Senior Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Hampton, VA: $53,552 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of certified nursing assistants working in Hampton, VA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $53,552/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 31-1131. Strip back Hampton's price premium (BEA RPP 103.2, 3% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $51,891 in average-cost America. The 26% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Hampton, Virginia, experienced certified nursing assistants are positioned to benefit significantly from their extensive skills and knowledge, reflected in a top certified nursing assistant salary of $53,552 projected for 2026. Those reaching this pinnacle showcase the gap between the median annual salary of $42,521 and the premium pay available at the 90th percentile, affirming the value placed on seasoned professionals within the sector. Achieving this level of compensation requires not only years of hands-on experience—usually over seven—but also specialized training, advanced credentials, or certifications that set top earners apart from their peers in the competitive healthcare environment. The market’s responsiveness to the growing demand for qualified CNAs, especially in light of recent industry challenges, further emphasizes the potential for significant financial advancement in this field.
About the Hampton Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($35,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Hampton
Experienced certified nursing assistants at the top of the pay scale in Hampton earn between $49,236 and $53,552 per year (2026 est.). This $18,986 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Hampton median of $42,521 sits 5.52% below the US median.
Top CNA Salary Comparison
| Level | Hampton | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $42,521 | $45,007 |
| 75th Percentile | $49,236 | $50,289 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $53,552 | $55,359 |
In Hampton, experienced certified nursing assistants (P90) earn 25.94% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Certified Nursing Assistant Pay in Hampton
Advanced Certifications in Virginia
VA certified nursing assistants with additional specialty certifications within the nursing field earn significantly above the $42,521 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Hampton employers.
Specialty Focus
Certified Nursing Assistants focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the nursing field in Hampton command premium compensation, often reaching the $49,236–$53,552 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Hampton 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 Hampton 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 Virginia 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 Hampton
Clinical Certified Nursing Assistant
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Certified Nursing Assistant
5-10 yearsCertified Nursing Assistant Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedHampton ranks #7 of 42 Virginia cities for top earner certified nursing assistant salary (90th percentile: $53,552).
Top 10% certified nursing assistant compensation in Hampton ($53,552) is 4.98% above the Virginia average P90 ($51,014).
2019 BLS Actual
$39,295
2025 BLS Actual
$50,284
2026 Current Est.
$53,552
2019–2027 Growth
+45.1%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Hampton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $39,295 | Actual |
| 2020 | $40,736 | Actual |
| 2021 | $42,797 | Actual |
| 2022 | $44,441 | Actual |
| 2023 | $47,188 | Actual |
| 2024 | $46,853 | Actual |
| 2025 | $50,284 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $53,552 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $57,033 | Projected |
Top-earning certified nursing assistants (90th percentile) in Hampton saw their compensation grow 28.0% from $39,295 in 2019 to $50,284 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 $57,033 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Hampton 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 Hampton
Compensation for senior certified nursing assistants in Hampton varies considerably depending on their positions, specializations, and the types of healthcare facilities they serve. Specialties such as dementia care, medication aide certification, and dialysis technician cross-training can command premium salaries, while working in skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, or home health agencies generally offers different pay scales. For instance, experienced CNAs involved in hospice care or in high-acuity medical environments, like ICUs, may find themselves at higher pay brackets. Additionally, advanced credentials, including state certifications and BLS/CPR qualifications, can enhance earning potential. Moreover, non-salary compensation factors like shift differentials for weekends and nights, agency pay during staffing shortages, as well as roles encompassing charge CNA or training coordinator positions, can significantly influence overall earnings and career advancement opportunities in VA.
More salary data for Hampton, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced certified nursing assistants make in Hampton in 2026?
What drives higher certified nursing assistant pay in Hampton?
What certifications boost certified nursing assistant salary in Hampton?
Can experienced certified nursing assistants make six figures in Hampton?
How much does certified nursing assistant salary increase over time in Hampton?
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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 $50,284 for certified nursing assistants in the Hampton 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 Hampton 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