Senior Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Burlington, IA: $46,604 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of certified nursing assistants working in Burlington, IA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $46,604/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 31-1131. Strip back Burlington's price premium (BEA RPP 90.4, 10% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $51,553 in average-cost America. The 16% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Burlington, IA, senior certified nursing assistants can earn significantly higher salaries as they accumulate experience and develop specialized skills. The top certified nursing assistant salary in Burlington is projected to reach $46,604 in 2026, with the 75th percentile earning around $43,764. This represents a notable premium compared to the median annual salary of $40,107, illustrating the financial benefits of advancing one's expertise in the field. Achieving these upper-tier salaries often requires years of dedicated service, additional certifications, and a willingness to pursue advanced roles within healthcare facilities. With a projected growth rate of 6.50% in the sector over the next five years, there are ample opportunities for experienced professionals to enhance their income potential.
About the Burlington Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($36,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Burlington
Experienced certified nursing assistants at the top of the pay scale in Burlington earn between $43,764 and $46,604 per year (2026 est.). This $12,596 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Burlington median of $40,107 sits 10.89% below the US median.
Top CNA Salary Comparison
| Level | Burlington | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $40,107 | $45,007 |
| 75th Percentile | $43,764 | $50,289 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $46,604 | $55,359 |
In Burlington, experienced certified nursing assistants (P90) earn 16.20% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Certified Nursing Assistant Pay in Burlington
Advanced Certifications in Iowa
IA certified nursing assistants with additional specialty certifications within the nursing field earn significantly above the $40,107 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Burlington employers.
Specialty Focus
Certified Nursing Assistants focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the nursing field in Burlington command premium compensation, often reaching the $43,764–$46,604 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Burlington 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 Burlington 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 Iowa 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 Burlington
Clinical Certified Nursing Assistant
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Certified Nursing Assistant
5-10 yearsCertified Nursing Assistant Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedBurlington ranks #19 of 26 Iowa cities for top earner certified nursing assistant salary (90th percentile: $46,604).
Top 10% certified nursing assistant compensation in Burlington ($46,604) is 11.06% below the Iowa average P90 ($52,399).
2019 BLS Actual
$34,196
2025 BLS Actual
$43,760
2026 Current Est.
$46,604
2019–2027 Growth
+45.1%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Burlington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $34,196 | Actual |
| 2020 | $35,451 | Actual |
| 2021 | $37,244 | Actual |
| 2022 | $38,675 | Actual |
| 2023 | $41,066 | Actual |
| 2024 | $37,438 | Actual |
| 2025 | $43,760 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $46,604 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $49,634 | Projected |
Top-earning certified nursing assistants (90th percentile) in Burlington saw their compensation grow 28.0% from $34,196 in 2019 to $43,760 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 $49,634 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Burlington 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 Burlington
Beyond salary figures, various factors contribute to the earning capacity of these senior positions in Burlington. Specializations such as restorative aide, medication aide, or dementia care can lead to premium pay, particularly in environments like skilled nursing facilities and hospice care. Compensation strategies can vary widely depending on the type of employer; for example, hospitals often provide different pay scales compared to home health agencies or rehabilitation centers. Additionally, leadership roles such as charge CNA or training coordinator can significantly elevate one's salary. Advanced certifications, including those in CPR/BLS and optional medication aide qualifications, can further boost earning potential. Non-salary compensation, like shift differentials for nights and weekends or agency premiums during staff shortages, can also make a substantial difference in overall earnings. Exploring these avenues can empower experienced certified nursing assistants to maximize their financial rewards in Burlington's evolving healthcare landscape.
More salary data for Burlington, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced certified nursing assistants make in Burlington in 2026?
What drives higher certified nursing assistant pay in Burlington?
What certifications boost certified nursing assistant salary in Burlington?
Can experienced certified nursing assistants make six figures in Burlington?
How much does certified nursing assistant salary increase over time in Burlington?
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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 $43,760 for certified nursing assistants in the Burlington 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 Burlington 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