Senior Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Daytona Beach, FL: $48,576 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of certified nursing assistants working in Daytona Beach, FL — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $48,576/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 31-1131. Strip back Daytona Beach's price premium (BEA RPP 100.8, 1% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $48,190 in average-cost America. The 26% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
With an impressive potential salary of $48,576 at the higher end, experienced certified nursing assistants in Daytona Beach can achieve top-tier pay that reflects their level of expertise and dedication. The $44,079 earned by professionals in the 75th percentile demonstrates a significant advantage for those with extensive experience, especially when compared to the median salary of $38,680. This gap suggests that seasoned CNAs who have invested over seven years in their careers can capitalize on advanced skills and specializations to elevate their earning potential. Those aspiring to reach these upper echelons of the salary scale need a combination of valuable certifications and relentless commitment to continued education, making targeted choices in their professional development crucial.
About the Daytona Beach Market
Salary estimated from Florida average ($35,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Daytona Beach
Experienced certified nursing assistants at the top of the pay scale in Daytona Beach earn between $44,079 and $48,576 per year (2026 est.). This $16,920 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Daytona Beach median of $38,680 sits 14.06% below the US median.
Top CNA Salary Comparison
| Level | Daytona Beach | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $38,680 | $45,007 |
| 75th Percentile | $44,079 | $50,289 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $48,576 | $55,359 |
In Daytona Beach, experienced certified nursing assistants (P90) earn 25.58% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Certified Nursing Assistant Pay in Daytona Beach
Advanced Certifications in Florida
FL certified nursing assistants with additional specialty certifications within the nursing field earn significantly above the $38,680 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Daytona Beach employers.
Specialty Focus
Certified Nursing Assistants focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the nursing field in Daytona Beach command premium compensation, often reaching the $44,079–$48,576 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Daytona Beach 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 Daytona Beach 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 Florida 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 Daytona Beach
Clinical Certified Nursing Assistant
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Certified Nursing Assistant
5-10 yearsCertified Nursing Assistant Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedDaytona Beach ranks #35 of 87 Florida cities for top earner certified nursing assistant salary (90th percentile: $48,576).
Top 10% certified nursing assistant compensation in Daytona Beach ($48,576) is 1.09% below the Florida average P90 ($49,111).
2019 BLS Actual
$35,643
2025 BLS Actual
$45,611
2026 Current Est.
$48,576
2019–2027 Growth
+45.1%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Daytona Beach (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $35,643 | Actual |
| 2020 | $36,950 | Actual |
| 2021 | $38,819 | Actual |
| 2022 | $40,311 | Actual |
| 2023 | $42,803 | Actual |
| 2024 | $44,433 | Actual |
| 2025 | $45,611 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $48,576 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $51,733 | Projected |
Top-earning certified nursing assistants (90th percentile) in Daytona Beach saw their compensation grow 28.0% from $35,643 in 2019 to $45,611 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 $51,733 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Daytona Beach 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 Daytona Beach
In Daytona Beach, premium pay opportunities arise for senior certified nursing assistants through specializations such as restorative aide, medication aide, and dementia care. Distinct employer types create variations in compensation; for example, those working in skilled nursing facilities or hospitals might have different pay structures compared to home health agencies or hospice services. Leadership paths are also accessible, with options for CNAs to move into roles such as charge CNA, training coordinator, or administrative positions that further enhance earning potential. Pursuing additional credentials, including CPR/BLS or certifications in hospice care, plays a significant role in boosting overall pay. Furthermore, non-salary incentives like shift differentials and agency premium pay during staffing shortages are important considerations for senior-level professionals, reflecting the competitive nature of the healthcare market in Florida.
More salary data for Daytona Beach, FL:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced certified nursing assistants make in Daytona Beach in 2026?
What drives higher certified nursing assistant pay in Daytona Beach?
What certifications boost certified nursing assistant salary in Daytona Beach?
Can experienced certified nursing assistants make six figures in Daytona Beach?
How much does certified nursing assistant salary increase over time in Daytona Beach?
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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 $45,611 for certified nursing assistants in the Daytona Beach 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 Daytona Beach 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