Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Waterbury, CT: $45,806 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time certified nursing assistant in Waterbury, CT earns a median $45,806/year (≈ $22.02/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Once you factor in Waterbury's price level (0% above national, BEA RPP 99.8), that paycheck buys what $45,908 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.0% below the Connecticut state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, the certified nursing assistant salary in Waterbury, CT, is projected to reach a median of $45,806, a figure that reflects the evolving landscape of healthcare compensation following the post-COVID wage reset. The range for this role spans from $41,365 at the lower end (P10) to $54,113 at the higher end (P90), illustrating the diverse opportunities within this profession. These figures are derived from 2025 BLS OEWS surveys, which indicate a substantial increase in pay reflective of the demand for qualified CNAs in a market adjusting to new economic conditions. With many employers looking to attract talent, these salary projections are crucial for prospective and current certified nursing assistants as they assess their earning potential in Waterbury's strengthening job market.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $41,365 | $19.88 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $45,050 | $21.66 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $45,806 | $22.02 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $48,830 | $23.47 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $54,113 | $26.02 |
Median Salary Position
1.78% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Waterbury
In Waterbury, CT, the certified nursing assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $12,748 (2026 est.). At $45,806, the local median is 1.78% above the national median of $45,007.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Waterbury: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Waterbury Certified Nursing Assistant Pay Compares
Waterbury median: $45,806/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Waterbury Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Connecticut Average | $47,222 | -3.00% less |
| National Average | $45,007 | +1.78% more |
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.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Waterbury has a cost of living 0.22% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Waterbury, CT has a cost-of-living index of 99.778 (below the national average of 100). A certified nursing assistant earning $45,806 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $45,908 in an average-cost city — an effective 0.22% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$30,890
2025 BLS Actual
$43,010
2026 Current Est.
$45,806
2019–2027 Growth
+57.9%
Salary 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 | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30,890 | Actual |
| 2020 | $33,180 | Actual |
| 2021 | $36,400 | Actual |
| 2022 | $36,130 | Actual |
| 2023 | $39,460 | Actual |
| 2024 | $42,780 | Actual |
| 2025 | $43,010 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $45,806 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $48,783 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Waterbury metropolitan area, the median certified nursing assistant salary grew 39.2% from $30,890 (2019) to $43,010 (2025). At a 6.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $48,783 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,893 (57.92%) from 2019.
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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $41,365 – $45,050 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $45,050 – $45,806 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $45,806 – $48,830 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $48,830 – $54,113 |
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 Waterbury
The employment landscape in Waterbury is robust, with 2,190 certified nursing assistants currently working in the area. However, the cost of living index at 99.778 means that while salaries may rise, take-home purchasing power can feel constrained compared to the national average. Most competitive compensation typically comes from skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, and specialized care settings, where rates may vary based on shift differentials—night shifts generally offering an additional $2-$4 per hour and weekends providing a $1-$3 bump. To maximize earnings, CNAs should consider seeking opportunities in agency roles, where premium pay during staffing shortages can significantly boost income, or pursuing advanced certifications, such as a CMA credential, which may provide stipend opportunities. Ultimately, understanding the dynamics of certified nursing assistant pay in Waterbury CT can empower workers to make informed career choices and position themselves effectively in a competitive market.
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
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 $43,010 for certified nursing assistantsin the Waterbury 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
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