Senior Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Billerica, MA: $58,139 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of certified nursing assistants working in Billerica, MA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $58,139/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 31-1131. Strip back Billerica's price premium (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $53,584 in average-cost America. The 22% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Billerica, experienced certified nursing assistants can look forward to an encouraging compensation trajectory in 2026, with top earners potentially reaching $58,139 annually. Among senior certified nursing assistant pay in MA, this figure not only highlights the financial viability of the profession but also reflects a marked increase compared to the national average, which sits at $45,007. The substantial difference between the median salary of $47,819 and the top-tier earnings of $58,139 underscores the potential for dedicated and skilled CNAs to leverage advanced certifications and specializations, thereby positioning themselves at the upper echelons of compensation in this market. Achieving such high remuneration typically requires not only extensive experience—ideally over seven years—but also additional credentials and the willingness to undertake roles that demand specialized skills.
About the Billerica Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($42,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Billerica
Experienced certified nursing assistants at the top of the pay scale in Billerica earn between $53,494 and $58,139 per year (2026 est.). This $20,469 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Billerica median of $47,819 sits 6.25% above the US median.
Top CNA Salary Comparison
| Level | Billerica | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $47,819 | $45,007 |
| 75th Percentile | $53,494 | $50,289 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $58,139 | $55,359 |
In Billerica, experienced certified nursing assistants (P90) earn 21.58% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Certified Nursing Assistant Pay in Billerica
Advanced Certifications in Massachusetts
MA certified nursing assistants with additional specialty certifications within the nursing field earn significantly above the $47,819 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Billerica employers.
Specialty Focus
Certified Nursing Assistants focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the nursing field in Billerica command premium compensation, often reaching the $53,494–$58,139 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Billerica 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 Billerica 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 Billerica
Clinical Certified Nursing Assistant
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Certified Nursing Assistant
5-10 yearsCertified Nursing Assistant Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedBillerica ranks #34 of 59 Massachusetts cities for top earner certified nursing assistant salary (90th percentile: $58,139).
Top 10% certified nursing assistant compensation in Billerica ($58,139) is 6.35% below the Massachusetts average P90 ($62,080).
2019 BLS Actual
$42,660
2025 BLS Actual
$54,591
2026 Current Est.
$58,139
2019–2027 Growth
+45.1%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Billerica (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $42,660 | Actual |
| 2020 | $44,225 | Actual |
| 2021 | $46,462 | Actual |
| 2022 | $48,248 | Actual |
| 2023 | $51,230 | Actual |
| 2024 | $55,299 | Actual |
| 2025 | $54,591 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $58,139 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $61,918 | Projected |
Top-earning certified nursing assistants (90th percentile) in Billerica saw their compensation grow 28.0% from $42,660 in 2019 to $54,591 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 $61,918 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Billerica 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 Billerica
Specializations such as restorative aide, medication aide, and dementia care are increasingly valuable in Billerica, attracting higher rates of pay and creating unique pathways for career advancement. Compensation often varies based on the type of employer, with skilled nursing facilities and rehabilitation hospitals generally offering competitive salaries that can rival or exceed those found in home health agencies or hospice settings. Leadership roles, such as charge CNA or unit secretary, present additional avenues for growth, as do bridge programs for CNAs transitioning to LPN or RN roles. Furthermore, advanced training and certifications, including CPR/BLS and dementia care or hospice aide credentials, can serve as significant assets in negotiating pay. Non-salary incentives like shift differentials—typically $2-4/hour more for night shifts and $1-3/hour for weekends—also enhance overall earnings prospects amidst a tightening labor market, where the demand continues to outpace supply.
More salary data for Billerica, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced certified nursing assistants make in Billerica in 2026?
What drives higher certified nursing assistant pay in Billerica?
What certifications boost certified nursing assistant salary in Billerica?
Can experienced certified nursing assistants make six figures in Billerica?
How much does certified nursing assistant salary increase over time in Billerica?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Massachusetts
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 $54,591 for certified nursing assistants in the Billerica 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 Billerica 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