Senior Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Bennington, VT: $51,693 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of certified nursing assistants working in Bennington, VT — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $51,693/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 31-1131. Strip back Bennington's price premium (BEA RPP 103.5, 4% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $49,945 in average-cost America. The 16% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Bennington, Vermont, senior certified nursing assistants can anticipate robust earning potential, with the top salary reaching $51,693 in 2026. The gap between the median annual salary of $44,636 and the highest earners illustrates the significant experience premium that seasoned professionals command in this field. Achieving such a position often requires extensive training, specialized skills, and a commitment to ongoing education. Those at the upper tier of the pay scale generally possess more than seven years of experience, which allows them to leverage their expertise effectively. For individuals looking to thrive in this competitive market, focusing on certifications and advanced skills can make them stand out as top earners, especially as the demand for skilled CNAs continues to grow in the aftermath of recent workforce challenges.
About the Bennington Market
Salary estimated from Vermont average ($38,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Bennington
Experienced certified nursing assistants at the top of the pay scale in Bennington earn between $48,599 and $51,693 per year (2026 est.). This $13,809 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Bennington median of $44,636 sits 0.82% below the US median.
Top CNA Salary Comparison
| Level | Bennington | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $44,636 | $45,007 |
| 75th Percentile | $48,599 | $50,289 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $51,693 | $55,359 |
In Bennington, experienced certified nursing assistants (P90) earn 15.81% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Certified Nursing Assistant Pay in Bennington
Advanced Certifications in Vermont
VT certified nursing assistants with additional specialty certifications within the nursing field earn significantly above the $44,636 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Bennington employers.
Specialty Focus
Certified Nursing Assistants focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the nursing field in Bennington command premium compensation, often reaching the $48,599–$51,693 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Bennington 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 Bennington 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 Vermont 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 Bennington
Clinical Certified Nursing Assistant
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Certified Nursing Assistant
5-10 yearsCertified Nursing Assistant Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedBennington ranks #4 of 9 Vermont cities for top earner certified nursing assistant salary (90th percentile: $51,693).
Top 10% certified nursing assistant compensation in Bennington ($51,693) is 19.09% below the Vermont average P90 ($63,888).
2019 BLS Actual
$37,930
2025 BLS Actual
$48,538
2026 Current Est.
$51,693
2019–2027 Growth
+45.1%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Bennington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $37,930 | Actual |
| 2020 | $39,322 | Actual |
| 2021 | $41,311 | Actual |
| 2022 | $42,898 | Actual |
| 2023 | $45,550 | Actual |
| 2024 | $45,005 | Actual |
| 2025 | $48,538 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $51,693 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $55,053 | Projected |
Top-earning certified nursing assistants (90th percentile) in Bennington saw their compensation grow 28.0% from $37,930 in 2019 to $48,538 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 $55,053 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bennington 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 Bennington
To enhance senior certified nursing assistant pay in VT, specialization becomes crucial. Roles such as restorative aide, medication aide, and specialists in dementia care or hospice can command higher compensation. Employers vary in their wage offerings depending on the facility type; skilled nursing facilities and hospitals often provide more competitive rates than home health agencies or assisted living communities. Advancement opportunities, such as transitioning to charge CNA roles or bridging to LPN or RN positions, also contribute to salary growth potential. Additional factors, including shift differentials for nights or weekends, can significantly impact overall compensation—common bonuses range from $1 to $4 per hour based on the schedule. Advanced credentials like CPR/BLS certifications and optional medication aide training further boost earning potential, ensuring that prepared individuals can maximize their senior certified nursing assistant salary in Bennington and secure desirable roles in a recovering healthcare workforce.
More salary data for Bennington, VT:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced certified nursing assistants make in Bennington in 2026?
What drives higher certified nursing assistant pay in Bennington?
What certifications boost certified nursing assistant salary in Bennington?
Can experienced certified nursing assistants make six figures in Bennington?
How much does certified nursing assistant salary increase over time in Bennington?
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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 $48,538 for certified nursing assistants in the Bennington 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 Bennington 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