Senior Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Wadsworth, OH: $43,996 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of certified nursing assistants working in Wadsworth, OH — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $43,996/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 31-1131. Strip back Wadsworth's price premium (BEA RPP 90.7, 9% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $48,507 in average-cost America. The 15% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Certified nursing assistants in Wadsworth, OH, who have gained significant experience—typically over seven years—are well positioned to earn top-tier salaries within the profession. By 2026, those at the P90 level can expect to make up to $43,996, while the P75 group is projected to earn around $42,338 annually. This salary outlook reflects a notable experience premium compared to the median annual earning of $38,420 for CNAs, illustrating the substantial financial advantage of experience in this field. Achieving this high compensation often requires not only years of dedicated service but also advanced certifications and a commitment to specialized training areas.
About the Wadsworth Market
Salary estimated from Ohio average ($36,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Wadsworth
Experienced certified nursing assistants at the top of the pay scale in Wadsworth earn between $42,338 and $43,996 per year (2026 est.). This $10,813 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Wadsworth median of $38,420 sits 14.64% below the US median.
Top CNA Salary Comparison
| Level | Wadsworth | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $38,420 | $45,007 |
| 75th Percentile | $42,338 | $50,289 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $43,996 | $55,359 |
In Wadsworth, experienced certified nursing assistants (P90) earn 14.51% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Certified Nursing Assistant Pay in Wadsworth
Advanced Certifications in Ohio
OH certified nursing assistants with additional specialty certifications within the nursing field earn significantly above the $38,420 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Wadsworth employers.
Specialty Focus
Certified Nursing Assistants focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the nursing field in Wadsworth command premium compensation, often reaching the $42,338–$43,996 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Wadsworth 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 Wadsworth 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 Wadsworth
Clinical Certified Nursing Assistant
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Certified Nursing Assistant
5-10 yearsCertified Nursing Assistant Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedWadsworth ranks #65 of 67 Ohio cities for top earner certified nursing assistant salary (90th percentile: $43,996).
Top 10% certified nursing assistant compensation in Wadsworth ($43,996) is 10.96% below the Ohio average P90 ($49,411).
2019 BLS Actual
$32,283
2025 BLS Actual
$41,311
2026 Current Est.
$43,996
2019–2027 Growth
+45.1%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Wadsworth (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32,283 | Actual |
| 2020 | $33,467 | Actual |
| 2021 | $35,160 | Actual |
| 2022 | $36,511 | Actual |
| 2023 | $38,768 | Actual |
| 2024 | $35,558 | Actual |
| 2025 | $41,311 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $43,996 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $46,856 | Projected |
Top-earning certified nursing assistants (90th percentile) in Wadsworth saw their compensation grow 28.0% from $32,283 in 2019 to $41,311 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 $46,856 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Wadsworth 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 Wadsworth
To access senior certified nursing assistant pay in Wadsworth, professionals should consider pursuing additional certifications and specializations. Roles such as restorative aide, medication aide, or hospice aide can command premiums that enhance overall earnings. Compensation can vary significantly based on the type of employer, with skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, and home health agencies often providing different pay scales. Advancement opportunities such as becoming a charge CNA or transitioning to an LPN or RN bridge program can also result in increased earnings. Additionally, non-salary factors play a significant role in compensation, including shift differentials for nights and weekends and agency premium pay during staffing shortages. By aligning their career trajectory with opportunities for specialized training and leadership roles, experienced certified nursing assistants in Wadsworth can secure a lucrative future in the healthcare landscape.
More salary data for Wadsworth, OH:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced certified nursing assistants make in Wadsworth in 2026?
What drives higher certified nursing assistant pay in Wadsworth?
What certifications boost certified nursing assistant salary in Wadsworth?
Can experienced certified nursing assistants make six figures in Wadsworth?
How much does certified nursing assistant salary increase over time in Wadsworth?
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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 $41,311 for certified nursing assistants in the Wadsworth 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 Wadsworth 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