Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Newark, DE: $45,477 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time certified nursing assistant in Newark, DE earns a median $45,477/year (≈ $21.86/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Once you factor in Newark's price level (2% above national, BEA RPP 101.7), that paycheck buys what $44,717 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.6% below the Delaware state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Newark, Delaware, a certified nursing assistant can expect a median annual salary of $45,477 in 2026, which positions the local pay slightly above the national median of $45,007. The salary range for this role varies significantly from $37,770 at the 10th percentile to $53,168 at the 90th percentile, reflecting the differences in employer settings and levels of experience. These figures are derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS data and regional price adjustments. While skilled nursing facilities may provide a stable environment, hospitals often offer higher compensation for certified nursing assistants, particularly those working on medical-surgical floors or in intensive care units. This dynamic creates a competitive job market in Newark, making it essential for prospective CNAs to understand where they can maximize their earning potential.
About the Newark Market
Salary estimated from Delaware average ($38,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,770 | $18.16 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40,452 | $19.45 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $45,477 | $21.86 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $49,580 | $23.83 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $53,168 | $25.56 |
Median Salary Position
1.04% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Newark
In Newark, DE, the certified nursing assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $15,398 (2026 est.). At $45,477, the local median is 1.04% above the national median of $45,007.
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At 40 hours/week in Newark: You'd be above the median
How Newark Certified Nursing Assistant Pay Compares
Newark median: $45,477/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Newark Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Delaware Average | $45,751 | -0.60% less |
| National Average | $45,007 | +1.04% more |
Certified Nursing Assistants in Newark, DE earn a median of $45,477 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.04% higher than the national median of $45,007 and 0.60% below the Delaware state average of $45,751.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Newark has a cost of living 1.70% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Newark, DE has a cost-of-living index of 101.7 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $45,477 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $44,717 — a 1.67% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$29,970
2025 BLS Actual
$42,701
2026 Current Est.
$45,477
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Salary 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 | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29,970 | Actual |
| 2020 | $31,172 | Actual |
| 2021 | $30,626 | Actual |
| 2022 | $36,133 | Actual |
| 2023 | $38,599 | Actual |
| 2024 | $38,397 | Actual |
| 2025 | $42,701 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $45,477 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $48,433 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Newark metropolitan area, the median certified nursing assistant salary grew 42.5% from $29,970 (2019) to $42,701 (2025). At a 6.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $48,433 by 2027 — a total increase of $18,463 (61.60%) from 2019.
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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $37,770 – $40,452 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $40,452 – $45,477 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $45,477 – $49,580 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $49,580 – $53,168 |
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 Newark
The local job market for certified nursing assistants in Newark is relatively small, with only five CNAs currently employed in the area. The cost of living index stands at 101.7, indicating that housing and daily expenses are slightly above the national average, which can impact take-home pay. In terms of employer compensation, skilled nursing facilities and dialysis centers tend to offer the most competitive salaries, while home health agencies may lag. Factors influencing the pay gap include shift differentials, which can add $2-4 per hour for night shifts and $1-3 for weekends, as well as premium rates for agency staffing during shortages. Additionally, CNAs pursuing certification as a CMA can earn stipends that further enhance their wages. To maximize earning potential in Newark, aspiring CNAs should consider seeking night and weekend shifts, exploring agency roles, and focusing on bridging opportunities to LPN and RN programs, which can lead to higher-paying positions in the healthcare field.
More salary data for Newark, DE:
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 $42,701 for certified nursing assistantsin the Newark 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 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