Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Trenton, NJ: $48,969 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time certified nursing assistant in Trenton, NJ earns a median $48,969/year (≈ $23.54/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Once you factor in Trenton's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.2), that paycheck buys what $47,460 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.6% below the New Jersey state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, the certified nursing assistant salary in Trenton, NJ, reaches a median annual figure of $48,969, significantly outpacing the national median of $45,007. The salary range reflects the diversity of roles within this field, stretching from $41,631 at the lower end (P10) to $52,590 at the higher end (P90). This data is based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, highlighting a notable 6.50% growth rate in the market. The competitive pay structure may be influenced by the local demand for CNAs, particularly as many hospitals and skilled nursing facilities offer differential pay rates to attract talent. The choice between working in skilled nursing facilities versus hospitals often dictates the pay scales, with hospitals generally providing higher compensation for more complex roles.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $41,631 | $20.01 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $45,657 | $21.95 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $48,969 | $23.54 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $51,014 | $24.53 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $52,590 | $25.28 |
Median Salary Position
8.80% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Trenton
In Trenton, NJ, the certified nursing assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $10,959 (2026 est.). At $48,969, the local median is 8.8% above the national median of $45,007.
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At 40 hours/week in Trenton: You'd be above the median
How Trenton Certified Nursing Assistant Pay Compares
Trenton median: $48,969/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Trenton Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey Average | $51,874 | -5.60% less |
| National Average | $45,007 | +8.80% more |
Certified Nursing Assistants in Trenton, NJ earn a median of $48,969 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.80% higher than the national median of $45,007 and 5.60% below the New Jersey state average of $51,874.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Trenton has a cost of living 3.18% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Trenton, NJ has a cost-of-living index of 103.18 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $48,969 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $47,460 — a 3.08% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$29,710
2025 BLS Actual
$45,980
2026 Current Est.
$48,969
2019–2027 Growth
+75.5%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Trenton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29,710 | Actual |
| 2020 | $31,590 | Actual |
| 2021 | $36,230 | Actual |
| 2022 | $35,600 | Actual |
| 2023 | $39,440 | Actual |
| 2024 | $45,400 | Actual |
| 2025 | $45,980 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $48,969 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $52,152 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Trenton metropolitan area, the median certified nursing assistant salary grew 54.8% from $29,710 (2019) to $45,980 (2025). At a 6.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $52,152 by 2027 — a total increase of $22,442 (75.54%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Trenton 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) | $41,631 – $45,657 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $45,657 – $48,969 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $48,969 – $51,014 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $51,014 – $52,590 |
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 Trenton
Current employment data indicates about 1,690 certified nursing assistants in Trenton, reflecting solid job prospects. The area's cost of living index stands at 103.18, suggesting that while take-home salaries are relatively favorable, they must be weighed against local living expenses. Among various employers, hospitals typically offer the highest compensation due to their staffing needs and the acuity of care required. Factors such as shift differentials, with nights and weekends often commanding premiums of $2-4 and $1-3 per hour respectively, can significantly enhance overall earnings. Additionally, CMAs with specialty certifications might find themselves eligible for stipends. For those aiming to maximize their income, seeking out roles in high-need areas, considering agency work during staffing shortages, or targeting weekend-only shifts can be effective strategies in the competitive CNA job market in Trenton.
More salary data for Trenton, NJ:
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 $45,980 for certified nursing assistantsin the Trenton 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