Senior Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Billings, MT: $53,229 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of certified nursing assistants working in Billings, MT — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $53,229/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 31-1131. Strip back Billings's price premium (BEA RPP 93.5, 6% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $56,914 in average-cost America. The 28% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Official BLS data · View source
Certified nursing assistants who have mastered their roles in Billings, Montana, demonstrate earning potential that significantly surpasses the average. With a top certified nursing assistant salary reaching $53,229 in 2026, these experienced professionals position themselves well within the local healthcare market, where the median annual salary is $41,695. This notable discrepancy indicates a substantial experience premium, reflecting the value placed on seasoned CNAs who not only possess extensive training but also apply their expertise effectively in varied patient care environments. Achieving this pinnacle of earnings typically requires a combination of advanced certifications, specialization in high-demand areas such as hospice or dementia care, and a commitment to continuous professional development.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Billings
Experienced certified nursing assistants at the top of the pay scale in Billings earn between $51,503 and $53,229 per year (2026 est.). This $12,834 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Billings median of $41,695 sits 7.36% below the US median.
Top CNA Salary Comparison
| Level | Billings | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $41,695 | $45,007 |
| 75th Percentile | $51,503 | $50,289 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $53,229 | $55,359 |
In Billings, experienced certified nursing assistants (P90) earn 27.66% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Certified Nursing Assistant Pay in Billings
Advanced Certifications in Montana
MT certified nursing assistants with additional specialty certifications within the nursing field earn significantly above the $41,695 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Billings employers.
Specialty Focus
Certified Nursing Assistants focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the nursing field in Billings command premium compensation, often reaching the $51,503–$53,229 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Billings 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 Billings 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 Montana 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 Billings
Clinical Certified Nursing Assistant
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Certified Nursing Assistant
5-10 yearsCertified Nursing Assistant Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedBillings ranks #3 of 7 Montana cities for top earner certified nursing assistant salary (90th percentile: $53,229).
Top 10% certified nursing assistant compensation in Billings ($53,229) is 1.54% below the Montana average P90 ($54,062).
2019 BLS Actual
$37,570
2025 BLS Actual
$49,980
2026 Current Est.
$53,229
2019–2027 Growth
+50.9%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Billings (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $37,570 | Actual |
| 2020 | $39,330 | Actual |
| 2021 | $37,500 | Actual |
| 2022 | $49,740 | Actual |
| 2023 | $57,460 | Actual |
| 2024 | $48,540 | Actual |
| 2025 | $49,980 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $53,229 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $56,689 | Projected |
Top-earning certified nursing assistants (90th percentile) in Billings saw their compensation grow 33.0% from $37,570 in 2019 to $49,980 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 $56,689 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Billings 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 Billings
At the senior level, certified nursing assistants can maximize their earnings through various strategies and career advances. Specializations, such as restorative aide or medication aide, command higher pay rates. The type of employer significantly affects salary; for instance, positions in hospitals and rehabilitation centers often offer better compensation than assisted living facilities. Advancement paths like charge CNA or transitioning to LPN or RN through bridge programs provide clear routes to higher salary tiers and responsibilities. Additionally, pursuing certifications beyond state requirements—such as CPR/BLS or advanced specialty training—can enhance a senior’s marketability and pay. Non-salary incentives also factor in heavily, with many employers offering shift differentials for night and weekend shifts or agency premiums during times of staffing shortages, further enhancing the overall compensation package for senior certified nursing assistants in Billings, MT.
More salary data for Billings, MT:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced certified nursing assistants make in Billings in 2026?
What drives higher certified nursing assistant pay in Billings?
What certifications boost certified nursing assistant salary in Billings?
Can experienced certified nursing assistants make six figures in Billings?
How much does certified nursing assistant salary increase over time in Billings?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Montana
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 $49,980 for certified nursing assistants in the Billings 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