Senior Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Lawrence, MA: $59,082 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of certified nursing assistants working in Lawrence, MA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $59,082/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 31-1131. Strip back Lawrence's price premium (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $54,453 in average-cost America. The 23% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, experienced certified nursing assistants in Lawrence, Massachusetts can anticipate a promising salary trajectory, particularly for top earners whose pay is projected to reach $59,082 annually. This robust number positions Lawrence's top certified nursing assistant salary favorably against the national benchmark, which stands at $45,007. Notably, there exists a significant gap between the median annual salary of $48,156 and the earnings for the highest 10% of professionals, highlighting the premium that comes with accumulated experience and specialization. Achieving this level of compensation typically necessitates years of hands-on patient care experience, along with additional training or certification that sets seasoned CNAs apart in a competitive market.
About the Lawrence Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($42,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lawrence
Experienced certified nursing assistants at the top of the pay scale in Lawrence earn between $54,985 and $59,082 per year (2026 est.). This $19,454 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Lawrence median of $48,156 sits 7% above the US median.
Top CNA Salary Comparison
| Level | Lawrence | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $48,156 | $45,007 |
| 75th Percentile | $54,985 | $50,289 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $59,082 | $55,359 |
In Lawrence, experienced certified nursing assistants (P90) earn 22.69% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Certified Nursing Assistant Pay in Lawrence
Advanced Certifications in Massachusetts
MA certified nursing assistants with additional specialty certifications within the nursing field earn significantly above the $48,156 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Lawrence employers.
Specialty Focus
Certified Nursing Assistants focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the nursing field in Lawrence command premium compensation, often reaching the $54,985–$59,082 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Lawrence 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 Lawrence 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 Lawrence
Clinical Certified Nursing Assistant
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Certified Nursing Assistant
5-10 yearsCertified Nursing Assistant Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedLawrence ranks #27 of 59 Massachusetts cities for top earner certified nursing assistant salary (90th percentile: $59,082).
Top 10% certified nursing assistant compensation in Lawrence ($59,082) is 4.83% below the Massachusetts average P90 ($62,080).
2019 BLS Actual
$43,352
2025 BLS Actual
$55,476
2026 Current Est.
$59,082
2019–2027 Growth
+45.1%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Lawrence (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $43,352 | Actual |
| 2020 | $44,942 | Actual |
| 2021 | $47,215 | Actual |
| 2022 | $49,030 | Actual |
| 2023 | $52,061 | Actual |
| 2024 | $56,230 | Actual |
| 2025 | $55,476 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $59,082 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $62,922 | Projected |
Top-earning certified nursing assistants (90th percentile) in Lawrence saw their compensation grow 28.0% from $43,352 in 2019 to $55,476 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 $62,922 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lawrence 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 Lawrence
When analyzing the enhancing compensation dynamics for senior certified nursing assistants in MA, particular specialties command higher salaries. Roles such as restorative aide, medication aide, and hospice aide are especially lucrative, as they involve unique skills and responsibilities. Differences in pay are also prevalent based on the employer type; for instance, skilled nursing facilities and hospitals often provide higher wages compared to home health agencies or assisted living communities. Career advancement opportunities abound, with positions like charge CNA or training coordinator offering pathways to increased earnings. Further, obtaining advanced credentials such as CPR/BLS or the optional medication aide certification can significantly enhance one’s marketability and remuneration. In this competitive landscape, additional pay incentives like shift differentials for nights or weekends, along with facility-specific pay grades that account for patient acuity, further contribute to elevating overall compensation for experienced CNAs.
More salary data for Lawrence, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced certified nursing assistants make in Lawrence in 2026?
What drives higher certified nursing assistant pay in Lawrence?
What certifications boost certified nursing assistant salary in Lawrence?
Can experienced certified nursing assistants make six figures in Lawrence?
How much does certified nursing assistant salary increase over time in Lawrence?
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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 $55,476 for certified nursing assistants in the Lawrence 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 Lawrence 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