Senior Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Leland, NC: $44,158 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of certified nursing assistants working in Leland, NC — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $44,158/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 31-1131. Strip back Leland's price premium (BEA RPP 93.6, 6% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $47,177 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 Leland, NC, experienced certified nursing assistants can anticipate significant financial rewards, particularly those reaching the upper echelons of their field. The projected P90 salary for 2026 stands at $44,158, which is notably higher than the local median of $38,115, reflecting an impressive experience premium. This disparity illustrates the value placed on seasoned professionals who bring extensive skills and knowledge to the role. To achieve top-tier pay in Leland, CNAs must cultivate expertise through years of dedicated service, possibly in specialized positions or utilizing advanced certifications that contribute to an enhanced skill set.
About the Leland Market
Salary estimated from North Carolina average ($33,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Leland
Experienced certified nursing assistants at the top of the pay scale in Leland earn between $42,319 and $44,158 per year (2026 est.). This $10,609 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Leland median of $38,115 sits 15.31% below the US median.
Top CNA Salary Comparison
| Level | Leland | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $38,115 | $45,007 |
| 75th Percentile | $42,319 | $50,289 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $44,158 | $55,359 |
In Leland, experienced certified nursing assistants (P90) earn 15.85% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Certified Nursing Assistant Pay in Leland
Advanced Certifications in North Carolina
NC certified nursing assistants with additional specialty certifications within the nursing field earn significantly above the $38,115 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Leland employers.
Specialty Focus
Certified Nursing Assistants focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the nursing field in Leland command premium compensation, often reaching the $42,319–$44,158 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Leland 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 Leland 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 North Carolina 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 Leland
Clinical Certified Nursing Assistant
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Certified Nursing Assistant
5-10 yearsCertified Nursing Assistant Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedLeland ranks #43 of 45 North Carolina cities for top earner certified nursing assistant salary (90th percentile: $44,158).
Top 10% certified nursing assistant compensation in Leland ($44,158) is 12.15% below the North Carolina average P90 ($50,266).
2019 BLS Actual
$32,401
2025 BLS Actual
$41,463
2026 Current Est.
$44,158
2019–2027 Growth
+45.1%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Leland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32,401 | Actual |
| 2020 | $33,590 | Actual |
| 2021 | $35,289 | Actual |
| 2022 | $36,645 | Actual |
| 2023 | $38,910 | Actual |
| 2024 | $34,266 | Actual |
| 2025 | $41,463 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $44,158 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $47,028 | Projected |
Top-earning certified nursing assistants (90th percentile) in Leland saw their compensation grow 28.0% from $32,401 in 2019 to $41,463 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 $47,028 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Leland 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 Leland
Looking at the factors influencing the senior certified nursing assistant pay in NC, various specializations can lead to increased compensation. Roles like restorative aide, medication aide, dementia care specialist, and hospice aide are in demand, driving up potential earnings in an already competitive market. Compensation varies significantly across different settings; skilled nursing facilities and hospitals often provide higher wages compared to home health agencies or assisted living communities. Advancement opportunities abound as well, with positions such as charge CNA or roles within scheduling and training that pave the way towards more lucrative careers. Advanced credentials, like a state-certified medication aide or specialized training in high-need areas, are also vital in enhancing earning potential in Leland. Additionally, factors like shift differentials for nights and weekends, agency premiums during staffing shortages, and the possibility of receiving stipends for advanced certifications can further enhance the overall compensation package for highly experienced CNAs.
More salary data for Leland, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced certified nursing assistants make in Leland in 2026?
What drives higher certified nursing assistant pay in Leland?
What certifications boost certified nursing assistant salary in Leland?
Can experienced certified nursing assistants make six figures in Leland?
How much does certified nursing assistant salary increase over time in Leland?
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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 $41,463 for certified nursing assistants in the Leland 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 Leland 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