Jersey City vs Trenton: Certified Nursing Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare certified nursing assistant salaries between Jersey City, NJ and Trenton, NJ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Jersey City, NJ | Trenton, NJ |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $53,372▲ | $48,969 |
| Hourly Rate | $25.66▲ | $23.54 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,163 | $41,631▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $45,186 | $45,657▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $60,072▲ | $51,014 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $66,748▲ | $52,590 |
| Total Employed | 42 | 1,690▲ |
Verdict
Jersey City, NJ offers better overall compensation for certified nursing assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Trenton.
The salary gap between Jersey City and Trenton is $4,403 (8.99%). Jersey City's median is +18.59% compared to the US national median of $45,007.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Jersey City spans $26,585,Trenton spans $10,959. Jersey City has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Trenton ($47,460 effective) pays 2.44% more than Jersey City ($46,330 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Jersey City if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($53,372/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($66,748)
- ✓You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle
Choose Trenton if…
- ✓Larger job market (1,690 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $47,460)
- ✓You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, certified nursing assistant salaries in Jersey City grew 3.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 54.8% growth in Trenton over the same period.
Jersey City, NJ
$48,277 (2024) → $50,115 (2025)
Trenton, NJ
$29,710 (2019) → $45,980 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Jersey City, NJ
Trenton, NJ
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays certified nursing assistants more: Jersey City or Trenton?
What is the hourly rate difference between Jersey City and Trenton?
Should I relocate from Jersey City to Trenton as a certified nursing assistant?
What do entry-level certified nursing assistants earn in Jersey City vs Trenton?
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
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