Senior Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Lynn, MA: $63,310 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of certified nursing assistants working in Lynn, MA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $63,310/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 31-1131. Strip back Lynn's price premium (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $58,350 in average-cost America. The 25% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Lynn, Massachusetts, the potential for experienced certified nursing assistants to elevate their earnings is significant, with top earners projected to reach a striking $63,310 by 2026. This level of compensation is notably higher than the national top certified nursing assistant salary, reflecting the robust demand for skilled professionals in the area. The median annual salary of $50,716 indicates a substantial experience premium, demonstrating a clear financial incentive for certified nursing assistants to pursue advanced roles and specializations. Achieving this upper-tier compensation typically necessitates over seven years of experience, complemented by specialized training and certifications that enhance a candidate's value in a competitive job market.
About the Lynn Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($42,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lynn
Experienced certified nursing assistants at the top of the pay scale in Lynn earn between $57,388 and $63,310 per year (2026 est.). This $23,889 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Lynn median of $50,716 sits 12.68% above the US median.
Top CNA Salary Comparison
| Level | Lynn | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $50,716 | $45,007 |
| 75th Percentile | $57,388 | $50,289 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $63,310 | $55,359 |
In Lynn, experienced certified nursing assistants (P90) earn 24.83% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Certified Nursing Assistant Pay in Lynn
Advanced Certifications in Massachusetts
MA certified nursing assistants with additional specialty certifications within the nursing field earn significantly above the $50,716 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Lynn employers.
Specialty Focus
Certified Nursing Assistants focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the nursing field in Lynn command premium compensation, often reaching the $57,388–$63,310 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Lynn 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 Lynn 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 Lynn
Clinical Certified Nursing Assistant
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Certified Nursing Assistant
5-10 yearsCertified Nursing Assistant Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedLynn ranks #4 of 59 Massachusetts cities for top earner certified nursing assistant salary (90th percentile: $63,310).
Top 10% certified nursing assistant compensation in Lynn ($63,310) is 1.98% above the Massachusetts average P90 ($62,080).
2019 BLS Actual
$46,454
2025 BLS Actual
$59,446
2026 Current Est.
$63,310
2019–2027 Growth
+45.1%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Lynn (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $46,454 | Actual |
| 2020 | $48,158 | Actual |
| 2021 | $50,594 | Actual |
| 2022 | $52,538 | Actual |
| 2023 | $55,786 | Actual |
| 2024 | $60,260 | Actual |
| 2025 | $59,446 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $63,310 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $67,425 | Projected |
Top-earning certified nursing assistants (90th percentile) in Lynn saw their compensation grow 28.0% from $46,454 in 2019 to $59,446 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 $67,425 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lynn 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 Lynn
To further maximize their earning potential, senior certified nursing assistants in Lynn can focus on high-demand specializations such as restorative aides, medication aides, and dementia care specialists, all of which command premium pay. Employment settings also play a crucial role in salary differences, with hospitals and skilled nursing facilities often providing better compensation compared to home health agencies or assisted living communities. Advancement opportunities abound in this field, as seasoned professionals can transition into roles like training coordinators or bridge into licensed practical nurse (LPN) or registered nurse (RN) positions. Certifications such as CPR/BLS and optional medication aide credentials can further enhance earning capacity in Massachusetts. Additionally, factors like shift differentials and agency premium pay during staffing shortages provide tangible financial incentives that make senior Certified Nursing Assistant positions even more attractive in this recovering post-COVID workforce environment.
More salary data for Lynn, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced certified nursing assistants make in Lynn in 2026?
What drives higher certified nursing assistant pay in Lynn?
What certifications boost certified nursing assistant salary in Lynn?
Can experienced certified nursing assistants make six figures in Lynn?
How much does certified nursing assistant salary increase over time in Lynn?
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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 $59,446 for certified nursing assistants in the Lynn 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 Lynn 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