Senior Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Wichita Falls, TX: $50,864 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of certified nursing assistants working in Wichita Falls, TX — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $50,864/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 31-1131. Strip back Wichita Falls's price premium (BEA RPP 89.5, 10% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $56,823 in average-cost America. The 26% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Official BLS data · View source
In Wichita Falls, experienced certified nursing assistants can achieve significant earnings, with the top certified nursing assistant salary projected at $50,864 in 2026. This figure is indicative of a vibrant market for senior CNAs that rewards extensive experience and specialized skills. When compared to the national top earners, who have a median annual salary of $45,007, the city's P90 illustrates a compelling opportunity for those with advanced certifications and a deep commitment to patient care. The gap between the median salary of $40,332 and the high-end earnings underscores the value placed on seasoned professionals in this field. To reach these exceptional pay levels, senior CNAs often must demonstrate proficiency in vital areas such as management, specialized care, or advanced clinical training.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Wichita Falls
Experienced certified nursing assistants at the top of the pay scale in Wichita Falls earn between $49,043 and $50,864 per year (2026 est.). This $18,584 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Wichita Falls median of $40,332 sits 10.39% below the US median.
Top CNA Salary Comparison
| Level | Wichita Falls | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $40,332 | $45,007 |
| 75th Percentile | $49,043 | $50,289 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $50,864 | $55,359 |
In Wichita Falls, experienced certified nursing assistants (P90) earn 26.11% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Certified Nursing Assistant Pay in Wichita Falls
Advanced Certifications in Texas
TX certified nursing assistants with additional specialty certifications within the nursing field earn significantly above the $40,332 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Wichita Falls employers.
Specialty Focus
Certified Nursing Assistants focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the nursing field in Wichita Falls command premium compensation, often reaching the $49,043–$50,864 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Wichita Falls metro area, which is a large CNA employment market, 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 Wichita Falls with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this competitive 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 Wichita Falls
Clinical Certified Nursing Assistant
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Certified Nursing Assistant
5-10 yearsCertified Nursing Assistant Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedWichita Falls ranks #9 of 109 Texas cities for top earner certified nursing assistant salary (90th percentile: $50,864).
Top 10% certified nursing assistant compensation in Wichita Falls ($50,864) is 2.39% above the Texas average P90 ($49,679).
2019 BLS Actual
$28,270
2025 BLS Actual
$47,760
2026 Current Est.
$50,864
2019–2027 Growth
+91.6%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Wichita Falls (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28,270 | Actual |
| 2020 | $31,160 | Actual |
| 2021 | $36,360 | Actual |
| 2022 | $37,540 | Actual |
| 2023 | $40,750 | Actual |
| 2024 | $42,670 | Actual |
| 2025 | $47,760 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $50,864 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $54,171 | Projected |
Top-earning certified nursing assistants (90th percentile) in Wichita Falls saw their compensation grow 68.9% from $28,270 in 2019 to $47,760 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 $54,171 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Wichita Falls 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 Wichita Falls
Within the field, numerous specializations can lead to elevated compensation levels for senior CNAs in Wichita Falls. Roles such as restorative aides, medication aides, and dementia care specialists often command higher pay rates. In particular, skilled nursing facilities and hospitals tend to offer more competitive wages for experienced staff due to the complexity of care required, especially within intensive care units (ICUs) and specialized rehabilitation settings. As CNAs advance their careers, there are several viable paths, including positions such as charge CNA, training coordinator, or entering into bridge programs for LPN or RN certifications. Pursuing additional certifications, such as a medication aide or dementia training, can lead to substantial pay increases. Non-salary factors, such as shift differentials and weekend premiums, can further enhance total earnings, making this an appealing career pathway in Wichita Falls. The projected 6.50% growth rate in the sector indicates a positive outlook for aspiring professionals aiming to invest in their training and certifications.
More salary data for Wichita Falls, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced certified nursing assistants make in Wichita Falls in 2026?
What drives higher certified nursing assistant pay in Wichita Falls?
What certifications boost certified nursing assistant salary in Wichita Falls?
Can experienced certified nursing assistants make six figures in Wichita Falls?
How much does certified nursing assistant salary increase over time in Wichita Falls?
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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 $47,760 for certified nursing assistants in the Wichita Falls 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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