Senior Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Bloomington, MN: $61,191 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of certified nursing assistants working in Bloomington, MN — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $61,191/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 31-1131. Strip back Bloomington's price premium (BEA RPP 98.5, 1% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $62,123 in average-cost America. The 22% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Senior certified nursing assistants in Bloomington, MN, are positioned to earn significant salaries, with top-tier professionals commanding annual wages up to $61,191. This salary range indicates a robust compensation potential for experienced workers and highlights how those in the 90th percentile greatly benefit from the skills and expertise developed over their careers. With a median annual salary of $50,235, the gap between the middle and top earners underscores the value of experience and specialization. Achieving such earnings often entails not only years of dedicated service but also acquiring specialized skills and certifications that enhance a CNA's marketability in the healthcare field.
About the Bloomington Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($40,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Bloomington
Experienced certified nursing assistants at the top of the pay scale in Bloomington earn between $56,110 and $61,191 per year (2026 est.). This $20,129 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Bloomington median of $50,235 sits 11.62% above the US median.
Top CNA Salary Comparison
| Level | Bloomington | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $50,235 | $45,007 |
| 75th Percentile | $56,110 | $50,289 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $61,191 | $55,359 |
In Bloomington, experienced certified nursing assistants (P90) earn 21.81% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Certified Nursing Assistant Pay in Bloomington
Advanced Certifications in Minnesota
MN certified nursing assistants with additional specialty certifications within the nursing field earn significantly above the $50,235 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Bloomington employers.
Specialty Focus
Certified Nursing Assistants focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the nursing field in Bloomington command premium compensation, often reaching the $56,110–$61,191 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Bloomington 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 Bloomington 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 Minnesota 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 Bloomington
Clinical Certified Nursing Assistant
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Certified Nursing Assistant
5-10 yearsCertified Nursing Assistant Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedBloomington ranks #6 of 44 Minnesota cities for top earner certified nursing assistant salary (90th percentile: $61,191).
Top 10% certified nursing assistant compensation in Bloomington ($61,191) is 3.78% above the Minnesota average P90 ($58,963).
2019 BLS Actual
$44,899
2025 BLS Actual
$57,456
2026 Current Est.
$61,191
2019–2027 Growth
+45.1%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Bloomington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $44,899 | Actual |
| 2020 | $46,546 | Actual |
| 2021 | $48,901 | Actual |
| 2022 | $50,780 | Actual |
| 2023 | $53,919 | Actual |
| 2024 | $48,142 | Actual |
| 2025 | $57,456 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $61,191 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $65,168 | Projected |
Top-earning certified nursing assistants (90th percentile) in Bloomington saw their compensation grow 28.0% from $44,899 in 2019 to $57,456 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 $65,168 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bloomington 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 Bloomington
For those seeking to maximize their earning potential as a senior certified nursing assistant, certain specialties can command premium pay in Bloomington, such as restorative aide, medication aide (where certified), and positions within hospice and dialysis care. Employer type plays a significant role in salary variation; for example, skilled nursing facilities and hospitals typically offer different compensation tiers compared to home health agencies or assisted living communities. Moreover, advancement opportunities abound for CNAs, with viable paths leading to roles such as charge CNA or training coordinator, along with bridge programs to become an LPN or RN. Certifications, including CPR/BLS and optional medication aide qualifications, further enhance earning prospects. Additionally, experienced CNAs can often take advantage of shift differentials and premium pay opportunities, particularly during staffing shortages, making the senior certified nursing assistant pay in MN an attractive prospect for committed healthcare professionals.
More salary data for Bloomington, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced certified nursing assistants make in Bloomington in 2026?
What drives higher certified nursing assistant pay in Bloomington?
What certifications boost certified nursing assistant salary in Bloomington?
Can experienced certified nursing assistants make six figures in Bloomington?
How much does certified nursing assistant salary increase over time in Bloomington?
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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 $57,456 for certified nursing assistants in the Bloomington 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 Bloomington 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