Senior Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Faribault, MN: $55,499 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of certified nursing assistants working in Faribault, MN — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $55,499/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 31-1131. Strip back Faribault's price premium (BEA RPP 98.5, 1% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $56,344 in average-cost America. The 19% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, an experienced certified nursing assistant in Faribault, MN, can expect to see a significant salary potential, particularly for those at the higher end of the pay scale. Top earners in this field are projected to make $55,499 annually, while the 75th percentile stands at $51,866. This presents an enticing opportunity for skilled professionals who want to leverage their extensive experience for top-tier pay compared to the city’s median salary of $46,710. Building a career to reach these upper echelons often involves not just years of service but also acquiring specialized skills and certifications that enhance one’s marketability. By focusing on advanced roles and specialized training, experienced CNAs can successfully bridge into higher-paying positions and negotiate salaries that align with their expertise.
About the Faribault Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($40,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Faribault
Experienced certified nursing assistants at the top of the pay scale in Faribault earn between $51,866 and $55,499 per year (2026 est.). This $17,006 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Faribault median of $46,710 sits 3.78% above the US median.
Top CNA Salary Comparison
| Level | Faribault | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $46,710 | $45,007 |
| 75th Percentile | $51,866 | $50,289 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $55,499 | $55,359 |
In Faribault, experienced certified nursing assistants (P90) earn 18.82% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Certified Nursing Assistant Pay in Faribault
Advanced Certifications in Minnesota
MN certified nursing assistants with additional specialty certifications within the nursing field earn significantly above the $46,710 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Faribault employers.
Specialty Focus
Certified Nursing Assistants focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the nursing field in Faribault command premium compensation, often reaching the $51,866–$55,499 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Faribault 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 Faribault 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 Faribault
Clinical Certified Nursing Assistant
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Certified Nursing Assistant
5-10 yearsCertified Nursing Assistant Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedFaribault ranks #37 of 44 Minnesota cities for top earner certified nursing assistant salary (90th percentile: $55,499).
Top 10% certified nursing assistant compensation in Faribault ($55,499) is 5.87% below the Minnesota average P90 ($58,963).
2019 BLS Actual
$40,723
2025 BLS Actual
$52,112
2026 Current Est.
$55,499
2019–2027 Growth
+45.1%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Faribault (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $40,723 | Actual |
| 2020 | $42,217 | Actual |
| 2021 | $44,352 | Actual |
| 2022 | $46,057 | Actual |
| 2023 | $48,904 | Actual |
| 2024 | $45,564 | Actual |
| 2025 | $52,112 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $55,499 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $59,107 | Projected |
Top-earning certified nursing assistants (90th percentile) in Faribault saw their compensation grow 28.0% from $40,723 in 2019 to $52,112 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 $59,107 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Faribault 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 Faribault
When examining the senior certified nursing assistant pay in Faribault, various factors contribute to compensation differentials. Specializations such as restorative aide, medication aide, and dementia care can attract premium pay, allowing experienced CNAs to capitalize on their advanced skills. Compensation also varies across employer types, with hospitals and skilled nursing facilities typically offering higher pay than home health agencies or assisted living communities. Furthermore, career advancement opportunities abound; professionals may transition into roles such as charge CNA or pursue bridge programs to become licensed practical nurses (LPNs) or registered nurses (RNs). To boost their financial prospects, seasoned CNAs can obtain certifications such as CPR/BLS or pursue medication aide training, both critical in the current healthcare climate. Additionally, non-salary drivers like shift differentials, especially for nights and weekends, as well as agency premium pay during staffing shortfalls, can further enhance overall earnings. In a landscape defined by turnarounds post-COVID, these factors collectively reshape what constitutes an attractive salary in the region.
More salary data for Faribault, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced certified nursing assistants make in Faribault in 2026?
What drives higher certified nursing assistant pay in Faribault?
What certifications boost certified nursing assistant salary in Faribault?
Can experienced certified nursing assistants make six figures in Faribault?
How much does certified nursing assistant salary increase over time in Faribault?
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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 $52,112 for certified nursing assistants in the Faribault 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 Faribault 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