Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in South Brunswick, NJ: $50,798 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time certified nursing assistant in South Brunswick, NJ earns a median $50,798/year (≈ $24.42/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Once you factor in South Brunswick's price level (15% above national, BEA RPP 115.2), that paycheck buys what $44,095 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.0% below the New Jersey state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In South Brunswick, NJ, reaching the next credential as a licensed practical nurse (LPN) often enhances earning potential significantly. The projected median annual salary for certified nursing assistants in 2026 stands at $50,798, which is notably higher than the national median of $45,007, reflecting a 12.87% premium for the local job market. This salary range spans from $40,997 at the 10th percentile to $62,914 at the 90th percentile, showcasing diverse opportunities for CNAs at various stages of their careers. These figures are derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for local pricing realities, and illustrate a vibrant sector for certified nursing assistants in South Brunswick, which has experienced growth despite the challenges faced in healthcare staffing recently.
About the South Brunswick Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($40,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,997 | $19.71 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $44,304 | $21.30 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $50,798 | $24.42 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $54,527 | $26.21 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $62,914 | $30.25 |
Median Salary Position
12.87% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in South Brunswick
In South Brunswick, NJ, the certified nursing assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $21,917 (2026 est.). At $50,798, the local median is 12.87% above the national median of $45,007.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in South Brunswick: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How South Brunswick Certified Nursing Assistant Pay Compares
South Brunswick median: $50,798/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | South Brunswick Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey Average | $51,835 | -2.00% less |
| National Average | $45,007 | +12.87% more |
Certified Nursing Assistants in South Brunswick, NJ earn a median of $50,798 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.87% higher than the national median of $45,007 and 2.00% below the New Jersey state average of $51,835.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
South Brunswick has a cost of living 15.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
South Brunswick, NJ has a cost-of-living index of 115.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $50,798 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $44,095 — a 13.2% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$33,477
2025 BLS Actual
$47,698
2026 Current Est.
$50,798
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in South Brunswick (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33,477 | Actual |
| 2020 | $34,820 | Actual |
| 2021 | $34,210 | Actual |
| 2022 | $40,362 | Actual |
| 2023 | $43,116 | Actual |
| 2024 | $45,146 | Actual |
| 2025 | $47,698 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $50,798 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $54,100 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the South Brunswick metropolitan area, the median certified nursing assistant salary grew 42.5% from $33,477 (2019) to $47,698 (2025). At a 6.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $54,100 by 2027 — a total increase of $20,623 (61.60%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the South Brunswick 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) | $40,997 – $44,304 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $44,304 – $50,798 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $50,798 – $54,527 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $54,527 – $62,914 |
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 South Brunswick
Despite only seven certified nursing assistants currently employed in South Brunswick, the area's job market remains robust. The cost-of-living index at 115.2 indicates that while the salaries are competitive, they must be viewed in the context of higher living expenses. Employers such as skilled nursing facilities and hospitals typically offer the best pay; however, variables like shift differentials can significantly influence earnings. For instance, working night shifts often garners an additional $2–4 per hour, and weekend work can yield $1–3 more, making these shifts financially attractive. Given the current staffing shortages, healthcare facilities may also provide premium pay as needed. For aspiring CNAs looking to maximize their pay in South Brunswick, pursuing specialized certifications, opting for weekend shifts, or considering roles in higher-acuity settings can prove beneficial in this evolving job market.
More salary data for South Brunswick, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do certified nursing assistants make in South Brunswick, NJ in 2026?
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Can certified nursing assistants make $100K in South Brunswick?
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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 $47,698 for certified nursing assistantsin the South Brunswick 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 South Brunswick 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