Senior Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in South Jordan, UT: $49,949 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of certified nursing assistants working in South Jordan, UT — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $49,949/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 31-1131. Strip back South Jordan's price premium (BEA RPP 98.1, 2% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $50,916 in average-cost America. The 19% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In South Jordan, the senior certified nursing assistant pay demonstrates a remarkable opportunity for experienced professionals seeking to enhance their earnings. Those who excel and specialize within the field can anticipate strong financial rewards, with top earnings reaching $49,949 in 2026. This potential puts South Jordan's highest salaries in close competition with national averages. Those aiming for top-tier pay must reach beyond the median annual salary of $42,056 by gaining extensive experience—typically over seven years—and pursuing additional certifications that highlight advanced skill sets. With the projection of a robust growth rate of 6.50% for the profession, seasoned CNAs in this Utah city are well-positioned to capitalize on a booming market.
About the South Jordan Market
Salary estimated from Utah average ($34,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in South Jordan
Experienced certified nursing assistants at the top of the pay scale in South Jordan earn between $46,239 and $49,949 per year (2026 est.). This $16,574 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The South Jordan median of $42,056 sits 6.56% below the US median.
Top CNA Salary Comparison
| Level | South Jordan | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $42,056 | $45,007 |
| 75th Percentile | $46,239 | $50,289 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $49,949 | $55,359 |
In South Jordan, experienced certified nursing assistants (P90) earn 18.77% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Certified Nursing Assistant Pay in South Jordan
Advanced Certifications in Utah
UT certified nursing assistants with additional specialty certifications within the nursing field earn significantly above the $42,056 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by South Jordan employers.
Specialty Focus
Certified Nursing Assistants focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the nursing field in South Jordan command premium compensation, often reaching the $46,239–$49,949 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the South Jordan 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 South Jordan 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 South Jordan
Clinical Certified Nursing Assistant
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Certified Nursing Assistant
5-10 yearsCertified Nursing Assistant Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedSouth Jordan ranks #12 of 41 Utah cities for top earner certified nursing assistant salary (90th percentile: $49,949).
Top 10% certified nursing assistant compensation in South Jordan ($49,949) is 0.34% below the Utah average P90 ($50,118).
2019 BLS Actual
$36,650
2025 BLS Actual
$46,900
2026 Current Est.
$49,949
2019–2027 Growth
+45.1%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in South Jordan (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $36,650 | Actual |
| 2020 | $37,995 | Actual |
| 2021 | $39,916 | Actual |
| 2022 | $41,450 | Actual |
| 2023 | $44,013 | Actual |
| 2024 | $41,165 | Actual |
| 2025 | $46,900 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49,949 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $53,195 | Projected |
Top-earning certified nursing assistants (90th percentile) in South Jordan saw their compensation grow 28.0% from $36,650 in 2019 to $46,900 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 $53,195 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the South Jordan 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 South Jordan
The landscape of employment for experienced certified nursing assistants in South Jordan is shaped by various factors, including job specialization and the type of employer. Specializations such as restorative aide, medication aide, dementia care, and hospice aide are known to command premium pay, reflecting the increased demand for these skills. Additionally, senior-level pay can vary across different settings; for instance, those employed in skilled nursing facilities or hospitals, particularly in high-demand units like ICUs, often find compensation structures more favorable. Career advancement options are plentiful as well, enabling CNAs to transition into roles such as charge nurses or training coordinators, while those pursuing certifications like CMA or in specialized areas can further boost their earnings. Non-salary drivers including shift differentials and agency premium pay during periods of staffing shortages also contribute significantly to compensation, creating diverse pathways for senior CNAs to maximize their total earnings in Utah's evolving healthcare environment.
More salary data for South Jordan, UT:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced certified nursing assistants make in South Jordan in 2026?
What drives higher certified nursing assistant pay in South Jordan?
What certifications boost certified nursing assistant salary in South Jordan?
Can experienced certified nursing assistants make six figures in South Jordan?
How much does certified nursing assistant salary increase over time in South Jordan?
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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 $46,900 for certified nursing assistants in the South Jordan 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 South Jordan 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