Senior Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Hattiesburg, MS: $37,882 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of certified nursing assistants working in Hattiesburg, MS — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $37,882/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 31-1131. Strip back Hattiesburg's price premium (BEA RPP 87.6, 12% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $43,228 in average-cost America. The 17% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Official BLS data · View source
In Hattiesburg, Mississippi, senior certified nursing assistants can anticipate a competitive salary in 2026, with top earners reaching an annual compensation of $37,882. This amount represents a significant financial step up from the median salary of $32,419, highlighting the premium that comes with extensive experience in the field. The potential for achieving this level of pay is viable for those who cultivate specialized skills and gain a strong reputation among employers. Contributing to this earning potential is a broader salary range, with the lowest ten percent earning around $28,617. Experienced certified nursing assistants in Hattiesburg not only stand out for their expertise but also have the opportunity to strategically enhance their earnings through advanced certifications and specialized roles.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Hattiesburg
Experienced certified nursing assistants at the top of the pay scale in Hattiesburg earn between $35,997 and $37,882 per year (2026 est.). This $9,265 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Hattiesburg median of $32,419 sits 27.97% below the US median.
Top CNA Salary Comparison
| Level | Hattiesburg | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $32,419 | $45,007 |
| 75th Percentile | $35,997 | $50,289 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $37,882 | $55,359 |
In Hattiesburg, experienced certified nursing assistants (P90) earn 16.85% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Certified Nursing Assistant Pay in Hattiesburg
Advanced Certifications in Mississippi
MS certified nursing assistants with additional specialty certifications within the nursing field earn significantly above the $32,419 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Hattiesburg employers.
Specialty Focus
Certified Nursing Assistants focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the nursing field in Hattiesburg command premium compensation, often reaching the $35,997–$37,882 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Hattiesburg 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 Hattiesburg 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 Mississippi 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 Hattiesburg
Clinical Certified Nursing Assistant
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Certified Nursing Assistant
5-10 yearsCertified Nursing Assistant Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedHattiesburg ranks #20 of 20 Mississippi cities for top earner certified nursing assistant salary (90th percentile: $37,882).
Top 10% certified nursing assistant compensation in Hattiesburg ($37,882) is 10.02% below the Mississippi average P90 ($42,101).
2019 BLS Actual
$26,790
2025 BLS Actual
$35,570
2026 Current Est.
$37,882
2019–2027 Growth
+50.6%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Hattiesburg (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26,790 | Actual |
| 2020 | $30,290 | Actual |
| 2021 | $28,800 | Actual |
| 2022 | $33,810 | Actual |
| 2023 | $36,060 | Actual |
| 2024 | $35,560 | Actual |
| 2025 | $35,570 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $37,882 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $40,344 | Projected |
Top-earning certified nursing assistants (90th percentile) in Hattiesburg saw their compensation grow 32.8% from $26,790 in 2019 to $35,570 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 $40,344 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Hattiesburg 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 Hattiesburg
Compensation structures for experienced certified nursing assistants vary based on employer types, creating diverse opportunities for advancement and specialization within the Hattiesburg area. Specific areas of expertise, such as restorative aide, medication aide, and dementia care, often command higher wages, especially in settings like skilled nursing facilities and hospitals. Moreover, potential pathways for leadership translate into increased job responsibility and compensation; roles such as charge CNA, training coordinator, or even transitioning to nursing positions like LPN or RN can dramatically enhance earning potential in the long term. Additionally, non-salary compensation can significantly influence the overall earnings of senior CNAs, with shift differentials for night or weekend work often providing substantial boosts to hourly rates. Advanced credentials like state CNA certification, CPR/BLS certifications, and specialized training can further solidify their position in the workforce, ensuring that professionals in MS are not just meeting basic job expectations but are thriving in their careers.
More salary data for Hattiesburg, MS:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced certified nursing assistants make in Hattiesburg in 2026?
What drives higher certified nursing assistant pay in Hattiesburg?
What certifications boost certified nursing assistant salary in Hattiesburg?
Can experienced certified nursing assistants make six figures in Hattiesburg?
How much does certified nursing assistant salary increase over time in Hattiesburg?
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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 $35,570 for certified nursing assistants in the Hattiesburg 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