Senior Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Peoria, AZ: $61,204 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of certified nursing assistants working in Peoria, AZ — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $61,204/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 31-1131. Strip back Peoria's price premium (BEA RPP 98.5, 1% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $62,136 in average-cost America. The 30% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Senior certified nursing assistants in Peoria, AZ, have significant earning potential, particularly for those achieving top-tier salaries. The projected salary range for experienced professionals in this role highlights a considerable gap between the median annual salary of $46,955 and the top earners who can make as much as $61,204 in 2026. This disparity signals not only the impressive opportunities available in the area but also the experience premium attributed to professionals with over seven years in the field. To reach these top earnings, CNAs often expand their skills through certifications in specialized areas, positioning themselves favorably against both local and national averages. Interestingly, Peoria's top certified nursing assistant salary surpasses the national top figures, making it a competitive market for seasoned professionals.
About the Peoria Market
Salary estimated from Arizona average ($39,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Peoria
Experienced certified nursing assistants at the top of the pay scale in Peoria earn between $51,861 and $61,204 per year (2026 est.). This $25,031 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Peoria median of $46,955 sits 4.33% above the US median.
Top CNA Salary Comparison
| Level | Peoria | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $46,955 | $45,007 |
| 75th Percentile | $51,861 | $50,289 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $61,204 | $55,359 |
In Peoria, experienced certified nursing assistants (P90) earn 30.35% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Certified Nursing Assistant Pay in Peoria
Advanced Certifications in Arizona
AZ certified nursing assistants with additional specialty certifications within the nursing field earn significantly above the $46,955 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Peoria employers.
Specialty Focus
Certified Nursing Assistants focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the nursing field in Peoria command premium compensation, often reaching the $51,861–$61,204 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Peoria metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced certified nursing assistants who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured certified nursing assistants in Peoria with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Certified Nursing Assistants in Arizona who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Certified Nursing Assistant Career & Wage Growth Path in Peoria
Clinical Certified Nursing Assistant
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Certified Nursing Assistant
5-10 yearsCertified Nursing Assistant Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedPeoria ranks #6 of 33 Arizona cities for top earner certified nursing assistant salary (90th percentile: $61,204).
Top 10% certified nursing assistant compensation in Peoria ($61,204) is 0.76% below the Arizona average P90 ($61,674).
2019 BLS Actual
$44,909
2025 BLS Actual
$57,469
2026 Current Est.
$61,204
2019–2027 Growth
+45.1%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Peoria (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $44,909 | Actual |
| 2020 | $46,557 | Actual |
| 2021 | $48,912 | Actual |
| 2022 | $50,791 | Actual |
| 2023 | $53,931 | Actual |
| 2024 | $52,712 | Actual |
| 2025 | $57,469 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $61,204 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $65,183 | Projected |
Top-earning certified nursing assistants (90th percentile) in Peoria saw their compensation grow 28.0% from $44,909 in 2019 to $57,469 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 6.50% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $65,183 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Peoria 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.
Maximizing Your Certified Nursing Assistant Earnings in Peoria
In Peoria, certain specializations help experienced certified nursing assistants elevate their pay. Roles such as restorative aides or certified medication aides (CMA) command higher wages, particularly in skilled nursing facilities and hospitals. Senior-level compensation can vary considerably based on the employer type; for instance, CNAs in rehabilitation hospitals or dialysis centers often see enhanced pay compared to those in home health agencies. Furthermore, advancement opportunities available at this career stage, such as transitioning into charge nurse assistant roles or pursuing a CNA-to-LPN bridge, can lead to even greater salary increases. Acquiring advanced credentials, including CPR/BLS certifications or hospice aide endorsements, boosts earning potential in this competitive landscape. Additionally, factors like shift differentials and agency pay during staffing shortages can further enhance compensation in the senior certified nursing assistant pay structure across Arizona.
More salary data for Peoria, AZ:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced certified nursing assistants make in Peoria in 2026?
What drives higher certified nursing assistant pay in Peoria?
What certifications boost certified nursing assistant salary in Peoria?
Can experienced certified nursing assistants make six figures in Peoria?
How much does certified nursing assistant salary increase over time in Peoria?
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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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $57,469 for certified nursing assistants in the Peoria metro area. A 6.50% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Peoria 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