Senior Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Leavenworth, KS: $49,409 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of certified nursing assistants working in Leavenworth, KS — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $49,409/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 31-1131. Strip back Leavenworth's price premium (BEA RPP 90.9, 9% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $54,355 in average-cost America. The 23% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Certified nursing assistants with extensive experience in Leavenworth, Kansas, have promising earning potentials as evidenced by the 2026 projected pay for top-tier professionals. Those at the 90th percentile can expect an annual income of $49,409, while the 75th percentile stands at $43,720. This reflects the substantial experience premium that distinguishes senior certified nursing assistant pay in KS from the median salary of $40,009, indicating a considerable financial incentive for those who commit to this field long-term. Reaching the highest earning brackets in Leavenworth requires dedication to professional development, including the possible pursuit of specialized roles that command higher salaries and further certifications that validate advanced skill sets.
About the Leavenworth Market
Salary estimated from Kansas average ($32,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Leavenworth
Experienced certified nursing assistants at the top of the pay scale in Leavenworth earn between $43,720 and $49,409 per year (2026 est.). This $17,410 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Leavenworth median of $40,009 sits 11.1% below the US median.
Top CNA Salary Comparison
| Level | Leavenworth | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $40,009 | $45,007 |
| 75th Percentile | $43,720 | $50,289 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $49,409 | $55,359 |
In Leavenworth, experienced certified nursing assistants (P90) earn 23.49% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Certified Nursing Assistant Pay in Leavenworth
Advanced Certifications in Kansas
KS certified nursing assistants with additional specialty certifications within the nursing field earn significantly above the $40,009 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Leavenworth employers.
Specialty Focus
Certified Nursing Assistants focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the nursing field in Leavenworth command premium compensation, often reaching the $43,720–$49,409 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Leavenworth 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 Leavenworth 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 Kansas 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 Leavenworth
Clinical Certified Nursing Assistant
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Certified Nursing Assistant
5-10 yearsCertified Nursing Assistant Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedLeavenworth ranks #8 of 22 Kansas cities for top earner certified nursing assistant salary (90th percentile: $49,409).
Top 10% certified nursing assistant compensation in Leavenworth ($49,409) is 1.82% above the Kansas average P90 ($48,528).
2019 BLS Actual
$36,254
2025 BLS Actual
$46,393
2026 Current Est.
$49,409
2019–2027 Growth
+45.1%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Leavenworth (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $36,254 | Actual |
| 2020 | $37,584 | Actual |
| 2021 | $39,485 | Actual |
| 2022 | $41,002 | Actual |
| 2023 | $43,537 | Actual |
| 2024 | $36,190 | Actual |
| 2025 | $46,393 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49,409 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $52,620 | Projected |
Top-earning certified nursing assistants (90th percentile) in Leavenworth saw their compensation grow 28.0% from $36,254 in 2019 to $46,393 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 $52,620 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Leavenworth 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 Leavenworth
Salaries for senior certified nursing assistants can vary greatly depending on their area of specialization and workplace. In Leavenworth, specialized roles such as restorative aide, medication aide, and hospice aide can yield additional financial benefits. Employers, ranging from skilled nursing facilities to hospitals and home health agencies, often offer different compensation structures, with skilled nursing facilities typically providing more stable pay, while hospitals and rehabilitation centers may offer compelling shift differentials or premiums for weekend shifts. Advancement opportunities for experienced CNAs often include roles such as charge CNA or patient care coordinator, with pathways available to transition into licensed practical nursing or registered nursing. In this context, advanced certifications like CPR/BLS and optional medication aide designation can enhance earning potential significantly. Moreover, in environments experiencing staff shortages or high patient acuity, additional compensation may be available, making the pursuit of a senior certified nursing assistant career in Leavenworth not only viable but also rewarding.
More salary data for Leavenworth, KS:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced certified nursing assistants make in Leavenworth in 2026?
What drives higher certified nursing assistant pay in Leavenworth?
What certifications boost certified nursing assistant salary in Leavenworth?
Can experienced certified nursing assistants make six figures in Leavenworth?
How much does certified nursing assistant salary increase over time in Leavenworth?
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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 $46,393 for certified nursing assistants in the Leavenworth 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 Leavenworth 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