Senior Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Sumter, SC: $41,301 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of certified nursing assistants working in Sumter, SC — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $41,301/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 31-1131. Strip back Sumter's price premium (BEA RPP 88.0, 12% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $46,922 in average-cost America. The 8% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, certified nursing assistants in Sumter, South Carolina, who have garnered significant experience can anticipate a median annual salary of $38,191, with the highest earners (P90) pricing their expertise at $41,301. This top-tier compensation level reflects a notable gap from the median, indicating the financial advantages of extensive experience in this field. Compared to the national figures, where the median tops $45,007, Sumter’s leading salaries show that pursuing advanced certifications and specializations can elevate earning potential. Achieving this level of pay typically requires a combination of years in the field, continuous professional development, and often, a concentration in specialized areas of care.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Sumter
Experienced certified nursing assistants at the top of the pay scale in Sumter earn between $41,301 and $41,301 per year (2026 est.). This $11,225 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Sumter median of $38,191 sits 15.14% below the US median.
Top CNA Salary Comparison
| Level | Sumter | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $38,191 | $45,007 |
| 75th Percentile | $41,301 | $50,289 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $41,301 | $55,359 |
In Sumter, experienced certified nursing assistants (P90) earn 8.14% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Certified Nursing Assistant Pay in Sumter
Advanced Certifications in South Carolina
SC certified nursing assistants with additional specialty certifications within the nursing field earn significantly above the $38,191 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Sumter employers.
Specialty Focus
Certified Nursing Assistants focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the nursing field in Sumter command premium compensation, often reaching the $41,301–$41,301 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Sumter 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 Sumter 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 South 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 Sumter
Clinical Certified Nursing Assistant
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Certified Nursing Assistant
5-10 yearsCertified Nursing Assistant Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedSumter ranks #26 of 26 South Carolina cities for top earner certified nursing assistant salary (90th percentile: $41,301).
Top 10% certified nursing assistant compensation in Sumter ($41,301) is 13.88% below the South Carolina average P90 ($47,958).
2019 BLS Actual
$31,630
2025 BLS Actual
$38,780
2026 Current Est.
$41,301
2019–2027 Growth
+39.1%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Sumter (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31,630 | Actual |
| 2020 | $32,880 | Actual |
| 2021 | $33,460 | Actual |
| 2022 | $34,230 | Actual |
| 2023 | $36,070 | Actual |
| 2024 | $37,680 | Actual |
| 2025 | $38,780 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $41,301 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $43,985 | Projected |
Top-earning certified nursing assistants (90th percentile) in Sumter saw their compensation grow 22.6% from $31,630 in 2019 to $38,780 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 $43,985 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Sumter 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 Sumter
Salaries at the senior level can vary significantly depending on workplace settings and specialties. In Sumter, a senior certified nursing assistant focusing on specialty care areas, such as dialysis technician or dementia care, may command higher wages due to the advanced skills required. Additionally, those employed in hospitals or rehabilitation centers often see different compensation packages than their counterparts in home health or assisted living facilities, where pay structures tend to reflect less intensive care environments. Achieving roles like charge CNA or progressing to an LPN or RN through bridge programs not only provides pathways for career advancement but also opens avenues for increased salary and job responsibilities. Advanced credentials, such as obtaining CPR/BLS certifications or becoming a state-certified medication aide, further enhance salary prospects. Factors such as shift differentials and weekend premiums can add substantial income, offering experienced CNAs in Sumter a competitive edge within the healthcare labor market.
More salary data for Sumter, SC:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced certified nursing assistants make in Sumter in 2026?
What drives higher certified nursing assistant pay in Sumter?
What certifications boost certified nursing assistant salary in Sumter?
Can experienced certified nursing assistants make six figures in Sumter?
How much does certified nursing assistant salary increase over time in Sumter?
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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 $38,780 for certified nursing assistants in the Sumter 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