Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Schenectady, NY: $41,842 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time certified nursing assistant in Schenectady, NY earns a median $41,842/year (≈ $20.12/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Once you factor in Schenectady's price level (16% above national, BEA RPP 115.9), that paycheck buys what $36,102 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 9.2% below the New York state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, certified nursing assistant salaries in Schenectady, NY, are projected to reach a median annual salary of $41,842, reflecting the adjustments seen in the labor market post-COVID. This local compensation demonstrates a salary range from $33,977 at the lower end to $50,766 for the highest earners, showcasing the diverse opportunities available within this profession. These estimates are derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional price levels, further emphasizing the unique financial climate in Schenectady. While local salaries fall approximately 7.03% below the national median of $45,007, this reflective figure points to a competitive job market where certified nursing assistants can establish a solid foundation for future growth and career advancement.
About the Schenectady Market
Salary estimated from New York average ($44,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $33,977 | $16.34 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $36,858 | $17.72 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $41,842 | $20.12 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $47,433 | $22.80 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $50,766 | $24.41 |
Median Salary Position
7.03% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Schenectady
In Schenectady, NY, the certified nursing assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $16,789 (2026 est.). At $41,842, the local median is 7.03% below the national median of $45,007.
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At 40 hours/week in Schenectady: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Schenectady Certified Nursing Assistant Pay Compares
Schenectady median: $41,842/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Schenectady Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New York Average | $46,081 | -9.20% less |
| National Average | $45,007 | -7.03% less |
Certified Nursing Assistants in Schenectady, NY earn a median of $41,842 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.03% lower than the national median of $45,007 and 9.20% below the New York state average of $46,081.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Schenectady has a cost of living 15.90% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Schenectady, NY has a cost-of-living index of 115.9 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $41,842 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $36,102 — a 13.72% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$27,574
2025 BLS Actual
$39,288
2026 Current Est.
$41,842
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Schenectady (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $27,574 | Actual |
| 2020 | $28,680 | Actual |
| 2021 | $28,178 | Actual |
| 2022 | $33,245 | Actual |
| 2023 | $35,514 | Actual |
| 2024 | $49,389 | Actual |
| 2025 | $39,288 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $41,842 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $44,561 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Schenectady metropolitan area, the median certified nursing assistant salary grew 42.5% from $27,574 (2019) to $39,288 (2025). At a 6.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $44,561 by 2027 — a total increase of $16,987 (61.61%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Schenectady 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) | $33,977 – $36,858 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $36,858 – $41,842 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $41,842 – $47,433 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $47,433 – $50,766 |
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 Schenectady
Currently, Schenectady has a modest number of 16 certified nursing assistants employed, indicating a fairly niche yet potentially stable job market. The cost-of-living index in the area stands at 115.9, which suggests that while take-home pay may be somewhat stretched, many factors can influence earnings for CNAs. Employers that tend to offer higher wages include skilled nursing facilities and hospitals, which often provide valuable experience for CNAs aspiring to transition into higher roles, such as licensed practical nurses or registered nurses. Pay disparities can arise from various factors, such as shift differentials—typically an additional $2 to $4 per hour for night shifts and $1 to $3 for weekend work. Additionally, some facilities might offer premiums for staffing shortages, as well as stipends for those with CMA certification, fueling competition for the best candidates. For CNAs in Schenectady to maximize pay, seeking roles that capitalize on these differentials and exploring weekend-only positions may provide effective strategies for increasing their overall earnings while building critical experience.
More salary data for Schenectady, NY:
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 $39,288 for certified nursing assistantsin the Schenectady 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 Schenectady 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