Senior Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Keller, TX: $42,507 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of certified nursing assistants working in Keller, TX — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $42,507/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 31-1131. Strip back Keller's price premium (BEA RPP 96.0, 4% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $44,278 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

In Keller, TX, senior certified nursing assistants can expect to earn competitive salaries that reflect their extensive experience and the specialized skill sets they bring to the healthcare field. With a projected median annual salary of $36,037 in 2026, those positioned at the upper echelon, the 90th percentile, can command up to $42,507. This figure highlights the significant experience premium when compared to the median, representing an important milestone for CNAs who have dedicated over seven years to honing their craft. Reaching this level of pay requires not only consistent performance but also the pursuit of advanced qualifications and specialized roles that elevate one's contributions in various healthcare settings.
About the Keller Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($34,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Keller
Experienced certified nursing assistants at the top of the pay scale in Keller earn between $40,294 and $42,507 per year (2026 est.). This $12,258 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Keller median of $36,037 sits 19.93% below the US median.
Top CNA Salary Comparison
| Level | Keller | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $36,037 | $45,007 |
| 75th Percentile | $40,294 | $50,289 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $42,507 | $55,359 |
In Keller, experienced certified nursing assistants (P90) earn 17.95% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Certified Nursing Assistant Pay in Keller
Advanced Certifications in Texas
TX certified nursing assistants with additional specialty certifications within the nursing field earn significantly above the $36,037 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Keller employers.
Specialty Focus
Certified Nursing Assistants focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the nursing field in Keller command premium compensation, often reaching the $40,294–$42,507 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Keller 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 Keller 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 Keller
Clinical Certified Nursing Assistant
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Certified Nursing Assistant
5-10 yearsCertified Nursing Assistant Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedKeller ranks #96 of 109 Texas cities for top earner certified nursing assistant salary (90th percentile: $42,507).
Top 10% certified nursing assistant compensation in Keller ($42,507) is 14.44% below the Texas average P90 ($49,679).
2019 BLS Actual
$31,190
2025 BLS Actual
$39,913
2026 Current Est.
$42,507
2019–2027 Growth
+45.1%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Keller (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31,190 | Actual |
| 2020 | $32,334 | Actual |
| 2021 | $33,970 | Actual |
| 2022 | $35,275 | Actual |
| 2023 | $37,456 | Actual |
| 2024 | $37,739 | Actual |
| 2025 | $39,913 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $42,507 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $45,270 | Projected |
Top-earning certified nursing assistants (90th percentile) in Keller saw their compensation grow 28.0% from $31,190 in 2019 to $39,913 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 $45,270 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Keller 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 Keller
Compensation for experienced CNAs in Keller is influenced by both specialization and employer type. Those with certifications as restorative aides or in dementia care, for example, often see a boost in their earning potential. Senior-level positions within skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, or home health agencies may offer different rates of pay, depending on the specific demands and challenges associated with each setting. Career advancement is achievable through roles such as charge nurse assistant or training coordinator, coupled with pathways to LPN or RN positions. Furthermore, advanced credentials can elevate a CNA's salary, with qualifications such as medication aide certification or CPR/BLS training being particularly advantageous. Non-salary benefits also play a role in total compensation; many facilities provide shift differentials, offering higher pay for night and weekend shifts, which can significantly enhance overall earnings for those in the nursing assistant field.
More salary data for Keller, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced certified nursing assistants make in Keller in 2026?
What drives higher certified nursing assistant pay in Keller?
What certifications boost certified nursing assistant salary in Keller?
Can experienced certified nursing assistants make six figures in Keller?
How much does certified nursing assistant salary increase over time in Keller?
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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 $39,913 for certified nursing assistants in the Keller 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 Keller 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