61.60%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Middletown 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) | $42,769 – $45,954 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $45,954 – $51,044 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $51,044 – $55,793 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $55,793 – $60,339 |
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 Middletown
The local job market shows that there are currently 15 certified nursing assistants employed in Middletown, which suggests a stable yet niche demand for these roles. With a cost-of-living index of 115.2, CNAs might find their purchasing power impacted, despite the appealing salary figures. Among various employers, skilled nursing facilities tend to offer the most competitive compensation, particularly for shifts that involve higher acuity care or weekend work. Factors affecting the wage spread include shift differentials that can add $2-4 per hour for nights and $1-3 for weekends, as well as agency premium pay during staffing shortages. To maximize their earnings in this market, certified nursing assistants can consider positions that offer weekend-only premiums or explore opportunities for additional certifications, such as CMA certification stipends, which can further elevate their pay potential while paving the way for future advancements into LPN or RN roles.
More salary data for Middletown, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do certified nursing assistants make in Middletown, NJ in 2026?
Is Middletown, NJ a good place to work as a certified nursing assistant?
Can certified nursing assistants make $100K in Middletown?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted certified nursing assistant salary in Middletown?
How much does a certified nursing assistant make per hour in Middletown?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in New Jersey
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 $47,929 for certified nursing assistantsin the Middletown 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 Middletown 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