Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Paterson, NJ: $51,812 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time certified nursing assistant in Paterson, NJ earns a median $51,812/year (≈ $24.91/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Once you factor in Paterson's price level (15% above national, BEA RPP 115.2), that paycheck buys what $44,976 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.1% below the New Jersey state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, certified nursing assistants in Paterson, New Jersey, can expect a median annual salary of $51,812, significantly influenced by the selection between working in skilled nursing facilities and hospital roles. The full compensation range spans from $42,152 at the 10th percentile to $65,295 at the 90th percentile, painting a diverse picture of earning potential in this field. These figures are based on estimates derived from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional price parities. As the healthcare landscape evolves, especially in a post-COVID environment where retention remains a challenge, the demand for certified nursing assistants is poised to grow, shaping the local job market dynamics in Paterson.
About the Paterson Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($40,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $42,152 | $20.27 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $45,875 | $22.06 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $51,812 | $24.91 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $60,019 | $28.85 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $65,295 | $31.40 |
Median Salary Position
15.12% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Paterson
In Paterson, NJ, the certified nursing assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $23,143 (2026 est.). At $51,812, the local median is 15.12% above the national median of $45,007.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Paterson: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Paterson Certified Nursing Assistant Pay Compares
Paterson median: $51,812/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Paterson Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey Average | $51,864 | -0.10% less |
| National Average | $45,007 | +15.12% more |
Certified Nursing Assistants in Paterson, NJ earn a median of $51,812 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.12% higher than the national median of $45,007 and 0.10% below the New Jersey state average of $51,864.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Paterson has a cost of living 15.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Paterson, NJ has a cost-of-living index of 115.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $51,812 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $44,976 — a 13.19% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$34,145
2025 BLS Actual
$48,650
2026 Current Est.
$51,812
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Paterson (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $34,145 | Actual |
| 2020 | $35,515 | Actual |
| 2021 | $34,893 | Actual |
| 2022 | $41,167 | Actual |
| 2023 | $43,976 | Actual |
| 2024 | $46,047 | Actual |
| 2025 | $48,650 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $51,812 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $55,180 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Paterson metropolitan area, the median certified nursing assistant salary grew 42.5% from $34,145 (2019) to $48,650 (2025). At a 6.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $55,180 by 2027 — a total increase of $21,035 (61.60%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Paterson 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) | $42,152 – $45,875 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $45,875 – $51,812 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $51,812 – $60,019 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $60,019 – $65,295 |
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 Paterson
The local employment scene has 31 certified nursing assistants currently working in Paterson, and this number reflects an encouraging demand for skilled workers amid rising living costs, evidenced by a cost of living index of 115.2. This means that while salaries for certified nursing assistants in Paterson are above the national average, the purchasing power may be affected when compared to expenses. Employers in skilled nursing facilities typically offer the most competitive pay, although those in hospitals, particularly in ICU and emergency departments, may also find attractive remuneration packages due to higher acuity levels. Wage disparities arise from various factors like shift differentials—nights tend to pay an additional $2-4 per hour, while weekend shifts add $1-3 to base salaries. To maximize earnings, certified nursing assistants should consider pursuing agency roles during staffing shortages or securing weekend-only positions, which often come with premium rates. Bridging from CNA to LPN or RN can also offer pathways to greater financial rewards in the long term.
More salary data for Paterson, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can certified nursing assistants make $100K in Paterson?
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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 $48,650 for certified nursing assistantsin the Paterson 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 Paterson 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