Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay in Newark, NJ: $25.26 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a certified nursing assistant working in Newark, NJ runs $25.26 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $52,550 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Weighted against Newark's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $21.93 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $31,527 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Newark, New Jersey, the median certified nursing assistant hourly pay is projected at $25.26 in 2026, a figure significantly higher than the national median of $21.64. This competitive rate is beneficial for part-time and per-diem workers, who often find themselves in various settings, such as skilled nursing facilities, hospital floors, and home health environments. For those working three days a week, this hourly wage translates into a substantial income, allowing CNAs to support their financial needs while maintaining flexibility in their schedules. Entry-level positions can expect to earn around $18.51 per hour, while experienced CNAs in top-tier roles may achieve an hourly rate of $33.42, reflecting the wide range of opportunities available within the profession.
About the Newark Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($40,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $18.51 | $148.08 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.41 | $179.26 |
| Median (P50) | $25.26 | $202.09 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $29.50 | $236.00 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $33.42 | $267.36 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Newark
Based on $25.26/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $25.26/hr, a certified nursing assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Newark, NJ can expect to earn approximately $52,545 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $30,314. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Newark.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Newark
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,010.47 | $4,379 | $52,545 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $606.28 | $2,627 | $31,527 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $404.19 | $1,751 | $21,018 |
Compare CNA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Certified Nursing Assistant (Newark) | $25.26 |
| 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 Newark, NJ earn a median of $52,550 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.76% higher than the national median of $45,007 and 1.40% above the New Jersey state average of $51,825.
Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $25.26/hr = $31,527/year (purchasing power: $27,367).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $52,545/year (purchasing power: $45,612).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$16.65/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$23.72/hr
2026 Current Est.
$25.26/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Newark (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $16.65/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $17.32/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.01/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $20.07/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $21.44/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $23.30/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $23.72/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $25.26/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $26.90/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for certified nursing assistants in Newark grew 42.5% from $16.65/hr (2019) to $23.72/hr (2025). At a 6.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $26.90/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 Newark 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 Newark
Focusing on the practicalities of earnings, a part-time certified nursing assistant working 24 hours per week would bring in roughly $31,900 annually, a difference that speaks to the value of maintaining a full-time schedule. Per diem roles increase the variability of income, as agency CNAs typically charge between $22 and $32 per hour, with weekend-only contracts often paying premium rates of $30 to $45 during times of heightened demand. Moreover, the employer type significantly impacts wages; skilled nursing facilities may offer different rates compared to hospitals or home health agencies, creating a diverse employment landscape in Newark. Some CNAs accept lower hourly compensation at facilities that provide health benefits, while others may prioritize higher pay without such perks. For those seeking to maximize their earnings, understanding the job market, being aware of shift differentials, and negotiating effectively for better rates can make a substantial difference in their overall pay experience.
More salary data for Newark, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for certified nursing assistants in Newark in 2026?
How much do part-time certified nursing assistants make in Newark?
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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 Newark. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Newark 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