How Much Does a CNA Make in New Jersey in 2026?
Typical pay for CNAs in New Jersey, from federal wage data (May 2025), with pay by city, the ten-year trend, and how the state compares.
BLS OES May 2025 · New Jersey · typical annual pay from the lowest-paid tenth to the highest-paid tenth
A typical CNA in New Jersey earns about $22.52 per hour ($46,830 per year), according to the latest government wage data (May 2025). That's about 11% above the national figure of $42,260 a year, and New Jersey ranks 10th out of 51 states and territories for CNA pay. Around 32,400 CNAs work in the state.
How much does a CNA make in New Jersey?
CNA pay by career stage in New Jersey
| Career stage | New Jersey | United States |
|---|---|---|
| Starting out | $38,900$18.70 an hour | $33,940$16.32 an hour |
| First years | $43,950$21.13 an hour | $37,260$17.91 an hour |
| Typical CNA | $46,830$22.52 an hour | $42,260$20.32 an hour |
| Experienced | $48,760$23.44 an hour | $47,220$22.70 an hour |
| Top 10% | $55,140$26.51 an hour | $51,980$24.99 an hour |
BLS OES May 2025 · starting out is the 10th percentile, first years the 25th, typical the median, experienced the 75th, top 10% the 90th
CNA pay growth in New Jersey
Typical (median) annual wage for CNAs in New Jersey · BLS OES May estimates, 2015 to 2025 · hover a bar for the year-over-year change
New Jersey's CNA pay has climbed steadily. In 2015, the typical CNA earned $27,660 a year; by 2025, that figure reached $46,830, a 69% rise over the decade. Nationally, pay rose 64% over the same stretch, so New Jersey's increase outpaced the country as a whole.
For someone starting a CNA career in New Jersey now, pay has moved up each year since 2015, though nothing guarantees that trend continues.
CNA salary by city in New Jersey
Pay varies by metro area. Newark and Jersey City lead, with CNAs there earning a typical $49,270 a year ($23.69 an hour). Vineland follows closely at $48,890. Atlantic City and Hammonton report the lowest figures in the state, at $43,080, a gap of $6,190 between the top and bottom metro areas.
As in most states, higher pay in places like Newark and Jersey City tends to track a higher cost of living, not necessarily easier work.
| # | City | Typical pay | Hourly | Vs New Jersey | CNAs employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Newark metro incl. Jersey City | $49,270 | $23.69 | +5% | 79,480 |
| 2 | Vineland | $48,890 | $23.51 | +4% | 770 |
| 3 | Camden | $46,220 | $22.22 | -1% | 30,680 |
| 4 | Trenton metro incl. Princeton | $45,980 | $22.10 | -2% | 1,690 |
| 5 | Bethlehem metro incl. Easton | $44,360 | $21.33 | -5% | 4,970 |
| 6 | Atlantic City metro incl. Hammonton | $43,080 | $20.71 | -8% | 1,450 |
Each row is one BLS metro area; cities that share a metro share its figures · BLS OES May 2025 · New Jersey typical pay $46,830
How New Jersey compares with nearby states
New Jersey compares well with its neighbors. New York pays slightly more, about 4% higher at $48,590 a year. Pennsylvania and Delaware both pay less, with Delaware trailing by 10% at $42,030. A CNA certified in one state can often test or transfer into a nearby one, so these figures are worth knowing for anyone considering work across state lines.
| State | Typical pay | Vs New Jersey |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey | $46,830 | baseline |
| New York | $48,590 | +4% |
| Pennsylvania | $44,590 | -5% |
| Delaware | $42,030 | -10% |
Bordering states, ranked by typical CNA pay · BLS OES May 2025
Is New Jersey a good state for CNAs?
CNAs in New Jersey earn a strong wage by national standards: typical pay is $46,830 a year, 11% above the national figure and the 10th highest of 51. For every 1,000 jobs in New Jersey, about 7.6 are CNA positions; nationally, the figure is closer to 9.3. That makes CNAs a smaller part of the local job market than usual, so employers draw from a smaller pool of qualified candidates. Taken together, New Jersey is one of the better-paying states for CNAs.
Summary
New Jersey CNAs earn a typical $22.52 an hour, or $46,830 a year, a figure that has climbed 69% over the past decade. For next steps, check New Jersey's state registry page for certification requirements, and look at city-level pages for local pay figures in places like Newark, Camden, or Trenton.
Frequently asked questions
- How much does a CNA make in New Jersey?
- A CNA in New Jersey typically earns **$22.52 an hour**, or about **$46,830 a year**, according to the latest government wage data (May 2025). Entry-level positions typically start lower, while experienced CNAs often earn upwards of $55,140 a year.
- How much does a CNA make an hour in New Jersey?
- The typical hourly pay for a CNA in New Jersey is **$22.52**, according to May 2025 wage data. Entry-level positions typically offer around $18.70 an hour, while experienced CNAs often earn upwards of $26.51 an hour.
- What is the starting pay for a CNA in New Jersey?
- Entry-level CNA positions in New Jersey typically offer around **$18.70 an hour**, or about $38,900 a year, according to the latest wage data. Pay rises with experience, with typical pay reaching $22.52 an hour and top earners making over $26.51 an hour.
- Which city in New Jersey pays CNAs the most?
- Newark and Jersey City report the highest CNA pay in New Jersey, at a typical **$49,270 a year** ($23.69 an hour). Vineland follows closely behind. Atlantic City and Hammonton sit at the lower end of the state, at $43,080 a year.
- Is CNA pay in New Jersey higher than the national rate?
- Yes. New Jersey's typical CNA pay of $46,830 a year runs **11% above** the national figure of $42,260, according to May 2025 wage data. The state ranks 10th out of 51 states and territories for CNA pay.