Senior Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Cleburne, TX: $45,335 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of certified nursing assistants working in Cleburne, TX — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $45,335/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 31-1131. Strip back Cleburne's price premium (BEA RPP 96.0, 4% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $47,224 in average-cost America. The 20% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Salaries for experienced certified nursing assistants in Cleburne, Texas, have the potential to reach significant levels, with the top earners projected to make $45,335 in 2026. This figure positions Cleburne’s certified nursing assistant salary landscape as noticeably lower than the national median of $45,007, suggesting a competitive environment for top-tier talent. The salary difference illustrates the experience premium that often exists within this sector; while the median annual salary is $37,701, the pathway to leveraging additional income typically involves gaining specialized skills or certifications, consistently taking on more complex responsibilities, or transitioning into leadership roles. Such advancements not only enhance an individual’s earning potential but also reflect the evolving demands of healthcare in local settings.
About the Cleburne Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($34,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Cleburne
Experienced certified nursing assistants at the top of the pay scale in Cleburne earn between $41,955 and $45,335 per year (2026 est.). This $14,028 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Cleburne median of $37,701 sits 16.23% below the US median.
Top CNA Salary Comparison
| Level | Cleburne | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $37,701 | $45,007 |
| 75th Percentile | $41,955 | $50,289 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $45,335 | $55,359 |
In Cleburne, experienced certified nursing assistants (P90) earn 20.25% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Certified Nursing Assistant Pay in Cleburne
Advanced Certifications in Texas
TX certified nursing assistants with additional specialty certifications within the nursing field earn significantly above the $37,701 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Cleburne employers.
Specialty Focus
Certified Nursing Assistants focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the nursing field in Cleburne command premium compensation, often reaching the $41,955–$45,335 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Cleburne 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 Cleburne 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 Texas 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 Cleburne
Clinical Certified Nursing Assistant
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Certified Nursing Assistant
5-10 yearsCertified Nursing Assistant Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedCleburne ranks #58 of 109 Texas cities for top earner certified nursing assistant salary (90th percentile: $45,335).
Top 10% certified nursing assistant compensation in Cleburne ($45,335) is 8.74% below the Texas average P90 ($49,679).
2019 BLS Actual
$33,265
2025 BLS Actual
$42,568
2026 Current Est.
$45,335
2019–2027 Growth
+45.1%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Cleburne (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33,265 | Actual |
| 2020 | $34,485 | Actual |
| 2021 | $36,229 | Actual |
| 2022 | $37,622 | Actual |
| 2023 | $39,947 | Actual |
| 2024 | $40,226 | Actual |
| 2025 | $42,568 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $45,335 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $48,282 | Projected |
Top-earning certified nursing assistants (90th percentile) in Cleburne saw their compensation grow 28.0% from $33,265 in 2019 to $42,568 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 $48,282 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Cleburne 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 Cleburne
To effectively capitalize on senior certified nursing assistant pay in TX, it's crucial to focus on specialization. Areas such as restorative aide, medication aide, dementia care, hospice aide, and dialysis technician offer opportunities for higher compensation. Compensation also varies depending on the employer type; skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, home health agencies, and assisted living communities may all present distinct pay scales and benefits. Those seeking a leadership trajectory can pursue roles such as charge CNA, which often brings added financial incentives. Additionally, obtaining advanced credentials, including state CNA certification and CPR/BLS, further positions professionals for higher pay brackets. Non-salary compensation can also be a motivating factor; opportunities for shift differentials, premium pay during staffing shortages, and certifications that command higher wages can significantly enhance overall earnings, making the pursuit of top certified nursing assistant salary in Cleburne more achievable.
More salary data for Cleburne, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced certified nursing assistants make in Cleburne in 2026?
What drives higher certified nursing assistant pay in Cleburne?
What certifications boost certified nursing assistant salary in Cleburne?
Can experienced certified nursing assistants make six figures in Cleburne?
How much does certified nursing assistant salary increase over time in Cleburne?
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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 $42,568 for certified nursing assistants in the Cleburne 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 Cleburne 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