Senior Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Del Rio, TX: $42,879 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of certified nursing assistants working in Del Rio, TX — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $42,879/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 31-1131. Strip back Del Rio's price premium (BEA RPP 96.0, 4% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $44,666 in average-cost America. The 15% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Del Rio, TX, the potential for top earners among senior certified nursing assistants is noteworthy, with projections indicating a salary of $42,879 at the 90th percentile in 2026. This figure reflects a significant gap between the median annual salary of $37,336 for this role, highlighting the advantageous opportunities that come with extensive experience. Professionals who wish to reach these higher pay levels typically equip themselves with specialized skills and engage in advanced training, enhancing their value in a competitive marketplace. The salary landscape in Del Rio reveals that while the median may be below the national average of $45,007, dedicated and seasoned CNAs can strategically position themselves to capitalize on the growing demand for skilled nursing personnel.
About the Del Rio Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($34,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Del Rio
Experienced certified nursing assistants at the top of the pay scale in Del Rio earn between $40,320 and $42,879 per year (2026 est.). This $12,486 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Del Rio median of $37,336 sits 17.04% below the US median.
Top CNA Salary Comparison
| Level | Del Rio | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $37,336 | $45,007 |
| 75th Percentile | $40,320 | $50,289 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $42,879 | $55,359 |
In Del Rio, experienced certified nursing assistants (P90) earn 14.85% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Certified Nursing Assistant Pay in Del Rio
Advanced Certifications in Texas
TX certified nursing assistants with additional specialty certifications within the nursing field earn significantly above the $37,336 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Del Rio employers.
Specialty Focus
Certified Nursing Assistants focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the nursing field in Del Rio command premium compensation, often reaching the $40,320–$42,879 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Del Rio 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 Del Rio 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 Del Rio
Clinical Certified Nursing Assistant
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Certified Nursing Assistant
5-10 yearsCertified Nursing Assistant Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedDel Rio ranks #91 of 109 Texas cities for top earner certified nursing assistant salary (90th percentile: $42,879).
Top 10% certified nursing assistant compensation in Del Rio ($42,879) is 13.69% below the Texas average P90 ($49,679).
2019 BLS Actual
$31,463
2025 BLS Actual
$40,262
2026 Current Est.
$42,879
2019–2027 Growth
+45.1%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Del Rio (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31,463 | Actual |
| 2020 | $32,617 | Actual |
| 2021 | $34,267 | Actual |
| 2022 | $35,584 | Actual |
| 2023 | $37,783 | Actual |
| 2024 | $38,101 | Actual |
| 2025 | $40,262 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $42,879 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $45,666 | Projected |
Top-earning certified nursing assistants (90th percentile) in Del Rio saw their compensation grow 28.0% from $31,463 in 2019 to $40,262 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 $45,666 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Del Rio 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 Del Rio
Additional opportunities exist for experienced certified nursing assistants seeking to amplify their earnings in Del Rio. Specializations such as restorative aide and medication aide can command higher pay, while certifications in dementia care and hospice aid further enhance a CNA’s marketability. Compensation can also differ depending on the employer type, with skilled nursing facilities and hospitals typically offering more competitive packages compared to home health agencies or assisted living communities. For those considering career advancement, pathways such as transitioning to charge CNA roles, scheduling, or further bridging into LPNs or RNs could yield profitable outcomes. Additionally, advanced credentials like CPR/BLS certification or medication aide training can make a substantial impact on earnings. Factors such as shift differentials and premium pay during staffing shortages offer further compensation incentives for senior level positions in this evolving field.
More salary data for Del Rio, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced certified nursing assistants make in Del Rio in 2026?
What drives higher certified nursing assistant pay in Del Rio?
What certifications boost certified nursing assistant salary in Del Rio?
Can experienced certified nursing assistants make six figures in Del Rio?
How much does certified nursing assistant salary increase over time in Del Rio?
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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 $40,262 for certified nursing assistants in the Del Rio 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 Del Rio 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