Senior Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Lee's Summit, MO: $49,248 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of certified nursing assistants working in Lee's Summit, MO — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $49,248/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 31-1131. Strip back Lee's Summit's price premium (BEA RPP 89.6, 10% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $54,964 in average-cost America. The 28% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, senior certified nursing assistants in Lee's Summit, Missouri, can expect to see substantial earning potential, with top earners able to make a commanding $49,248 annually, compared to a median salary of $38,441 for the overall field. The disparity between the median and the high end of the salary range highlights the significant experience premium for seasoned professionals, affirming that those with over seven years in the role can achieve remarkable growth. While this compensation is strong compared to many regional averages, it still falls short by approximately 14.59% compared to the national median of $45,007 for certified nursing assistants. To reach these lucrative salary levels, experienced professionals often diversify their skill sets or specialize in areas that increase their marketability, establishing themselves as valuable assets within the healthcare sector.
About the Lee's Summit Market
Salary estimated from Missouri average ($31,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lee's Summit
Experienced certified nursing assistants at the top of the pay scale in Lee's Summit earn between $44,157 and $49,248 per year (2026 est.). This $18,457 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Lee's Summit median of $38,441 sits 14.59% below the US median.
Top CNA Salary Comparison
| Level | Lee's Summit | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $38,441 | $45,007 |
| 75th Percentile | $44,157 | $50,289 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $49,248 | $55,359 |
In Lee's Summit, experienced certified nursing assistants (P90) earn 28.11% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Certified Nursing Assistant Pay in Lee's Summit
Advanced Certifications in Missouri
MO certified nursing assistants with additional specialty certifications within the nursing field earn significantly above the $38,441 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Lee's Summit employers.
Specialty Focus
Certified Nursing Assistants focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the nursing field in Lee's Summit command premium compensation, often reaching the $44,157–$49,248 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Lee's Summit 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 Lee's Summit 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 Missouri 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 Lee's Summit
Clinical Certified Nursing Assistant
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Certified Nursing Assistant
5-10 yearsCertified Nursing Assistant Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedLee's Summit ranks #6 of 33 Missouri cities for top earner certified nursing assistant salary (90th percentile: $49,248).
Top 10% certified nursing assistant compensation in Lee's Summit ($49,248) is 0.69% below the Missouri average P90 ($49,589).
2019 BLS Actual
$36,136
2025 BLS Actual
$46,242
2026 Current Est.
$49,248
2019–2027 Growth
+45.1%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Lee's Summit (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $36,136 | Actual |
| 2020 | $37,462 | Actual |
| 2021 | $39,356 | Actual |
| 2022 | $40,869 | Actual |
| 2023 | $43,395 | Actual |
| 2024 | $36,350 | Actual |
| 2025 | $46,242 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49,248 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $52,449 | Projected |
Top-earning certified nursing assistants (90th percentile) in Lee's Summit saw their compensation grow 28.0% from $36,136 in 2019 to $46,242 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 $52,449 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lee's Summit 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 Lee's Summit
In Lee's Summit, various specializations can significantly enhance earning potential for experienced certified nursing assistants. Roles such as restorative aides, medication aides, and those specializing in dementia care or hospice services are particularly lucrative. Senior professionals in healthcare facilities can reasonably expect higher compensation as compared to their counterparts in home health agencies or assisted living communities. Opportunities for advancement abound, allowing experienced CNAs to transition into higher administrative roles, such as training coordinators or charge CNAs. Furthermore, earning additional certifications, like becoming a medication aide or acquiring dementia care specialties, can give an edge in salary negotiations. Non-salary compensation factors are also crucial; for instance, many employers offer shift differentials that can increase hourly pay by $2-4 for night shifts and $1-3 for weekends. These dynamics illustrate how the senior certified nursing assistant pay in MO can be influenced by both role specialization and employer settings, creating a robust career trajectory for those committed to the profession.
More salary data for Lee's Summit, MO:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced certified nursing assistants make in Lee's Summit in 2026?
What drives higher certified nursing assistant pay in Lee's Summit?
What certifications boost certified nursing assistant salary in Lee's Summit?
Can experienced certified nursing assistants make six figures in Lee's Summit?
How much does certified nursing assistant salary increase over time in Lee's Summit?
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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 $46,242 for certified nursing assistants in the Lee's Summit 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 Lee's Summit 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