Senior Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Kahului, HI: $60,524 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of certified nursing assistants working in Kahului, HI — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $60,524/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 31-1131. Strip back Kahului's price premium (BEA RPP 109.4, 9% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $55,327 in average-cost America. The 19% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Official BLS data · View source
Kahului offers a robust earning potential for experienced certified nursing assistants, with the top certified nursing assistant salary projected to be $60,524 in 2026. This figure not only positions Kahului above the national median of $45,007 but also highlights a significant experience premium in the local market. The disparity between the median annual salary of $50,726 and the higher earnings of top earners suggests that experienced professionals who possess specialized skills or advanced certifications can command notably larger salaries. In an increasingly competitive landscape, those aiming for this high-tier compensation must consistently pursue training opportunities and certifications that enhance their qualifications and marketability.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Kahului
Experienced certified nursing assistants at the top of the pay scale in Kahului earn between $51,195 and $60,524 per year (2026 est.). This $18,712 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Kahului median of $50,726 sits 12.71% above the US median.
Top CNA Salary Comparison
| Level | Kahului | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $50,726 | $45,007 |
| 75th Percentile | $51,195 | $50,289 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $60,524 | $55,359 |
In Kahului, experienced certified nursing assistants (P90) earn 19.32% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Certified Nursing Assistant Pay in Kahului
Advanced Certifications in Hawaii
HI certified nursing assistants with additional specialty certifications within the nursing field earn significantly above the $50,726 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Kahului employers.
Specialty Focus
Certified Nursing Assistants focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the nursing field in Kahului command premium compensation, often reaching the $51,195–$60,524 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Kahului 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 Kahului with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this competitive 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 Kahului
Clinical Certified Nursing Assistant
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Certified Nursing Assistant
5-10 yearsCertified Nursing Assistant Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedKahului ranks #9 of 10 Hawaii cities for top earner certified nursing assistant salary (90th percentile: $60,524).
Top 10% certified nursing assistant compensation in Kahului ($60,524) is 6.62% above the Hawaii average P90 ($56,765).
2019 BLS Actual
$53,190
2025 BLS Actual
$56,830
2026 Current Est.
$60,524
2019–2027 Growth
+21.2%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Kahului (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $53,190 | Actual |
| 2020 | $41,280 | Actual |
| 2021 | $39,650 | Actual |
| 2022 | $48,900 | Actual |
| 2023 | $54,430 | Actual |
| 2024 | $55,520 | Actual |
| 2025 | $56,830 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $60,524 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $64,458 | Projected |
Top-earning certified nursing assistants (90th percentile) in Kahului saw their compensation grow 6.8% from $53,190 in 2019 to $56,830 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 $64,458 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Kahului 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 Kahului
In Kahului, various specializations are key to unlocking higher pay for senior certified nursing assistants. Roles such as restorative aide, medication aide, and those with certifications in dementia care or hospice setting often come with increased compensation. Different employer types also influence salaries; for instance, skilled nursing facilities and hospitals typically offer varied compensation structures based on the roles involved, such as working in medical/surgical floors versus intensive care units. Advancement opportunities abound, with pathways leading to roles like charge CNA or scheduling coordinator, and certifications can further enhance a CNA's earning potential. Additionally, various non-salary benefits, such as shift differentials for night and weekend work, premium pay during staffing shortages, and stipends for advanced certifications, can further boost overall compensation in this vibrant HI market.
More salary data for Kahului, HI:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced certified nursing assistants make in Kahului in 2026?
What drives higher certified nursing assistant pay in Kahului?
What certifications boost certified nursing assistant salary in Kahului?
Can experienced certified nursing assistants make six figures in Kahului?
How much does certified nursing assistant salary increase over time in Kahului?
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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 $56,830 for certified nursing assistants in the Kahului 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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