Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Bristol, CT: $46,845 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time certified nursing assistant in Bristol, CT earns a median $46,845/year (≈ $22.52/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Once you factor in Bristol's price level (8% above national, BEA RPP 107.9), that paycheck buys what $43,415 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.8% below the Connecticut state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the certified nursing assistant salary in Bristol is projected to be $46,845, outperforming the national median of $45,007 by 4.08%. This reflects a significant wage reset in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, establishing a new compensation baseline for this essential role. Local estimates indicate a salary range stretching from $36,073 at the lower end to as much as $58,942 for those with more experience or in higher-demand settings. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional cost conditions, provide a clear picture of the financial potential for certified nursing assistants in Bristol, CT. With a competitive market like this, there is ample opportunity for growth and advancement within the field.
About the Bristol Market
Salary estimated from Connecticut average ($42,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $36,073 | $17.34 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $42,600 | $20.48 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $46,845 | $22.52 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $53,487 | $25.72 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $58,942 | $28.34 |
Median Salary Position
4.08% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Bristol
In Bristol, CT, the certified nursing assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $22,869 (2026 est.). At $46,845, the local median is 4.08% above the national median of $45,007.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Bristol: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Bristol Certified Nursing Assistant Pay Compares
Bristol median: $46,845/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Bristol Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Connecticut Average | $47,223 | -0.80% less |
| National Average | $45,007 | +4.08% more |
Certified Nursing Assistants in Bristol, CT earn a median of $46,845 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.08% higher than the national median of $45,007 and 0.80% below the Connecticut state average of $47,223.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Bristol has a cost of living 7.90% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Bristol, CT has a cost-of-living index of 107.9 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $46,845 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $43,415 — a 7.32% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$30,871
2025 BLS Actual
$43,986
2026 Current Est.
$46,845
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Bristol (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30,871 | Actual |
| 2020 | $32,110 | Actual |
| 2021 | $31,548 | Actual |
| 2022 | $37,221 | Actual |
| 2023 | $39,760 | Actual |
| 2024 | $44,956 | Actual |
| 2025 | $43,986 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $46,845 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $49,890 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Bristol metropolitan area, the median certified nursing assistant salary grew 42.5% from $30,871 (2019) to $43,986 (2025). At a 6.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $49,890 by 2027 — a total increase of $19,019 (61.61%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bristol 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $36,073 – $42,600 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $42,600 – $46,845 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $46,845 – $53,487 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $53,487 – $58,942 |
CNA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual certified nursing assistant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Certified Nursing Assistant Job Market in Bristol
While there are only 13 certified nursing assistants currently employed in Bristol, their roles are critical in a market that also reflects a cost-of-living index of 107.9—above the national average. This higher cost of living means that take-home pay needs to align with local expenses to maintain a livable standard. Among employers in the area, skilled nursing facilities and hospitals tend to offer the highest compensation, particularly for positions demanding weekend work or night shifts, where differentials can add $2-4 per hour. Moreover, factors such as agency premium pay during staffing shortages and additional stipends for CMA certification can substantially impact earnings potential. To maximize pay in this region, certified nursing assistants should consider seeking roles in rehabilitation hospitals and explore weekend-only premium positions, which can improve overall income and facilitate pathways to LPN or RN licensure.
More salary data for Bristol, 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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $43,986 for certified nursing assistantsin the Bristol metropolitan area. A 6.50% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Bristol 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