CNA Salary

Brockton vs Worcester: Certified Nursing Assistant Salary (2026)

Compare certified nursing assistant salaries between Brockton, MA and Worcester, MA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Brockton, MA
$49,803
$23.94/hr
Worcester, MA
$48,681
$23.41/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricBrockton, MAWorcester, MA
Median Salary$49,803$48,681
Hourly Rate$23.94$23.41
Entry Level (P10)$37,329$40,917
25th Percentile$44,639$47,041
75th Percentile$57,146$50,609
Top Earner (P90)$63,698$59,257
Total Employed255,250
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Brockton ($49,803) and Worcester ($48,681) certified nursing assistant salaries.BrocktonWorcesterMedian Salary$49,803$48,681Entry Level (P10)$37,329$40,917Top Earner (P90)$63,698$59,257US Median $45,007

Verdict

Brockton, MA offers better overall compensation for certified nursing assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Worcester.

The salary gap between Brockton and Worcester is $1,122 (2.30%). Brockton's median is +10.66% compared to the US national median of $45,007.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Brockton spans $26,369,Worcester spans $18,340. Brockton has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Brockton
P10 (Entry)$37,329
P25$44,639
Median$49,803
P75$57,146
P90 (Top)$63,698
Worcester
P10 (Entry)$40,917
P25$47,041
Median$48,681
P75$50,609
P90 (Top)$59,257

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Worcester ($47,483 effective) pays 3.45% more than Brockton ($45,901 effective).

Brockton
Nominal: $49,803
CoL Index: 108.5
Adjusted: $45,901
Worcester
Nominal: $48,681
CoL Index: 102.523
Adjusted: $47,483

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Brockton if…

  • Higher median salary ($49,803/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($63,698)
  • You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle

Choose Worcester if…

  • Larger job market (5,250 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $47,483)
  • You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, certified nursing assistant salaries in Brockton grew 1.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 50.0% growth in Worcester over the same period.

Brockton, MA

+1.7%

$45,961 (2024) → $46,763 (2025)

Worcester, MA

+50.0%

$30,480 (2019) → $45,710 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays certified nursing assistants more: Brockton or Worcester?

Brockton has a higher median certified nursing assistant salary at $49,803/year, compared to Worcester at $48,681/year — a difference of $1,122 (2.30%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Brockton and Worcester?

Brockton certified nursing assistants earn $23.94/hr while Worcester hygienists earn $23.41/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Brockton to Worcester as a certified nursing assistant?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Brockton and Worcester. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Brockton = $45,901, Worcester = $47,483), job availability (25 vs 5,250 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level certified nursing assistants earn in Brockton vs Worcester?

Entry-level (10th percentile) certified nursing assistants earn $37,329 in Brockton and $40,917 in Worcester. The Worcester area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

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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.

Clinically reviewed by Michael Rodriguez, CNAData verified by Sara Patel, RN

Methodology & Data Source

All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 6.50% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.

Data Sources & Methodology

Source: BLS, OEWS , released .

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