Senior Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Provo, UT: $48,234 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of certified nursing assistants working in Provo, UT — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $48,234/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 31-1131. Strip back Provo's price premium (BEA RPP 98.2, 2% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $49,102 in average-cost America. The 15% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Official BLS data · View source
In Provo, Utah, the lucrative potential for experienced certified nursing assistants is compelling, with the top certified nursing assistant salary projected to reach $48,234 in 2026. This figure reflects a noticeable gap compared to the median annual salary of $41,780, proving that seasoned professionals can significantly boost their earnings through experience and advanced skill sets. However, achieving this level of compensation requires dedication, often necessitating specialization in areas such as dementia care or hospice assistance, as well as a commitment to continuous professional development. Comparing top earners in Provo to their counterparts nationwide reveals that while the local figures may trail the national median of $45,007, they still present a robust opportunity for those who elevate their qualifications and expertise.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Provo
Experienced certified nursing assistants at the top of the pay scale in Provo earn between $45,007 and $48,234 per year (2026 est.). This $11,108 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Provo median of $41,780 sits 7.17% below the US median.
Top CNA Salary Comparison
| Level | Provo | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $41,780 | $45,007 |
| 75th Percentile | $45,007 | $50,289 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $48,234 | $55,359 |
In Provo, experienced certified nursing assistants (P90) earn 15.45% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Certified Nursing Assistant Pay in Provo
Advanced Certifications in Utah
UT certified nursing assistants with additional specialty certifications within the nursing field earn significantly above the $41,780 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Provo employers.
Specialty Focus
Certified Nursing Assistants focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the nursing field in Provo command premium compensation, often reaching the $45,007–$48,234 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Provo 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 Provo 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 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 Provo
Clinical Certified Nursing Assistant
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Certified Nursing Assistant
5-10 yearsCertified Nursing Assistant Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedProvo ranks #25 of 41 Utah cities for top earner certified nursing assistant salary (90th percentile: $48,234).
Top 10% certified nursing assistant compensation in Provo ($48,234) is 3.76% below the Utah average P90 ($50,118).
2019 BLS Actual
$36,520
2025 BLS Actual
$45,290
2026 Current Est.
$48,234
2019–2027 Growth
+40.7%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Provo (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $36,520 | Actual |
| 2020 | $38,150 | Actual |
| 2021 | $36,520 | Actual |
| 2022 | $37,180 | Actual |
| 2023 | $42,620 | Actual |
| 2024 | $44,190 | Actual |
| 2025 | $45,290 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $48,234 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $51,369 | Projected |
Top-earning certified nursing assistants (90th percentile) in Provo saw their compensation grow 24.0% from $36,520 in 2019 to $45,290 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 $51,369 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Provo 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 Provo
Specialized skills can greatly influence senior certified nursing assistant pay in UT, with roles such as restorative aide and dialysis technician often commanding higher wages. Provo's healthcare landscape, including skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, and home health agencies, also presents varied pay scales; for instance, hospitals typically offer more competitive compensation than assisted living communities. Career advancement opportunities for seasoned professionals may include roles like charge CNA or training coordinator, which not only enhance management skills but also potentially result in increased wages. Enhanced credentials, such as the optional medication aide certification or hospice-specific training, can further elevate earning potential. Additionally, factors like shift differentials for night and weekend shifts, agency premium pay during staffing shortages, and acuity-based facility pay grades contribute to non-salary compensation, all important considerations for experienced CNAs aiming to maximize their earning potential in Provo.
More salary data for Provo, UT:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced certified nursing assistants make in Provo in 2026?
What drives higher certified nursing assistant pay in Provo?
What certifications boost certified nursing assistant salary in Provo?
Can experienced certified nursing assistants make six figures in Provo?
How much does certified nursing assistant salary increase over time in Provo?
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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 $45,290 for certified nursing assistants in the Provo 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