Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in North Bergen, NJ: $50,281 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time certified nursing assistant in North Bergen, NJ earns a median $50,281/year (≈ $24.18/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Once you factor in North Bergen's price level (15% above national, BEA RPP 115.2), that paycheck buys what $43,647 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.0% below the New Jersey state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the certified nursing assistant salary in North Bergen, NJ, is projected to be $50,281 annually, reflecting a post-COVID wage reset that has positively impacted many healthcare roles. This median figure falls within a salary range of $40,932 at the 10th percentile to $61,005 at the 90th percentile, offering insight into the potential earnings variation based on experience and qualifications. These estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional price parities, indicate that nursing assistants in this area are earning approximately 11.72% more than the national median of $45,007. The North Bergen job market appears robust for certified nursing assistants, indicating opportunities for professionals in this field to pursue and secure favorable compensation packages.
About the North Bergen Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($40,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,932 | $19.68 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $43,268 | $20.80 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $50,281 | $24.18 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $56,054 | $26.94 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $61,005 | $29.33 |
Median Salary Position
11.72% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in North Bergen
In North Bergen, NJ, the certified nursing assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $20,073 (2026 est.). At $50,281, the local median is 11.72% above the national median of $45,007.
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At 40 hours/week in North Bergen: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How North Bergen Certified Nursing Assistant Pay Compares
North Bergen median: $50,281/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | North Bergen Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey Average | $51,836 | -3.00% less |
| National Average | $45,007 | +11.72% more |
Certified Nursing Assistants in North Bergen, NJ earn a median of $50,281 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.72% higher than the national median of $45,007 and 3.00% below the New Jersey state average of $51,836.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
North Bergen has a cost of living 15.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
North Bergen, NJ has a cost-of-living index of 115.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $50,281 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $43,647 — a 13.19% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$33,136
2025 BLS Actual
$47,212
2026 Current Est.
$50,281
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in North Bergen (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33,136 | Actual |
| 2020 | $34,465 | Actual |
| 2021 | $33,862 | Actual |
| 2022 | $39,950 | Actual |
| 2023 | $42,676 | Actual |
| 2024 | $44,687 | Actual |
| 2025 | $47,212 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $50,281 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $53,549 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the North Bergen metropolitan area, the median certified nursing assistant salary grew 42.5% from $33,136 (2019) to $47,212 (2025). At a 6.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $53,549 by 2027 — a total increase of $20,413 (61.60%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the North Bergen 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) | $40,932 – $43,268 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $43,268 – $50,281 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $50,281 – $56,054 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $56,054 – $61,005 |
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 North Bergen
With only 13 certified nursing assistants currently employed in North Bergen, the local job market is limited; however, this translates to less competition and potentially advantageous pay negotiations. The local cost of living index stands at 115.2, which is above the national average, complicating the affordability of living in the region. Facilities that typically offer higher salaries include skilled nursing facilities and hospitals, particularly in high-acuity departments like the ICU. Factors contributing to the salary range include shift differentials—where night shifts may yield an additional $2-4 per hour—and weekend premiums that can increase hourly wages by $1-3. For those looking to boost their earnings, pursuing agency roles during staffing shortages or obtaining certifications such as CMA could provide significant financial incentives. Ultimately, taking advantage of available opportunities and understanding the nuances of pay structures are key for maximizing certified nursing assistant pay in North Bergen, NJ.
More salary data for North Bergen, 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 $47,212 for certified nursing assistantsin the North Bergen 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 North Bergen 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