Senior Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Raleigh, NC: $50,843 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of certified nursing assistants working in Raleigh, NC — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $50,843/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 31-1131. Strip back Raleigh's price premium (BEA RPP 98.2, 2% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $51,798 in average-cost America. The 20% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Official BLS data · View source
In Raleigh, the compensation landscape for experienced certified nursing assistants is noteworthy, particularly for those reaching the upper echelons of the salary range. With a 2026 top earning potential at $50,843 for the 90th percentile, senior professionals stand to benefit significantly from their extensive experience in the field. This potential comes with a marked difference when compared to the median salary of $42,291, revealing a substantial experience premium that highlights the value placed on seasoned expertise. Achieving this level of pay usually requires not only years of hands-on experience but also advanced specializations and certifications that elevate a CNA's professional profile in a competitive market.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Raleigh
Experienced certified nursing assistants at the top of the pay scale in Raleigh earn between $48,362 and $50,843 per year (2026 est.). This $18,190 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Raleigh median of $42,291 sits 6.03% below the US median.
Top CNA Salary Comparison
| Level | Raleigh | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $42,291 | $45,007 |
| 75th Percentile | $48,362 | $50,289 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $50,843 | $55,359 |
In Raleigh, experienced certified nursing assistants (P90) earn 20.22% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Certified Nursing Assistant Pay in Raleigh
Advanced Certifications in North Carolina
NC certified nursing assistants with additional specialty certifications within the nursing field earn significantly above the $42,291 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Raleigh employers.
Specialty Focus
Certified Nursing Assistants focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the nursing field in Raleigh command premium compensation, often reaching the $48,362–$50,843 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Raleigh 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 Raleigh 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 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 Raleigh
Clinical Certified Nursing Assistant
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Certified Nursing Assistant
5-10 yearsCertified Nursing Assistant Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedRaleigh ranks #9 of 45 North Carolina cities for top earner certified nursing assistant salary (90th percentile: $50,843).
Top 10% certified nursing assistant compensation in Raleigh ($50,843) is 1.15% above the North Carolina average P90 ($50,266).
2019 BLS Actual
$35,830
2025 BLS Actual
$47,740
2026 Current Est.
$50,843
2019–2027 Growth
+51.1%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Raleigh (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $35,830 | Actual |
| 2020 | $39,010 | Actual |
| 2021 | $37,460 | Actual |
| 2022 | $40,660 | Actual |
| 2023 | $46,070 | Actual |
| 2024 | $48,840 | Actual |
| 2025 | $47,740 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $50,843 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $54,148 | Projected |
Top-earning certified nursing assistants (90th percentile) in Raleigh saw their compensation grow 33.2% from $35,830 in 2019 to $47,740 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 $54,148 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Raleigh 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 Raleigh
Employment dynamics in Raleigh present diverse avenues for salary enhancement within the senior certified nursing assistant bracket. Certain specialized roles, such as restorative aides, dementia care specialists, and hospice aides, command higher pay due to their critical nature and the skill set required. Additionally, certified nursing assistants working in skilled nursing facilities often earn more than those in home health or assisted living settings. Career advancement possibilities abound, with opportunities to transition into charge CNA, training coordinator, or even positions that bridge into LPN or RN roles. Further strengthening a CNA's earning potential are certifications like medication aide, CPR/BLS, and specialties in geriatrics or dialysis. Non-salary perks can also significantly boost compensation; for example, night and weekend shifts typically offer higher rates due to increased demand. Overall, Raleigh's CNA market is evolving, providing experienced professionals a lucrative platform to thrive amidst ongoing industry transitions.
More salary data for Raleigh, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced certified nursing assistants make in Raleigh in 2026?
What drives higher certified nursing assistant pay in Raleigh?
What certifications boost certified nursing assistant salary in Raleigh?
Can experienced certified nursing assistants make six figures in Raleigh?
How much does certified nursing assistant salary increase over time in Raleigh?
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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 $47,740 for certified nursing assistants in the Raleigh 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