Senior Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Syracuse, UT: $49,533 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of certified nursing assistants working in Syracuse, UT — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $49,533/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 31-1131. Strip back Syracuse's price premium (BEA RPP 98.1, 2% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $50,492 in average-cost America. The 22% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Syracuse, Utah presents a promising outlook for experienced certified nursing assistants (CNAs) eyeing substantial compensation in their careers. The top-tier earning potential in this area is striking, with the projected 2026 salary for those in the 90th percentile reaching $49,533, while the 75th percentile offers an attractive $45,645 per year. Compared to national averages, the top certified nursing assistant salary in Syracuse falls below the 2026 national median of $45,007, yet the financial gap between this benchmark and the local median annual salary of $40,600 underscores a significant experience premium for seasoned professionals. Achieving such elevated pay often requires a solid blend of skills, ongoing education, and possibly advanced certifications, which can leverage one's standing within healthcare facilities and attract higher-paying opportunities.
About the Syracuse Market
Salary estimated from Utah average ($34,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Syracuse
Experienced certified nursing assistants at the top of the pay scale in Syracuse earn between $45,645 and $49,533 per year (2026 est.). This $17,319 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Syracuse median of $40,600 sits 9.79% below the US median.
Top CNA Salary Comparison
| Level | Syracuse | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $40,600 | $45,007 |
| 75th Percentile | $45,645 | $50,289 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $49,533 | $55,359 |
In Syracuse, experienced certified nursing assistants (P90) earn 22.00% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Certified Nursing Assistant Pay in Syracuse
Advanced Certifications in Utah
UT certified nursing assistants with additional specialty certifications within the nursing field earn significantly above the $40,600 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Syracuse employers.
Specialty Focus
Certified Nursing Assistants focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the nursing field in Syracuse command premium compensation, often reaching the $45,645–$49,533 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Syracuse 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 Syracuse 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 Syracuse
Clinical Certified Nursing Assistant
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Certified Nursing Assistant
5-10 yearsCertified Nursing Assistant Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedSyracuse ranks #18 of 41 Utah cities for top earner certified nursing assistant salary (90th percentile: $49,533).
Top 10% certified nursing assistant compensation in Syracuse ($49,533) is 1.17% below the Utah average P90 ($50,118).
2019 BLS Actual
$36,345
2025 BLS Actual
$46,510
2026 Current Est.
$49,533
2019–2027 Growth
+45.1%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Syracuse (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $36,345 | Actual |
| 2020 | $37,679 | Actual |
| 2021 | $39,585 | Actual |
| 2022 | $41,106 | Actual |
| 2023 | $43,647 | Actual |
| 2024 | $40,751 | Actual |
| 2025 | $46,510 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49,533 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $52,753 | Projected |
Top-earning certified nursing assistants (90th percentile) in Syracuse saw their compensation grow 28.0% from $36,345 in 2019 to $46,510 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 $52,753 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Syracuse 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 Syracuse
Compensation for senior certified nursing assistants in Syracuse varies significantly based on specialization and employer type. In this market, those who pursue specializations such as restorative aide, medication aide, or dementia care may command higher wages due to the specialized skills they bring. Employment settings also play a critical role; skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, and hospice agencies often offer different pay scales, with hospitals tending to offer competitive pay for roles in ICUs and medical/surgical floors. Career advancement paths remain accessible, with positions such as charge CNA, scheduler, and unit secretary providing pathways to increased responsibility and salary. Furthermore, pursuing additional certifications—like CPR/BLS or dementia care—can further enhance earning potential. Senior-level compensation can also benefit from non-salary elements such as shift differentials, with night shifts often paying $2-4 more, and weekend roles also offering attractive premiums, making the senior certified nursing assistant pay in UT both rewarding and diverse.
More salary data for Syracuse, UT:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced certified nursing assistants make in Syracuse in 2026?
What drives higher certified nursing assistant pay in Syracuse?
What certifications boost certified nursing assistant salary in Syracuse?
Can experienced certified nursing assistants make six figures in Syracuse?
How much does certified nursing assistant salary increase over time in Syracuse?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Utah
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 $46,510 for certified nursing assistants in the Syracuse 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 Syracuse 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