Senior Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Pflugerville, TX: $47,071 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of certified nursing assistants working in Pflugerville, TX — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $47,071/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 31-1131. Strip back Pflugerville's price premium (BEA RPP 96.0, 4% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $49,032 in average-cost America. The 25% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, top-earning certified nursing assistants in Pflugerville, TX, are projected to earn up to $47,071 annually, with the 75th percentile earning around $42,638. These figures highlight a significant income gap between the median annual salary of $37,510 for CNAs in the area and the top-tier earnings attainable by seasoned professionals. To reach these higher salary levels, experienced CNAs often enhance their qualifications, taking on specialized roles or advancing into leadership positions. This experience premium serves as a reflection of the skills and responsibilities that come with years in the field, making continuing education and certification particularly crucial for gaining competitive advantages in the job market.
About the Pflugerville Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($34,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Pflugerville
Experienced certified nursing assistants at the top of the pay scale in Pflugerville earn between $42,638 and $47,071 per year (2026 est.). This $18,364 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Pflugerville median of $37,510 sits 16.66% below the US median.
Top CNA Salary Comparison
| Level | Pflugerville | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $37,510 | $45,007 |
| 75th Percentile | $42,638 | $50,289 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $47,071 | $55,359 |
In Pflugerville, experienced certified nursing assistants (P90) earn 25.49% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Certified Nursing Assistant Pay in Pflugerville
Advanced Certifications in Texas
TX certified nursing assistants with additional specialty certifications within the nursing field earn significantly above the $37,510 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Pflugerville employers.
Specialty Focus
Certified Nursing Assistants focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the nursing field in Pflugerville command premium compensation, often reaching the $42,638–$47,071 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Pflugerville 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 Pflugerville 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 Pflugerville
Clinical Certified Nursing Assistant
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Certified Nursing Assistant
5-10 yearsCertified Nursing Assistant Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedPflugerville ranks #36 of 109 Texas cities for top earner certified nursing assistant salary (90th percentile: $47,071).
Top 10% certified nursing assistant compensation in Pflugerville ($47,071) is 5.25% below the Texas average P90 ($49,679).
2019 BLS Actual
$34,539
2025 BLS Actual
$44,198
2026 Current Est.
$47,071
2019–2027 Growth
+45.1%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Pflugerville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $34,539 | Actual |
| 2020 | $35,806 | Actual |
| 2021 | $37,617 | Actual |
| 2022 | $39,062 | Actual |
| 2023 | $41,477 | Actual |
| 2024 | $41,752 | Actual |
| 2025 | $44,198 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $47,071 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $50,130 | Projected |
Top-earning certified nursing assistants (90th percentile) in Pflugerville saw their compensation grow 28.0% from $34,539 in 2019 to $44,198 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 $50,130 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Pflugerville 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 Pflugerville
The senior certified nursing assistant pay in TX varies based on the type of healthcare environment. Positions in skilled nursing facilities and hospitals typically offer higher compensation compared to home health agencies or assisted living communities. Specializations such as restorative aide or dementia care can command premium pay, further elevating annual earnings for those with advanced certifications. Additionally, leadership roles such as charge CNA or training coordinator not only offer greater responsibility but also provide pathways to higher salaries through career advancement. Non-salary benefits, including shift differentials during nights and weekends and premium pay during staffing shortages, also enhance the total compensation package. As the demand for skilled nursing assistants continues to grow, especially in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, understanding these differentiators is vital for those looking to maximize their career potential in Pflugerville.
More salary data for Pflugerville, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced certified nursing assistants make in Pflugerville in 2026?
What drives higher certified nursing assistant pay in Pflugerville?
What certifications boost certified nursing assistant salary in Pflugerville?
Can experienced certified nursing assistants make six figures in Pflugerville?
How much does certified nursing assistant salary increase over time in Pflugerville?
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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 $44,198 for certified nursing assistants in the Pflugerville 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 Pflugerville 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