Senior Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Andover, MA: $54,827 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of certified nursing assistants working in Andover, MA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $54,827/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 31-1131. Strip back Andover's price premium (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $50,532 in average-cost America. The 17% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Reaching the top tier of experienced certified nursing assistant salaries in Andover, Massachusetts, requires commitment and a solid skill set. In 2026, the potential for top earners is a remarkable $54,827, with those in the 75th percentile earning around $51,073. This represents a significant gap from the median annual salary of $46,754, highlighting the financial rewards available for those with more than seven years in the field. To unlock these higher salary brackets, professionals often pursue additional certifications and specializations, such as medication aide training or a focus in hospice care – all of which can elevate their marketability and capacity for negotiation. With wages forecasted to grow at an annual rate of 6.50%, the environment for certified nursing assistants in Andover appears promising, especially for those dedicated to enhancing their expertise and taking proactive steps in their careers.
About the Andover Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($42,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Andover
Experienced certified nursing assistants at the top of the pay scale in Andover earn between $51,073 and $54,827 per year (2026 est.). This $15,854 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Andover median of $46,754 sits 3.88% above the US median.
Top CNA Salary Comparison
| Level | Andover | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $46,754 | $45,007 |
| 75th Percentile | $51,073 | $50,289 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $54,827 | $55,359 |
In Andover, experienced certified nursing assistants (P90) earn 17.27% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Certified Nursing Assistant Pay in Andover
Advanced Certifications in Massachusetts
MA certified nursing assistants with additional specialty certifications within the nursing field earn significantly above the $46,754 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Andover employers.
Specialty Focus
Certified Nursing Assistants focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the nursing field in Andover command premium compensation, often reaching the $51,073–$54,827 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Andover metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced certified nursing assistants who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured certified nursing assistants in Andover with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Certified Nursing Assistants in Massachusetts who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Certified Nursing Assistant Career & Wage Growth Path in Andover
Clinical Certified Nursing Assistant
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Certified Nursing Assistant
5-10 yearsCertified Nursing Assistant Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedAndover ranks #59 of 59 Massachusetts cities for top earner certified nursing assistant salary (90th percentile: $54,827).
Top 10% certified nursing assistant compensation in Andover ($54,827) is 11.68% below the Massachusetts average P90 ($62,080).
2019 BLS Actual
$40,230
2025 BLS Actual
$51,481
2026 Current Est.
$54,827
2019–2027 Growth
+45.1%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Andover (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $40,230 | Actual |
| 2020 | $41,706 | Actual |
| 2021 | $43,815 | Actual |
| 2022 | $45,499 | Actual |
| 2023 | $48,312 | Actual |
| 2024 | $52,205 | Actual |
| 2025 | $51,481 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $54,827 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $58,391 | Projected |
Top-earning certified nursing assistants (90th percentile) in Andover saw their compensation grow 28.0% from $40,230 in 2019 to $51,481 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 6.50% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $58,391 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Andover 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.
Maximizing Your Certified Nursing Assistant Earnings in Andover
A focus on specific specializations can significantly influence senior certified nursing assistant pay in MA, with skilled areas like restorative aide, dementia care, and dialysis technician cross-training commanding higher compensation. Employers offer varied pay scales based on the work setting; for instance, hospitals, especially in intensive care units, may provide more substantial salaries compared to assisted living communities or home health agencies. This variance can also be seen in the advancement opportunities that exist within the profession. Roles such as charge CNA or training coordinator offer pathways for growth and potential increases in pay. Similarly, obtaining advanced credentials, including state CNA certification and CPR/BLS, can further enhance earning potential. Senior positions may also come with added job benefits such as shift differentials for night or weekend hours, agency premium pay during staffing shortages, and stipends for medication aide training, ultimately creating a diverse compensation package that rewards experienced nurses well beyond their base salaries.
More salary data for Andover, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced certified nursing assistants make in Andover in 2026?
What drives higher certified nursing assistant pay in Andover?
What certifications boost certified nursing assistant salary in Andover?
Can experienced certified nursing assistants make six figures in Andover?
How much does certified nursing assistant salary increase over time in Andover?
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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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $51,481 for certified nursing assistants in the Andover metro area. A 6.50% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Andover 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