Senior Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Derry, NH: $57,197 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of certified nursing assistants working in Derry, NH — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $57,197/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 31-1131. Strip back Derry's price premium (BEA RPP 107.3, 7% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $53,306 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 Derry, New Hampshire, top earners in the certified nursing assistant (CNA) field can expect a robust financial reward, with salaries projected to reach as high as $57,197 in 2026. This level of compensation, firmly above the median annual salary of $46,351, reflects the experience premium associated with this role. Notably, Derry's top certified nursing assistant salary surpasses the national figure, which stands at $45,007, indicating a competitive local market. Achieving this tier requires not only extensive experience—at least seven years—but also a commitment to continuous professional development, whether through specialization or advanced certifications that enhance skills and employability.
About the Derry Market
Salary estimated from New Hampshire average ($40,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Derry
Experienced certified nursing assistants at the top of the pay scale in Derry earn between $52,365 and $57,197 per year (2026 est.). This $17,539 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Derry median of $46,351 sits 2.99% above the US median.
Top CNA Salary Comparison
| Level | Derry | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $46,351 | $45,007 |
| 75th Percentile | $52,365 | $50,289 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $57,197 | $55,359 |
In Derry, experienced certified nursing assistants (P90) earn 23.40% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Certified Nursing Assistant Pay in Derry
Advanced Certifications in New Hampshire
NH certified nursing assistants with additional specialty certifications within the nursing field earn significantly above the $46,351 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Derry employers.
Specialty Focus
Certified Nursing Assistants focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the nursing field in Derry command premium compensation, often reaching the $52,365–$57,197 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Derry 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 Derry 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 New Hampshire 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 Derry
Clinical Certified Nursing Assistant
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Certified Nursing Assistant
5-10 yearsCertified Nursing Assistant Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedDerry ranks #3 of 16 New Hampshire cities for top earner certified nursing assistant salary (90th percentile: $57,197).
Top 10% certified nursing assistant compensation in Derry ($57,197) is 6.8% below the New Hampshire average P90 ($61,370).
2019 BLS Actual
$41,969
2025 BLS Actual
$53,706
2026 Current Est.
$57,197
2019–2027 Growth
+45.1%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Derry (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $41,969 | Actual |
| 2020 | $43,508 | Actual |
| 2021 | $45,709 | Actual |
| 2022 | $47,465 | Actual |
| 2023 | $50,400 | Actual |
| 2024 | $52,368 | Actual |
| 2025 | $53,706 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $57,197 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $60,915 | Projected |
Top-earning certified nursing assistants (90th percentile) in Derry saw their compensation grow 28.0% from $41,969 in 2019 to $53,706 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 $60,915 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Derry 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 Derry
With a growth rate of 6.50% expected over the next five years, skilled CNAs in Derry have numerous pathways to increase their earnings. Specializations such as restorative aide or medication aide—where applicable—can command higher pay, particularly in various settings like skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, and home health agencies. Compensation also varies significantly depending on the employer type; for instance, those in intensive care units or hospice settings may earn premiums compared to their counterparts in assisted living communities. Furthermore, advanced credentials, including those for dementia care or hospice aide certifications, are vital for stepping into higher-paying roles such as charge CNA or training coordinator. Non-salary benefits can significantly enhance overall compensation; shifts during nights or weekends often provide additional pay of $1 to $4 per hour, making these opportunities appealing for experienced professionals striving for financial advancement in NH’s healthcare market.
More salary data for Derry, NH:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced certified nursing assistants make in Derry in 2026?
What drives higher certified nursing assistant pay in Derry?
What certifications boost certified nursing assistant salary in Derry?
Can experienced certified nursing assistants make six figures in Derry?
How much does certified nursing assistant salary increase over time in Derry?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in New Hampshire
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 $53,706 for certified nursing assistants in the Derry 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 Derry 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