Senior Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Plymouth, MA: $61,012 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of certified nursing assistants working in Plymouth, MA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $61,012/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 31-1131. Strip back Plymouth's price premium (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $56,232 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 Plymouth, Massachusetts, senior certified nursing assistants can anticipate a competitive earning potential, particularly for those reaching top tiers of the salary spectrum. In 2026, the projected P90 salary for experienced professionals stands at $61,012, significantly outpacing the median annual salary of $49,716 by a notable margin. This experience premium underscores the value that seasoned CNAs bring to healthcare facilities. With a blend of specialized skills, advanced training, and years of service, top earners can achieve financial stability well above national averages, as the 2026 median salary for certified nursing assistants nationally is $45,007. For CNAs looking to maximize their income, developing advanced competencies or pivoting into specialized roles is essential to attaining these elevated salary brackets.
About the Plymouth Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($42,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Plymouth
Experienced certified nursing assistants at the top of the pay scale in Plymouth earn between $55,688 and $61,012 per year (2026 est.). This $21,539 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Plymouth median of $49,716 sits 10.46% above the US median.
Top CNA Salary Comparison
| Level | Plymouth | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $49,716 | $45,007 |
| 75th Percentile | $55,688 | $50,289 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $61,012 | $55,359 |
In Plymouth, experienced certified nursing assistants (P90) earn 22.72% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Certified Nursing Assistant Pay in Plymouth
Advanced Certifications in Massachusetts
MA certified nursing assistants with additional specialty certifications within the nursing field earn significantly above the $49,716 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Plymouth employers.
Specialty Focus
Certified Nursing Assistants focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the nursing field in Plymouth command premium compensation, often reaching the $55,688–$61,012 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Plymouth 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 Plymouth 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 Plymouth
Clinical Certified Nursing Assistant
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Certified Nursing Assistant
5-10 yearsCertified Nursing Assistant Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedPlymouth ranks #11 of 59 Massachusetts cities for top earner certified nursing assistant salary (90th percentile: $61,012).
Top 10% certified nursing assistant compensation in Plymouth ($61,012) is 1.72% below the Massachusetts average P90 ($62,080).
2019 BLS Actual
$44,768
2025 BLS Actual
$57,288
2026 Current Est.
$61,012
2019–2027 Growth
+45.1%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Plymouth (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $44,768 | Actual |
| 2020 | $46,410 | Actual |
| 2021 | $48,758 | Actual |
| 2022 | $50,631 | Actual |
| 2023 | $53,761 | Actual |
| 2024 | $58,067 | Actual |
| 2025 | $57,288 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $61,012 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $64,977 | Projected |
Top-earning certified nursing assistants (90th percentile) in Plymouth saw their compensation grow 28.0% from $44,768 in 2019 to $57,288 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 $64,977 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Plymouth 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 Plymouth
Compensation for senior certified nursing assistants in Plymouth varies significantly based on skill specialization and employment setting. For instance, those with expertise in key areas such as restorative aide functions, dementia care, or dialysis technician cross-training may command higher pay. Employment in skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, and home health agencies typically offers different compensation structures, with skilled nursing environments often providing additional incentives for night shifts or weekends. Advancement opportunities are also robust, with experienced professionals able to transition into roles such as charge CNA, training coordinator, or even pursue the CNA-to-LPN or CNA-to-RN bridge pathways. In Massachusetts, additional certifications, such as CPR/BLS or dementia care specialties, can further enhance a senior CNA's earning capacity. Non-salary benefits like shift differentials and agency premium pay can also significantly impact overall compensation, making this career a potentially lucrative choice for those equipped with the necessary credentials and specializations.
More salary data for Plymouth, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced certified nursing assistants make in Plymouth in 2026?
What drives higher certified nursing assistant pay in Plymouth?
What certifications boost certified nursing assistant salary in Plymouth?
Can experienced certified nursing assistants make six figures in Plymouth?
How much does certified nursing assistant salary increase over time in Plymouth?
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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 $57,288 for certified nursing assistants in the Plymouth 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 Plymouth 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