Senior Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in La Vergne, TN: $45,461 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of certified nursing assistants working in La Vergne, TN — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $45,461/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 31-1131. Strip back La Vergne's price premium (BEA RPP 91.8, 8% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $49,522 in average-cost America. The 19% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In La Vergne, TN, a senior certified nursing assistant can expect a notable compensation range, with top earners targeting a premium salary of $45,461 in 2026. Those who excel in this profession can find themselves earning significantly above the median annual salary of $38,229, highlighting the experience premium that seasoned professionals command. To reach the upper tiers of earnings, candidates will typically need over seven years of experience, along with specialized skills or certifications that distinguish them from their peers. This competitive pay not only positions La Vergne’s top certified nursing assistant salary at an attractive level but also invites comparisons to the national average, where these roles earn an annual median of $45,007, reflecting a 15.06% gap.
About the La Vergne Market
Salary estimated from Tennessee average ($32,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in La Vergne
Experienced certified nursing assistants at the top of the pay scale in La Vergne earn between $42,144 and $45,461 per year (2026 est.). This $13,059 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The La Vergne median of $38,229 sits 15.06% below the US median.
Top CNA Salary Comparison
| Level | La Vergne | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $38,229 | $45,007 |
| 75th Percentile | $42,144 | $50,289 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $45,461 | $55,359 |
In La Vergne, experienced certified nursing assistants (P90) earn 18.92% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Certified Nursing Assistant Pay in La Vergne
Advanced Certifications in Tennessee
TN certified nursing assistants with additional specialty certifications within the nursing field earn significantly above the $38,229 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by La Vergne employers.
Specialty Focus
Certified Nursing Assistants focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the nursing field in La Vergne command premium compensation, often reaching the $42,144–$45,461 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the La Vergne 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 La Vergne 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 La Vergne
Clinical Certified Nursing Assistant
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Certified Nursing Assistant
5-10 yearsCertified Nursing Assistant Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedLa Vergne ranks #22 of 30 Tennessee cities for top earner certified nursing assistant salary (90th percentile: $45,461).
Top 10% certified nursing assistant compensation in La Vergne ($45,461) is 6.29% below the Tennessee average P90 ($48,515).
2019 BLS Actual
$33,357
2025 BLS Actual
$42,686
2026 Current Est.
$45,461
2019–2027 Growth
+45.1%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in La Vergne (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33,357 | Actual |
| 2020 | $34,581 | Actual |
| 2021 | $36,330 | Actual |
| 2022 | $37,726 | Actual |
| 2023 | $40,058 | Actual |
| 2024 | $34,408 | Actual |
| 2025 | $42,686 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $45,461 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $48,416 | Projected |
Top-earning certified nursing assistants (90th percentile) in La Vergne saw their compensation grow 28.0% from $33,357 in 2019 to $42,686 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 $48,416 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the La Vergne 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 La Vergne
For experienced professionals in La Vergne, certain specializations can drive compensation higher, particularly in roles such as restorative aide, dementia care specialist, and hospice aide, which often come with additional responsibilities and training. Employment settings also play a crucial role in salary determination; those working in hospitals or skilled nursing facilities are often compensated differently compared to home health agencies and rehabilitation hospitals. As CNAs seek to advance their careers, they might explore pathways to higher responsibility positions such as charge CNA, training coordinator, or transitioning into nursing roles through bridge programs. Additional credentials, like obtaining a Certified Medication Aide (CMA) designation, can enhance earning potential further. Factors such as shift differentials, which could add $2-4 per hour for night shifts or weekends, impact overall compensation, positioning La Vergne’s seasoned CNAs for substantial earnings amid a changing workforce landscape.
More salary data for La Vergne, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced certified nursing assistants make in La Vergne in 2026?
What drives higher certified nursing assistant pay in La Vergne?
What certifications boost certified nursing assistant salary in La Vergne?
Can experienced certified nursing assistants make six figures in La Vergne?
How much does certified nursing assistant salary increase over time in La Vergne?
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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 $42,686 for certified nursing assistants in the La Vergne 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 La Vergne 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