As a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in New Jersey City, you can expect competitive compensation for your valuable contributions to the healthcare field. The exact pay rate for CNAs can vary based on factors such as experience, location, and the specific healthcare setting. Being in the greater metro New York area means two things - a high cost of living, but also higher than average pay. While the national average CNA salary is $36,220, a CNA in New Jersey City makes $44,720 on average.