Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay in Waterbury, CT: $22.02 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a certified nursing assistant working in Waterbury, CT runs $22.02 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $45,806 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Weighted against Waterbury's regional price level (BEA RPP 99.8, 0% above national), each hour of work buys what $22.07 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $27,486 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Waterbury, certified nursing assistant hourly pay is projected to be $22.02 in 2026, which is slightly above the national average of $21.64. This rate can significantly impact those who work part-time or per diem, especially in settings such as skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, or home health visits. For part-time CNAs typically working three days a week, earning $22.02 translates into a reliable income while allowing for flexibility in their work schedules. The hourly rate for CNAs in Waterbury ranges from $19.88 for entry-level positions to $26.02 for more experienced professionals. This official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data reflects the evolving demand for certified nursing assistants, particularly as the healthcare sector continues to recover from post-COVID staffing challenges.
Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $19.88 | $159.07 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.66 | $173.30 |
| Median (P50) | $22.02 | $176.19 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $23.47 | $187.78 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $26.02 | $208.14 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Waterbury
Based on $22.02/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $22.02/hr, a certified nursing assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Waterbury, CT can expect to earn approximately $45,810 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $26,429. With a cost-of-living index of 99.78 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Waterbury.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Waterbury
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $880.97 | $3,818 | $45,810 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $528.58 | $2,291 | $27,486 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $352.39 | $1,527 | $18,324 |
Compare CNA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Certified Nursing Assistant (Waterbury) | $22.02 |
| Licensed Practical Nurse (National Avg) | $29.34 |
| Home Health / Personal Care Aide (National Avg) | $16.80 |
| Medical Assistant (National Avg) | $19.70 |
| Psychiatric Aide (National Avg) | $18.50 |
Certified Nursing Assistants in Waterbury, CT earn a median of $45,806 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.78% higher than the national median of $45,007 and 3.00% below the Connecticut state average of $47,222.
Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $22.02/hr = $27,486/year (purchasing power: $27,547).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $45,810/year (purchasing power: $45,912).
CoL index: 99.778 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$14.85/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$20.68/hr
2026 Current Est.
$22.02/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+58.0%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Waterbury (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $14.85/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $15.95/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.50/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $17.37/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $18.97/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $20.57/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $20.68/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $22.02/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $23.46/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for certified nursing assistants in Waterbury grew 39.3% from $14.85/hr (2019) to $20.68/hr (2025). At a 6.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $23.46/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem certified nursing assistants can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Waterbury 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.
Working as an Hourly Certified Nursing Assistant in Waterbury
The earning potential for part-time CNAs can vary greatly depending on their work structure. A certified nursing assistant working 24 hours a week at this hourly rate would take home approximately $27,000 annually, which is significantly less than a full-time equivalent. Per diem certified nursing assistant pay in Waterbury can also be lucrative; agency workers are often able to charge between $22 and $32 per hour, with those on premium weekend contracts earning rates as high as $30 to $45 during high-demand periods. Furthermore, hourly wages can fluctuate by employer type, with hospitals often offering higher compensation compared to home health agencies or assisted living facilities. The decision to prioritize higher hourly rates without benefits versus slightly lower pay with health insurance is a common consideration for CNAs in Waterbury. When negotiating, it's essential for CNAs to understand the market demand and potential premiums for shifts during weekends or holidays, which can enhance their overall earnings significantly.
More salary data for Waterbury, CT:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 6.50% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for certified nursing assistants in Waterbury. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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