Senior Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Hazleton, PA: $55,423 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of certified nursing assistants working in Hazleton, PA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $55,423/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 31-1131. Strip back Hazleton's price premium (BEA RPP 97.4, 3% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $56,902 in average-cost America. The 22% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, experienced certified nursing assistants in Hazleton, Pennsylvania can expect to command impressive salaries, especially among top earners. With the potential to achieve up to $55,423 annually at the 90th percentile, nurses with over seven years in the field will find that the financial incentives for their commitment and expertise are tangible. Those in the 75th percentile can anticipate annual earnings of $50,937, showcasing a significant premium over the median annual salary of $45,433. This experience premium reflects the growing appreciation for seasoned professionals who bring not just skill but also familiarity with patient care, making it a competitive market in Hazleton, especially when compared with national salary averages. To reach these revenue heights, certifications, consistent performance, and possibly shifting to advanced roles within healthcare settings may be essential.
About the Hazleton Market
Salary estimated from Pennsylvania average ($38,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Hazleton
Experienced certified nursing assistants at the top of the pay scale in Hazleton earn between $50,937 and $55,423 per year (2026 est.). This $19,476 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Hazleton median of $45,433 sits 0.95% above the US median.
Top CNA Salary Comparison
| Level | Hazleton | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $45,433 | $45,007 |
| 75th Percentile | $50,937 | $50,289 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $55,423 | $55,359 |
In Hazleton, experienced certified nursing assistants (P90) earn 21.99% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Certified Nursing Assistant Pay in Hazleton
Advanced Certifications in Pennsylvania
PA certified nursing assistants with additional specialty certifications within the nursing field earn significantly above the $45,433 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Hazleton employers.
Specialty Focus
Certified Nursing Assistants focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the nursing field in Hazleton command premium compensation, often reaching the $50,937–$55,423 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Hazleton 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 Hazleton 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 Pennsylvania 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 Hazleton
Clinical Certified Nursing Assistant
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Certified Nursing Assistant
5-10 yearsCertified Nursing Assistant Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedHazleton ranks #5 of 25 Pennsylvania cities for top earner certified nursing assistant salary (90th percentile: $55,423).
Top 10% certified nursing assistant compensation in Hazleton ($55,423) is 6.91% above the Pennsylvania average P90 ($51,841).
2019 BLS Actual
$40,667
2025 BLS Actual
$52,040
2026 Current Est.
$55,423
2019–2027 Growth
+45.1%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Hazleton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $40,667 | Actual |
| 2020 | $42,159 | Actual |
| 2021 | $44,291 | Actual |
| 2022 | $45,993 | Actual |
| 2023 | $48,836 | Actual |
| 2024 | $45,152 | Actual |
| 2025 | $52,040 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $55,423 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $59,025 | Projected |
Top-earning certified nursing assistants (90th percentile) in Hazleton saw their compensation grow 28.0% from $40,667 in 2019 to $52,040 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 $59,025 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Hazleton 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 Hazleton
Further analysis reveals distinct avenues for maximizing earnings as a senior certified nursing assistant in Hazleton. Those specialized in fields such as restorative aide, medication aide, or dementia care often enjoy enhanced pay, emphasizing the importance of targeted training. Different employer types significantly affect compensation; for example, skilled nursing facilities might offer varied rates compared to hospitals or home health agencies. Pathways to advance one's career include becoming a charge CNA or a unit secretary, with potential transitions into nursing positions through CNA-to-LPN or CNA-to-RN bridge programs. Advanced credentials such as medication aide or specialized training can further elevate salary prospects. Additionally, non-salary benefits at the senior level, including shift differentials for nights and weekends and agency pay during staffing shortages, provide lucrative options that supplement overall compensation for dedicated professionals in the Hazleton area.
More salary data for Hazleton, PA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced certified nursing assistants make in Hazleton in 2026?
What drives higher certified nursing assistant pay in Hazleton?
What certifications boost certified nursing assistant salary in Hazleton?
Can experienced certified nursing assistants make six figures in Hazleton?
How much does certified nursing assistant salary increase over time in Hazleton?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Pennsylvania
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 $52,040 for certified nursing assistants in the Hazleton 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 Hazleton 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