Senior Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Hilo, HI: $61,639 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of certified nursing assistants working in Hilo, HI — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $61,639/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 31-1131. Strip back Hilo's price premium (BEA RPP 119.3, 19% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $51,667 in average-cost America. The 21% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Hilo, HI, the experienced certified nursing assistant salary establishes a remarkable benchmark, with top-tier professionals earning as much as $61,639 in 2026. This figure significantly surpasses the national P90 for certified nursing assistants, illustrating the advantages of working in this region. The difference between the median annual salary of $50,951 and the highest earners’ pay indicates a substantial experience premium, rewarding those with 7 or more years in the field. To command such salaries, nursing assistants typically engage in ongoing education, seek specialized certifications, or transition into roles that leverage their expertise within various healthcare environments.
About the Hilo Market
Salary estimated from Hawaii average ($42,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Hilo
Experienced certified nursing assistants at the top of the pay scale in Hilo earn between $56,964 and $61,639 per year (2026 est.). This $18,987 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Hilo median of $50,951 sits 13.21% above the US median.
Top CNA Salary Comparison
| Level | Hilo | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $50,951 | $45,007 |
| 75th Percentile | $56,964 | $50,289 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $61,639 | $55,359 |
In Hilo, experienced certified nursing assistants (P90) earn 20.98% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Certified Nursing Assistant Pay in Hilo
Advanced Certifications in Hawaii
HI certified nursing assistants with additional specialty certifications within the nursing field earn significantly above the $50,951 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Hilo employers.
Specialty Focus
Certified Nursing Assistants focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the nursing field in Hilo command premium compensation, often reaching the $56,964–$61,639 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Hilo 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 Hilo 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 Hawaii 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 Hilo
Clinical Certified Nursing Assistant
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Certified Nursing Assistant
5-10 yearsCertified Nursing Assistant Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedHilo ranks #8 of 10 Hawaii cities for top earner certified nursing assistant salary (90th percentile: $61,639).
Top 10% certified nursing assistant compensation in Hilo ($61,639) is 8.59% above the Hawaii average P90 ($56,765).
2019 BLS Actual
$45,228
2025 BLS Actual
$57,877
2026 Current Est.
$61,639
2019–2027 Growth
+45.1%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Hilo (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $45,228 | Actual |
| 2020 | $46,887 | Actual |
| 2021 | $49,259 | Actual |
| 2022 | $51,152 | Actual |
| 2023 | $54,314 | Actual |
| 2024 | $59,293 | Actual |
| 2025 | $57,877 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $61,639 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $65,646 | Projected |
Top-earning certified nursing assistants (90th percentile) in Hilo saw their compensation grow 28.0% from $45,228 in 2019 to $57,877 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 $65,646 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Hilo 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 Hilo
For those aiming to maximize their earning potential in Hilo, certain specializations can lead to higher compensation. Roles such as restorative aides, medication aides, and hospice specialists often attract premium pay due to their specialized skill sets. Compensation also varies significantly based on the type of employer; for instance, skilled nursing facilities and hospitals may offer different salary scales compared to home health agencies or assisted living communities. Advancement opportunities abound for seasoned CNAs, with paths leading to positions like charge CNA or training coordinator, and bridging into LPN or RN roles can further enhance earning capabilities. Beyond base salary, additional compensation factors like shift differentials, especially for nights and weekends, as well as stipends for certifications, can contribute to overall income growth, making these avenues critical for those pursuing senior certified nursing assistant pay in HI.
More salary data for Hilo, HI:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced certified nursing assistants make in Hilo in 2026?
What drives higher certified nursing assistant pay in Hilo?
What certifications boost certified nursing assistant salary in Hilo?
Can experienced certified nursing assistants make six figures in Hilo?
How much does certified nursing assistant salary increase over time in Hilo?
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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 $57,877 for certified nursing assistants in the Hilo 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 Hilo 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