Senior Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Chaska, MN: $56,618 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of certified nursing assistants working in Chaska, MN — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $56,618/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 31-1131. Strip back Chaska's price premium (BEA RPP 98.5, 1% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $57,480 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
A career as an experienced certified nursing assistant in Chaska, Minnesota, offers the potential for substantial earnings. With a projected annual salary for top earners (P90) reaching $56,618 in 2026, professionals with significant experience in this field can expect to enjoy a lucrative pay scale. This figure stands out even more when compared to the national top earners, reflecting the competitive nature of the market in Chaska. Furthermore, the substantial gap between the median salary of $48,869 and the higher income brackets underscores the benefits of specialized skills and extensive experience. Attaining such top-tier pay often requires a commitment to professional development and a strong track record in essential care areas, thereby enhancing one's standing in both local and state markets.
About the Chaska Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($40,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Chaska
Experienced certified nursing assistants at the top of the pay scale in Chaska earn between $52,964 and $56,618 per year (2026 est.). This $16,470 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Chaska median of $48,869 sits 8.58% above the US median.
Top CNA Salary Comparison
| Level | Chaska | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $48,869 | $45,007 |
| 75th Percentile | $52,964 | $50,289 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $56,618 | $55,359 |
In Chaska, experienced certified nursing assistants (P90) earn 15.86% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Certified Nursing Assistant Pay in Chaska
Advanced Certifications in Minnesota
MN certified nursing assistants with additional specialty certifications within the nursing field earn significantly above the $48,869 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Chaska employers.
Specialty Focus
Certified Nursing Assistants focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the nursing field in Chaska command premium compensation, often reaching the $52,964–$56,618 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Chaska 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 Chaska 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 Chaska
Clinical Certified Nursing Assistant
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Certified Nursing Assistant
5-10 yearsCertified Nursing Assistant Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedChaska ranks #35 of 44 Minnesota cities for top earner certified nursing assistant salary (90th percentile: $56,618).
Top 10% certified nursing assistant compensation in Chaska ($56,618) is 3.98% below the Minnesota average P90 ($58,963).
2019 BLS Actual
$41,544
2025 BLS Actual
$53,162
2026 Current Est.
$56,618
2019–2027 Growth
+45.1%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Chaska (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $41,544 | Actual |
| 2020 | $43,068 | Actual |
| 2021 | $45,246 | Actual |
| 2022 | $46,985 | Actual |
| 2023 | $49,889 | Actual |
| 2024 | $46,563 | Actual |
| 2025 | $53,162 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $56,618 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $60,298 | Projected |
Top-earning certified nursing assistants (90th percentile) in Chaska saw their compensation grow 28.0% from $41,544 in 2019 to $53,162 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 $60,298 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Chaska 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 Chaska
For senior certified nursing assistants in Chaska, specialized certifications can lead to premium pay, with roles such as restorative aide, medication aide, and hospice aide being particularly lucrative. Different employer types also impact compensation; those working in skilled nursing facilities and hospitals tend to earn more compared to positions in assisted living communities or home health agencies. Advancement opportunities remain abundant, with positions for charge CNAs, training coordinators, and options to bridge to LPN or RN paths. Additional credentials, such as CPR/BLS certification or specialized training in dementia care, further enhance earning potential. Additionally, seniors can benefit from non-salary compensation factors like shift differentials, weekend premiums ranging from $1 to $4 per hour, and agency pay during staffing shortages, all of which contribute to the overall financial reward for this vital workforce in Chaska, MN.
More salary data for Chaska, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced certified nursing assistants make in Chaska in 2026?
What drives higher certified nursing assistant pay in Chaska?
What certifications boost certified nursing assistant salary in Chaska?
Can experienced certified nursing assistants make six figures in Chaska?
How much does certified nursing assistant salary increase over time in Chaska?
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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 $53,162 for certified nursing assistants in the Chaska 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 Chaska 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