Senior Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Keene, NH: $53,568 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of certified nursing assistants working in Keene, NH — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $53,568/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 31-1131. Strip back Keene's price premium (BEA RPP 107.3, 7% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $49,924 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
In 2026, top-tier certified nursing assistants in Keene, New Hampshire, have the potential to earn a substantial annual salary, with figures reaching up to $53,568 for the highest 90th percentile earners. This earning potential, particularly in the senior certified nursing assistant pay NH landscape, reflects the growing demand for experienced professionals amid staffing shortages that have characterized the healthcare industry in recent years. With a median annual salary of $46,268, there exists a significant gap that seasoned professionals can capitalize on by acquiring additional certifications or specializing in areas such as hospice care or restorative therapies, thus positioning themselves within the upper salary range. Achieving top certified nursing assistant salary Keene requires not only years of experience but also a proactive approach to further education and skill enhancement to meet the needs of the evolving healthcare environment.
About the Keene Market
Salary estimated from New Hampshire average ($40,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Keene
Experienced certified nursing assistants at the top of the pay scale in Keene earn between $50,367 and $53,568 per year (2026 est.). This $14,513 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Keene median of $46,268 sits 2.8% above the US median.
Top CNA Salary Comparison
| Level | Keene | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $46,268 | $45,007 |
| 75th Percentile | $50,367 | $50,289 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $53,568 | $55,359 |
In Keene, experienced certified nursing assistants (P90) earn 15.78% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Certified Nursing Assistant Pay in Keene
Advanced Certifications in New Hampshire
NH certified nursing assistants with additional specialty certifications within the nursing field earn significantly above the $46,268 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Keene employers.
Specialty Focus
Certified Nursing Assistants focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the nursing field in Keene command premium compensation, often reaching the $50,367–$53,568 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Keene 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 Keene 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 New Hampshire 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 Keene
Clinical Certified Nursing Assistant
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Certified Nursing Assistant
5-10 yearsCertified Nursing Assistant Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedKeene ranks #12 of 16 New Hampshire cities for top earner certified nursing assistant salary (90th percentile: $53,568).
Top 10% certified nursing assistant compensation in Keene ($53,568) is 12.71% below the New Hampshire average P90 ($61,370).
2019 BLS Actual
$39,306
2025 BLS Actual
$50,299
2026 Current Est.
$53,568
2019–2027 Growth
+45.1%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Keene (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $39,306 | Actual |
| 2020 | $40,748 | Actual |
| 2021 | $42,809 | Actual |
| 2022 | $44,454 | Actual |
| 2023 | $47,202 | Actual |
| 2024 | $49,093 | Actual |
| 2025 | $50,299 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $53,568 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $57,050 | Projected |
Top-earning certified nursing assistants (90th percentile) in Keene saw their compensation grow 28.0% from $39,306 in 2019 to $50,299 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 $57,050 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Keene 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 Keene
Compensation for experienced certified nursing assistants can vary significantly depending on the employer type in Keene. Positions in skilled nursing facilities tend to offer better pay than roles in home health agencies, reflecting the complexity of care required in those settings. Specializations, such as restorative aide and dialysis technician cross-training, command premium pay, especially in facilities facing high acuity demands. Furthermore, advanced career pathways, including charge CNAs and roles that enable CNAs to bridge to LPN or RN positions, present realistic opportunities for further advancement. The incorporation of certifications, like CPR/BLS and optional medication aides, strengthens one’s resume and can lead to higher pay. Beyond base salary, senior-level compensation may also include shift differentials—often an additional $2-4 per hour for night shifts or $1-3 for weekend work—which can bolster overall earnings substantially in the competitive job market of Keene.
More salary data for Keene, NH:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced certified nursing assistants make in Keene in 2026?
What drives higher certified nursing assistant pay in Keene?
What certifications boost certified nursing assistant salary in Keene?
Can experienced certified nursing assistants make six figures in Keene?
How much does certified nursing assistant salary increase over time in Keene?
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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 $50,299 for certified nursing assistants in the Keene 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 Keene 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