Senior Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Dartmouth, MA: $58,906 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of certified nursing assistants working in Dartmouth, MA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $58,906/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 31-1131. Strip back Dartmouth's price premium (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $54,291 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 Dartmouth, the potential for top certified nursing assistant salaries is promising, particularly for experienced professionals with over seven years in the field. Those at the 90th percentile can expect to earn an impressive $58,906 annually, with even the 75th percentile seeing compensation of $54,212 in 2026. The median salary for experienced certified nursing assistants is projected at $48,099, highlighting a significant income gap that illustrates the potential for advancement within this profession. Achieving these higher salary brackets often requires pursuing additional training and specialization, exemplifying how seasoned CNAs can boost their pay by honing critical skills, such as dementia care or hospice aide certification. This upward trajectory not only reflects dedication but also the increasing demand for skilled nursing assistants in the post-COVID healthcare landscape.
About the Dartmouth Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($42,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Dartmouth
Experienced certified nursing assistants at the top of the pay scale in Dartmouth earn between $54,212 and $58,906 per year (2026 est.). This $20,551 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Dartmouth median of $48,099 sits 6.87% above the US median.
Top CNA Salary Comparison
| Level | Dartmouth | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $48,099 | $45,007 |
| 75th Percentile | $54,212 | $50,289 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $58,906 | $55,359 |
In Dartmouth, experienced certified nursing assistants (P90) earn 22.47% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Certified Nursing Assistant Pay in Dartmouth
Advanced Certifications in Massachusetts
MA certified nursing assistants with additional specialty certifications within the nursing field earn significantly above the $48,099 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Dartmouth employers.
Specialty Focus
Certified Nursing Assistants focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the nursing field in Dartmouth command premium compensation, often reaching the $54,212–$58,906 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Dartmouth 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 Dartmouth 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 Dartmouth
Clinical Certified Nursing Assistant
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Certified Nursing Assistant
5-10 yearsCertified Nursing Assistant Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedDartmouth ranks #29 of 59 Massachusetts cities for top earner certified nursing assistant salary (90th percentile: $58,906).
Top 10% certified nursing assistant compensation in Dartmouth ($58,906) is 5.11% below the Massachusetts average P90 ($62,080).
2019 BLS Actual
$43,223
2025 BLS Actual
$55,311
2026 Current Est.
$58,906
2019–2027 Growth
+45.1%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Dartmouth (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $43,223 | Actual |
| 2020 | $44,809 | Actual |
| 2021 | $47,075 | Actual |
| 2022 | $48,884 | Actual |
| 2023 | $51,906 | Actual |
| 2024 | $56,016 | Actual |
| 2025 | $55,311 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $58,906 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $62,735 | Projected |
Top-earning certified nursing assistants (90th percentile) in Dartmouth saw their compensation grow 28.0% from $43,223 in 2019 to $55,311 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 $62,735 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Dartmouth 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 Dartmouth
Salaries for senior certified nursing assistants in Dartmouth are influenced by various factors, including specialization and employer type. Specialties such as restorative aide and dialysis technician cross-training attract premium pay within the local market, allowing experienced professionals to command higher wages. Compensation also varies significantly between employer settings; skilled nursing facilities and hospitals generally offer different pay scales compared to home health agencies and hospice services. Career advancement paths, including becoming a charge CNA or moving into roles like training coordinator, provide opportunities for further financial growth. To leverage these advancements, obtaining advanced certifications—such as a state CNA certification, CPR/BLS, and medication aide training—can enhance employability and potential pay. Furthermore, additional compensation strategies, like shift differentials for working nights and weekends or agency premium pay during staffing shortages, can further increase overall earnings, making the senior certified nursing assistant pay in MA both competitive and rewarding.
More salary data for Dartmouth, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced certified nursing assistants make in Dartmouth in 2026?
What drives higher certified nursing assistant pay in Dartmouth?
What certifications boost certified nursing assistant salary in Dartmouth?
Can experienced certified nursing assistants make six figures in Dartmouth?
How much does certified nursing assistant salary increase over time in Dartmouth?
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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 $55,311 for certified nursing assistants in the Dartmouth 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 Dartmouth 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