Senior Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Minot, ND: $50,588 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of certified nursing assistants working in Minot, ND — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $50,588/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 31-1131. Strip back Minot's price premium (BEA RPP 87.0, 13% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $58,128 in average-cost America. The 30% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Official BLS data · View source

In Minot, ND, the top-tier salaries for experienced certified nursing assistants reflect a promising compensation trajectory, particularly for those in senior-level roles. With a projected annual income of $50,588 at the 90th percentile, senior professionals can significantly benefit from the demand for their expertise, especially given the current gap between the median salary of $38,873 and this upper benchmark. This potential for higher earnings is particularly relevant as the industry strives to attract and retain skilled workers amid growing competition and ongoing impacts from the staffing crisis. To maximize earning potential, CNAs typically need a combination of extensive hands-on experience, advanced certifications, and often a specialization that aligns with in-demand skills in various care settings.
Compensation strategies for senior certified nursing assistants in Minot can vary widely based on specialty, employer type, and additional qualifications. Those pursuing roles such as restorative aides or dialysis technicians may command premium pay, particularly in skilled nursing facilities and rehabilitation centers. Working in hospitals or hospice settings also tends to yield higher hourly rates compared to home health agencies or assisted living communities. Additionally, advanced credentials like medication aide certifications or specialized training in dementia care can further enhance a CNA’s earning power. On a practical level, many experienced professionals also leverage shift differentials—typically earning an extra $2 to $4 per hour for night shifts and weekends—to boost their overall income. The pathways to advancement remain robust, often leading to roles such as charge CNA or transitioning into nursing roles through accredited bridge programs. Embracing these opportunities proves crucial in navigating the evolving landscape of healthcare in Minot.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Minot
Experienced certified nursing assistants at the top of the pay scale in Minot earn between $49,480 and $50,588 per year (2026 est.). This $13,175 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Minot median of $38,873 sits 13.63% below the US median.
Top CNA Salary Comparison
| Level | Minot | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $38,873 | $45,007 |
| 75th Percentile | $49,480 | $50,289 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $50,588 | $55,359 |
In Minot, experienced certified nursing assistants (P90) earn 30.14% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Certified Nursing Assistant Pay in Minot
Advanced Certifications in North Dakota
ND certified nursing assistants with additional specialty certifications within the nursing field earn significantly above the $38,873 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Minot employers.
Specialty Focus
Certified Nursing Assistants focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the nursing field in Minot command premium compensation, often reaching the $49,480–$50,588 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Minot 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 Minot 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 Dakota 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 Minot
Clinical Certified Nursing Assistant
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Certified Nursing Assistant
5-10 yearsCertified Nursing Assistant Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedMinot ranks #4 of 8 North Dakota cities for top earner certified nursing assistant salary (90th percentile: $50,588).
Top 10% certified nursing assistant compensation in Minot ($50,588) is 4.34% below the North Dakota average P90 ($52,880).
2019 BLS Actual
$37,119
2025 BLS Actual
$47,500
2026 Current Est.
$50,588
2019–2027 Growth
+45.1%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Minot (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $37,119 | Actual |
| 2020 | $38,481 | Actual |
| 2021 | $40,427 | Actual |
| 2022 | $41,981 | Actual |
| 2023 | $44,576 | Actual |
| 2024 | $48,420 | Actual |
| 2025 | $47,500 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $50,588 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $53,876 | Projected |
Top-earning certified nursing assistants (90th percentile) in Minot saw their compensation grow 28.0% from $37,119 in 2019 to $47,500 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 $53,876 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Minot 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.
More salary data for Minot, ND:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced certified nursing assistants make in Minot in 2026?
What drives higher certified nursing assistant pay in Minot?
What certifications boost certified nursing assistant salary in Minot?
Can experienced certified nursing assistants make six figures in Minot?
How much does certified nursing assistant salary increase over time in Minot?
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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 $47,500 for certified nursing assistants in the Minot 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, 2-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