Senior Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Manhattan, KS: $49,831 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of certified nursing assistants working in Manhattan, KS — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $49,831/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 31-1131. Strip back Manhattan's price premium (BEA RPP 90.2, 10% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $55,268 in average-cost America. The 30% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, senior certified nursing assistants in Manhattan, Kansas, have the potential to earn top salaries, with the highest tier (P90) reaching $49,831 annually and the 75th percentile income at $46,945. This upper-range compensation reflects a significant experience premium over the median annual salary of $38,425. The gap between the median and top earners highlights how specialized skills and years of experience can dramatically influence earning potential in this market. Achieving such senior-level pay may require consistent performance, obtaining advanced certifications, or taking on additional responsibilities that elevate one's role in healthcare settings.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Manhattan
Experienced certified nursing assistants at the top of the pay scale in Manhattan earn between $46,945 and $49,831 per year (2026 est.). This $16,507 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Manhattan median of $38,425 sits 14.62% below the US median.
Top CNA Salary Comparison
| Level | Manhattan | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $38,425 | $45,007 |
| 75th Percentile | $46,945 | $50,289 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $49,831 | $55,359 |
In Manhattan, experienced certified nursing assistants (P90) earn 29.68% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Certified Nursing Assistant Pay in Manhattan
Advanced Certifications in Kansas
KS certified nursing assistants with additional specialty certifications within the nursing field earn significantly above the $38,425 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Manhattan employers.
Specialty Focus
Certified Nursing Assistants focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the nursing field in Manhattan command premium compensation, often reaching the $46,945–$49,831 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Manhattan metro area, which is a large CNA employment market, 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 Manhattan 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 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 Manhattan
Clinical Certified Nursing Assistant
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Certified Nursing Assistant
5-10 yearsCertified Nursing Assistant Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedManhattan ranks #5 of 22 Kansas cities for top earner certified nursing assistant salary (90th percentile: $49,831).
Top 10% certified nursing assistant compensation in Manhattan ($49,831) is 2.69% above the Kansas average P90 ($48,528).
2019 BLS Actual
$31,150
2025 BLS Actual
$46,790
2026 Current Est.
$49,831
2019–2027 Growth
+70.4%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Manhattan (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31,150 | Actual |
| 2020 | $31,750 | Actual |
| 2021 | $36,260 | Actual |
| 2022 | $37,260 | Actual |
| 2023 | $43,310 | Actual |
| 2024 | $44,510 | Actual |
| 2025 | $46,790 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49,831 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $53,070 | Projected |
Top-earning certified nursing assistants (90th percentile) in Manhattan saw their compensation grow 50.2% from $31,150 in 2019 to $46,790 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 $53,070 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Manhattan 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 Manhattan
To elevate their income further, experienced CNAs may consider specializations that command higher pay, such as becoming a restorative aide, medication aide, or specializing in dementia care. Employers across various sectors—including skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, and home health agencies—offer differing compensation structures based on the complexity of care and setting. Senior-level pathways often lead to roles such as charge CNA or training coordinator, as well as opportunities for advancement through bridge programs from CNA to LPN or RN. Earning additional credentials can significantly enhance salary potential in KS. Non-salary compensation drivers—including shift differentials and weekend premiums—also boost overall earnings. As the market evolves post-COVID, savvy CNAs may take advantage of these factors to maximize their career growth and compensation in Manhattan.
More salary data for Manhattan, KS:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced certified nursing assistants make in Manhattan in 2026?
What drives higher certified nursing assistant pay in Manhattan?
What certifications boost certified nursing assistant salary in Manhattan?
Can experienced certified nursing assistants make six figures in Manhattan?
How much does certified nursing assistant salary increase over time in Manhattan?
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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 $46,790 for certified nursing assistants in the Manhattan 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