Senior Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in South Burlington, VT: $61,429 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of certified nursing assistants working in South Burlington, VT — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $61,429/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 31-1131. Strip back South Burlington's price premium (BEA RPP 103.5, 4% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $59,352 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 Burlington, the potential for experienced certified nursing assistants to command top-tier salaries is quite promising, with the 2026 projected salary range revealing a peak earning of $61,429 for those with extensive experience. This figure places senior certified nursing assistant pay in VT significantly above the national average, reflecting a growing demand for skilled professionals in the local healthcare market. With a median annual salary of $51,583, the gap between median and top earners highlights the lucrative opportunities for CNAs who excel in their roles and seek continued growth. Attaining such high salaries generally requires a combination of experience, advanced training, and specialized skills, underscored by the importance of maintaining certifications and pursuing further education that aligns with the evolving standards of patient care.
About the South Burlington Market
Salary estimated from Vermont average ($38,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in South Burlington
Experienced certified nursing assistants at the top of the pay scale in South Burlington earn between $57,210 and $61,429 per year (2026 est.). This $19,130 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The South Burlington median of $51,583 sits 14.61% above the US median.
Top CNA Salary Comparison
| Level | South Burlington | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $51,583 | $45,007 |
| 75th Percentile | $57,210 | $50,289 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $61,429 | $55,359 |
In South Burlington, experienced certified nursing assistants (P90) earn 19.09% 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 Burlington
Advanced Certifications in Vermont
VT certified nursing assistants with additional specialty certifications within the nursing field earn significantly above the $51,583 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by South Burlington employers.
Specialty Focus
Certified Nursing Assistants focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the nursing field in South Burlington command premium compensation, often reaching the $57,210–$61,429 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the South Burlington 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 Burlington 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 South Burlington
Clinical Certified Nursing Assistant
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Certified Nursing Assistant
5-10 yearsCertified Nursing Assistant Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedSouth Burlington ranks #2 of 9 Vermont cities for top earner certified nursing assistant salary (90th percentile: $61,429).
Top 10% certified nursing assistant compensation in South Burlington ($61,429) is 3.85% below the Vermont average P90 ($63,888).
2019 BLS Actual
$45,074
2025 BLS Actual
$57,680
2026 Current Est.
$61,429
2019–2027 Growth
+45.1%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in South Burlington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $45,074 | Actual |
| 2020 | $46,728 | Actual |
| 2021 | $49,091 | Actual |
| 2022 | $50,978 | Actual |
| 2023 | $54,129 | Actual |
| 2024 | $45,592 | Actual |
| 2025 | $57,680 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $61,429 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $65,422 | Projected |
Top-earning certified nursing assistants (90th percentile) in South Burlington saw their compensation grow 28.0% from $45,074 in 2019 to $57,680 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 $65,422 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 Burlington 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 Burlington
Those looking to maximize their compensation as a senior certified nursing assistant in South Burlington should focus on gaining specialized skills that command premium pay, such as becoming a restorative aide, medication aide, or acquiring certifications in dementia care. Compensation structures can vary significantly based on the type of employer; for instance, skilled nursing facilities and hospitals may offer different pay scales compared to home health agencies or hospice care. Advancing within one's career can also lead to leadership opportunities, including roles like charge CNA or training coordinator, which not only enhance earning potential but also provide pathways to LPN or RN licensure. Furthermore, advanced credentials, such as CPR/BLS certification and optional medication aide training, can substantially benefit earnings. Non-salary compensation plays an influential role as well, especially with shift differentials for nights and weekends that typically pay an additional $2 to $4 per hour, enhancing the overall financial prospects of seasoned CNAs in this vibrant city.
More salary data for South Burlington, VT:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced certified nursing assistants make in South Burlington in 2026?
What drives higher certified nursing assistant pay in South Burlington?
What certifications boost certified nursing assistant salary in South Burlington?
Can experienced certified nursing assistants make six figures in South Burlington?
How much does certified nursing assistant salary increase over time in South Burlington?
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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 $57,680 for certified nursing assistants in the South Burlington 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 Burlington 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