Senior Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Rome, NY: $55,067 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of certified nursing assistants working in Rome, NY — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $55,067/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 31-1131. Strip back Rome's price premium (BEA RPP 115.9, 16% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $47,513 in average-cost America. The 20% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, highly skilled certified nursing assistants in Rome, New York, can anticipate earning a top-tier salary of $55,067, which places them significantly above the national median for this role, projected at $45,007. The gap between the median salary of $45,919 and the upper echelon of $55,067 illustrates the financial rewards tied to extensive experience, particularly for those with over seven years in the field. Attaining this level of compensation often requires strategic career moves, such as pursuing additional certifications and taking on specialized roles. As employers increasingly seek senior-level CNAs who can tackle complex patient needs, those who invest in their professional development will find themselves well-positioned to reach the highest pay brackets available in the market.
About the Rome Market
Salary estimated from New York average ($44,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Rome
Experienced certified nursing assistants at the top of the pay scale in Rome earn between $49,180 and $55,067 per year (2026 est.). This $15,755 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Rome median of $45,919 sits 2.03% above the US median.
Top CNA Salary Comparison
| Level | Rome | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $45,919 | $45,007 |
| 75th Percentile | $49,180 | $50,289 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $55,067 | $55,359 |
In Rome, experienced certified nursing assistants (P90) earn 19.92% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Certified Nursing Assistant Pay in Rome
Advanced Certifications in New York
NY certified nursing assistants with additional specialty certifications within the nursing field earn significantly above the $45,919 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Rome employers.
Specialty Focus
Certified Nursing Assistants focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the nursing field in Rome command premium compensation, often reaching the $49,180–$55,067 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Rome 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 Rome 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 York 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 Rome
Clinical Certified Nursing Assistant
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Certified Nursing Assistant
5-10 yearsCertified Nursing Assistant Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedRome ranks #10 of 39 New York cities for top earner certified nursing assistant salary (90th percentile: $55,067).
Top 10% certified nursing assistant compensation in Rome ($55,067) is 10.48% below the New York average P90 ($61,517).
2019 BLS Actual
$40,406
2025 BLS Actual
$51,706
2026 Current Est.
$55,067
2019–2027 Growth
+45.1%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Rome (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $40,406 | Actual |
| 2020 | $41,888 | Actual |
| 2021 | $44,007 | Actual |
| 2022 | $45,698 | Actual |
| 2023 | $48,523 | Actual |
| 2024 | $60,541 | Actual |
| 2025 | $51,706 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $55,067 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $58,646 | Projected |
Top-earning certified nursing assistants (90th percentile) in Rome saw their compensation grow 28.0% from $40,406 in 2019 to $51,706 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 $58,646 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Rome 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 Rome
Compensation for experienced certified nursing assistants in Rome varies depending on the area of specialization and the type of employer. For instance, CNAs who focus on high-demand specialties such as dementia care, dialysis technician cross-training, or hospice care tend to earn higher wages than their peers. Additionally, those working in skilled nursing facilities or hospitals, particularly in critical care or surgical units, often receive premium pay. Career advancement opportunities abound as well. Many senior CNAs transition into roles like training coordinators, schedulers, or even pursue CNA-to-LPN or CNA-to-RN bridge programs, significantly increasing their earning potential. Furthermore, senior-level compensation is augmented by non-salary factors such as shift differentials for nights and weekends, which can yield an additional $2 to $4 per hour, and the ability to capitalize on staffing shortages through agency work that offers premium rates.
More salary data for Rome, NY:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced certified nursing assistants make in Rome in 2026?
What drives higher certified nursing assistant pay in Rome?
What certifications boost certified nursing assistant salary in Rome?
Can experienced certified nursing assistants make six figures in Rome?
How much does certified nursing assistant salary increase over time in Rome?
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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 $51,706 for certified nursing assistants in the Rome 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 Rome 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