Senior Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Sunrise, FL: $46,684 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of certified nursing assistants working in Sunrise, FL — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $46,684/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 31-1131. Strip back Sunrise's price premium (BEA RPP 100.8, 1% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $46,313 in average-cost America. The 22% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Sunrise, Florida, experienced certified nursing assistants have the potential to earn significantly more than their less seasoned counterparts, with salaries reaching as high as $46,684 for the top earners in 2026. The median annual salary is projected to be $38,271, highlighting a clear income gap that rewards senior professionals for their extensive experience in the field. Achieving a top-tier salary in this market requires not only years of hands-on patient care but also a proactive approach to professional development, such as pursuing additional certifications and specializations. As demand for skilled nursing staff continues to rise, motivated CNAs in Sunrise can position themselves to capitalize on these advanced pay scales and enhance their earning potential within the healthcare landscape.
About the Sunrise Market
Salary estimated from Florida average ($35,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Sunrise
Experienced certified nursing assistants at the top of the pay scale in Sunrise earn between $42,698 and $46,684 per year (2026 est.). This $15,564 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Sunrise median of $38,271 sits 14.97% below the US median.
Top CNA Salary Comparison
| Level | Sunrise | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $38,271 | $45,007 |
| 75th Percentile | $42,698 | $50,289 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $46,684 | $55,359 |
In Sunrise, experienced certified nursing assistants (P90) earn 21.98% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Certified Nursing Assistant Pay in Sunrise
Advanced Certifications in Florida
FL certified nursing assistants with additional specialty certifications within the nursing field earn significantly above the $38,271 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Sunrise employers.
Specialty Focus
Certified Nursing Assistants focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the nursing field in Sunrise command premium compensation, often reaching the $42,698–$46,684 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Sunrise 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 Sunrise 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 Sunrise
Clinical Certified Nursing Assistant
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Certified Nursing Assistant
5-10 yearsCertified Nursing Assistant Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedSunrise ranks #60 of 87 Florida cities for top earner certified nursing assistant salary (90th percentile: $46,684).
Top 10% certified nursing assistant compensation in Sunrise ($46,684) is 4.94% below the Florida average P90 ($49,111).
2019 BLS Actual
$34,255
2025 BLS Actual
$43,835
2026 Current Est.
$46,684
2019–2027 Growth
+45.1%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Sunrise (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $34,255 | Actual |
| 2020 | $35,512 | Actual |
| 2021 | $37,308 | Actual |
| 2022 | $38,741 | Actual |
| 2023 | $41,136 | Actual |
| 2024 | $43,136 | Actual |
| 2025 | $43,835 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $46,684 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $49,719 | Projected |
Top-earning certified nursing assistants (90th percentile) in Sunrise saw their compensation grow 28.0% from $34,255 in 2019 to $43,835 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 $49,719 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Sunrise 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 Sunrise
Several factors contribute to the senior certified nursing assistant pay landscape in FL, particularly for those specializing in high-demand areas such as restorative aide, medication aide, dementia care, and hospice care. Compensation tends to vary by employer type, with skilled nursing facilities and hospitals offering different pay scales than home health agencies or assisted living communities. Career advancement options also exist, enabling seasoned CNAs to transition into roles like charge CNA or training coordinator, or to bridge into licensed practical nursing or registered nursing through formal programs. Advanced credentials, such as state CNA certification and specialized training, further enhance earning potential. Other non-salary compensation drivers, like shift differentials for nights and weekends and premiums during staffing shortages, often complement the base pay, making the total compensation package more appealing for those in senior positions.
More salary data for Sunrise, FL:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced certified nursing assistants make in Sunrise in 2026?
What drives higher certified nursing assistant pay in Sunrise?
What certifications boost certified nursing assistant salary in Sunrise?
Can experienced certified nursing assistants make six figures in Sunrise?
How much does certified nursing assistant salary increase over time in Sunrise?
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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 $43,835 for certified nursing assistants in the Sunrise 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 Sunrise 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