Senior Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Medina, OH: $48,438 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of certified nursing assistants working in Medina, OH — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $48,438/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 31-1131. Strip back Medina's price premium (BEA RPP 90.7, 9% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $53,405 in average-cost America. The 21% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, certified nursing assistants with extensive experience in Medina, Ohio, can expect a median annual salary of $40,157, reflecting the value that seasoned professionals bring to the healthcare sector. Top earners in the region can achieve salaries reaching as high as $48,438, creating a notable distinction between median compensation and the incomes reserved for those at the pinnacle of their careers. Achieving this level of pay generally requires a combination of advanced skills, specialized training, and years of dedication, often culminating in roles that demand responsibility and leadership, which can include positions like charge CNA or training coordinator. This experience premium not only highlights the financial rewards but also sets the stage for significant professional growth within the field.
About the Medina Market
Salary estimated from Ohio average ($36,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Medina
Experienced certified nursing assistants at the top of the pay scale in Medina earn between $44,687 and $48,438 per year (2026 est.). This $13,820 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Medina median of $40,157 sits 10.78% below the US median.
Top CNA Salary Comparison
| Level | Medina | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $40,157 | $45,007 |
| 75th Percentile | $44,687 | $50,289 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $48,438 | $55,359 |
In Medina, experienced certified nursing assistants (P90) earn 20.62% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Certified Nursing Assistant Pay in Medina
Advanced Certifications in Ohio
OH certified nursing assistants with additional specialty certifications within the nursing field earn significantly above the $40,157 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Medina employers.
Specialty Focus
Certified Nursing Assistants focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the nursing field in Medina command premium compensation, often reaching the $44,687–$48,438 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Medina 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 Medina 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 Ohio 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 Medina
Clinical Certified Nursing Assistant
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Certified Nursing Assistant
5-10 yearsCertified Nursing Assistant Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedMedina ranks #25 of 67 Ohio cities for top earner certified nursing assistant salary (90th percentile: $48,438).
Top 10% certified nursing assistant compensation in Medina ($48,438) is 1.97% below the Ohio average P90 ($49,411).
2019 BLS Actual
$35,542
2025 BLS Actual
$45,482
2026 Current Est.
$48,438
2019–2027 Growth
+45.1%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Medina (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $35,542 | Actual |
| 2020 | $36,846 | Actual |
| 2021 | $38,710 | Actual |
| 2022 | $40,197 | Actual |
| 2023 | $42,682 | Actual |
| 2024 | $39,123 | Actual |
| 2025 | $45,482 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $48,438 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $51,587 | Projected |
Top-earning certified nursing assistants (90th percentile) in Medina saw their compensation grow 28.0% from $35,542 in 2019 to $45,482 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 $51,587 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Medina 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 Medina
Professionals specializing in areas such as restorative aide, medication aide, dementia care, and hospice are particularly well-positioned to command premium pay in Medina, given the increasing demand for skilled care in these sectors. Compensation varies notably across different employment settings, with skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, and specialized clinics offering diverse remuneration packages. Career advancement opportunities also abound; experienced CNAs can explore pathways to roles such as unit secretary or bridge programs to become licensed practical nurses (LPNs) or registered nurses (RNs). Additionally, advanced credentials like state CNA certification and CPR/BLS training can enhance earning potential. Non-salary benefits, including shift differentials for night and weekend work, can further elevate the overall compensation for those dedicated to this profession in Ohio, particularly during times of staffing shortages when agency work is prevalent.
More salary data for Medina, OH:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced certified nursing assistants make in Medina in 2026?
What drives higher certified nursing assistant pay in Medina?
What certifications boost certified nursing assistant salary in Medina?
Can experienced certified nursing assistants make six figures in Medina?
How much does certified nursing assistant salary increase over time in Medina?
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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 $45,482 for certified nursing assistants in the Medina 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 Medina 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