Senior Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Collierville, TN: $47,397 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of certified nursing assistants working in Collierville, TN — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $47,397/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 31-1131. Strip back Collierville's price premium (BEA RPP 91.8, 8% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $51,631 in average-cost America. The 18% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Senior certified nursing assistants in Collierville, TN, can expect to see lucrative compensation opportunities reflecting their expertise and experience. With a projected median annual salary of $40,117 for 2026, the top earners can reach up to $47,397, establishing a clear distinction within the pay scale. This represents a significant experience premium, highlighting the financial incentives for those who enhance their skills and qualifications over the years. By focusing on advanced certifications and specializations, such as hospice care or medication administration, experienced CNAs can bridge the gap between median earnings and the higher salary brackets often associated with top certified nursing assistant salaries in the area. Investments in ongoing education and skills training can further elevate their position in the market, maximizing their earning potential.
About the Collierville Market
Salary estimated from Tennessee average ($32,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Collierville
Experienced certified nursing assistants at the top of the pay scale in Collierville earn between $44,712 and $47,397 per year (2026 est.). This $16,007 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Collierville median of $40,117 sits 10.86% below the US median.
Top CNA Salary Comparison
| Level | Collierville | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $40,117 | $45,007 |
| 75th Percentile | $44,712 | $50,289 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $47,397 | $55,359 |
In Collierville, experienced certified nursing assistants (P90) earn 18.15% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Certified Nursing Assistant Pay in Collierville
Advanced Certifications in Tennessee
TN certified nursing assistants with additional specialty certifications within the nursing field earn significantly above the $40,117 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Collierville employers.
Specialty Focus
Certified Nursing Assistants focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the nursing field in Collierville command premium compensation, often reaching the $44,712–$47,397 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Collierville 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 Collierville 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 Tennessee 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 Collierville
Clinical Certified Nursing Assistant
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Certified Nursing Assistant
5-10 yearsCertified Nursing Assistant Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedCollierville ranks #14 of 30 Tennessee cities for top earner certified nursing assistant salary (90th percentile: $47,397).
Top 10% certified nursing assistant compensation in Collierville ($47,397) is 2.3% below the Tennessee average P90 ($48,515).
2019 BLS Actual
$34,778
2025 BLS Actual
$44,504
2026 Current Est.
$47,397
2019–2027 Growth
+45.1%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Collierville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $34,778 | Actual |
| 2020 | $36,054 | Actual |
| 2021 | $37,877 | Actual |
| 2022 | $39,333 | Actual |
| 2023 | $41,764 | Actual |
| 2024 | $35,915 | Actual |
| 2025 | $44,504 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $47,397 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $50,478 | Projected |
Top-earning certified nursing assistants (90th percentile) in Collierville saw their compensation grow 28.0% from $34,778 in 2019 to $44,504 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 $50,478 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Collierville 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 Collierville
In Collierville, specialized roles within the certified nursing assistant profession tremendously impact senior-level pay and job satisfaction. For instance, roles such as restorative aides, medication aides, and dementia care specialists not only offer enhanced compensation but also present opportunities for career advancement. Employment settings also play a crucial role in salary outcomes; skilled nursing facilities and rehabilitation hospitals typically offer higher pay compared to home health agencies or assisted living communities. Furthermore, senior CNAs often pursue leadership opportunities, such as becoming charge CNAs or taking on trainer roles, which can also lead to an increase in earnings. Advanced credentials, including CPR/BLS and optional certifications like the Certified Medication Aide (CMA), are vital for boosting salaries in Tennessee. Additionally, factors like shift differentials, where night shifts may command an extra $2-$4 per hour, contribute significantly to overall compensation, particularly for senior roles managing higher acuity patient care.
More salary data for Collierville, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced certified nursing assistants make in Collierville in 2026?
What drives higher certified nursing assistant pay in Collierville?
What certifications boost certified nursing assistant salary in Collierville?
Can experienced certified nursing assistants make six figures in Collierville?
How much does certified nursing assistant salary increase over time in Collierville?
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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 $44,504 for certified nursing assistants in the Collierville 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 Collierville 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