Senior Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Murray, UT: $54,810 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of certified nursing assistants working in Murray, UT — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $54,810/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 31-1131. Strip back Murray's price premium (BEA RPP 98.1, 2% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $55,872 in average-cost America. The 27% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Murray, Utah, the potential earnings for experienced certified nursing assistants can reach impressive heights, especially for those at the top of the pay scale. By 2026, the highest earners, sitting at the 90th percentile, are projected to earn $54,810 annually, significantly higher than the median salary for this role of $43,324. This substantial gap highlights the experience premium available in this market, where a seasoned professional can make nearly $11,500 more than their less experienced peers. Achieving this level of compensation typically requires a combination of specialized skills, years of dedicated service, and a commitment to continuing education that enhances one's qualifications in the field.
About the Murray Market
Salary estimated from Utah average ($34,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Murray
Experienced certified nursing assistants at the top of the pay scale in Murray earn between $49,513 and $54,810 per year (2026 est.). This $21,299 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Murray median of $43,324 sits 3.74% below the US median.
Top CNA Salary Comparison
| Level | Murray | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $43,324 | $45,007 |
| 75th Percentile | $49,513 | $50,289 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $54,810 | $55,359 |
In Murray, experienced certified nursing assistants (P90) earn 26.51% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Certified Nursing Assistant Pay in Murray
Advanced Certifications in Utah
UT certified nursing assistants with additional specialty certifications within the nursing field earn significantly above the $43,324 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Murray employers.
Specialty Focus
Certified Nursing Assistants focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the nursing field in Murray command premium compensation, often reaching the $49,513–$54,810 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Murray 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 Murray 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 Utah 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 Murray
Clinical Certified Nursing Assistant
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Certified Nursing Assistant
5-10 yearsCertified Nursing Assistant Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedMurray ranks #2 of 41 Utah cities for top earner certified nursing assistant salary (90th percentile: $54,810).
Top 10% certified nursing assistant compensation in Murray ($54,810) is 9.36% above the Utah average P90 ($50,118).
2019 BLS Actual
$40,218
2025 BLS Actual
$51,465
2026 Current Est.
$54,810
2019–2027 Growth
+45.1%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Murray (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $40,218 | Actual |
| 2020 | $41,693 | Actual |
| 2021 | $43,802 | Actual |
| 2022 | $45,485 | Actual |
| 2023 | $48,297 | Actual |
| 2024 | $43,224 | Actual |
| 2025 | $51,465 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $54,810 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $58,373 | Projected |
Top-earning certified nursing assistants (90th percentile) in Murray saw their compensation grow 28.0% from $40,218 in 2019 to $51,465 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 $58,373 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Murray 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 Murray
Compensation strategies for senior certified nursing assistants in Murray reflect a diverse array of specializations that command higher wages and superior job security. Opportunities such as restorative aide, medication aide, and dementia care specialties can lead to compensation that exceeds typical salary expectations. Furthermore, employment settings play an essential role in determining pay rates; skilled nursing facilities and hospitals often offer higher salaries compared to home health agencies or assisted living communities. For those looking to advance, pathways toward leadership positions such as charge CNA or training coordinator can align with further qualifications, boosting overall marketability. Advanced credentials, particularly those relevant to specialty areas like dialysis or hospice care, can further enhance earning potential. Many employers also recognize the value of experience through additional compensation mechanisms, including shift differentials for nights or weekends and stipends for certifications like the medication aide. This multifaceted approach to compensation illustrates the growth potential for highly skilled nursing assistants in the region.
More salary data for Murray, UT:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced certified nursing assistants make in Murray in 2026?
What drives higher certified nursing assistant pay in Murray?
What certifications boost certified nursing assistant salary in Murray?
Can experienced certified nursing assistants make six figures in Murray?
How much does certified nursing assistant salary increase over time in Murray?
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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 $51,465 for certified nursing assistants in the Murray 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 Murray 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