Senior Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Suffolk, VA: $53,447 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of certified nursing assistants working in Suffolk, VA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $53,447/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 31-1131. Strip back Suffolk's price premium (BEA RPP 103.2, 3% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $51,790 in average-cost America. The 28% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Suffolk, Virginia, the 2026 projection for experienced certified nursing assistants presents a promising salary landscape, particularly for those achieving top-tier compensation. With a potential peak annual salary of $53,447, senior certified nursing assistants can significantly enhance their earning potential compared to the median salary of $41,855. This nearly $12,000 gap underscores the value placed on extensive experience and specialized skills within the local market. To reach the upper echelons of pay, seasoned professionals often cultivate unique skill sets through additional certifications and years of dedicated service, as employers are increasingly willing to invest in top talent amidst a competitive landscape for healthcare workers.
About the Suffolk Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($35,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Suffolk
Experienced certified nursing assistants at the top of the pay scale in Suffolk earn between $45,748 and $53,447 per year (2026 est.). This $18,464 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Suffolk median of $41,855 sits 7% below the US median.
Top CNA Salary Comparison
| Level | Suffolk | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $41,855 | $45,007 |
| 75th Percentile | $45,748 | $50,289 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $53,447 | $55,359 |
In Suffolk, experienced certified nursing assistants (P90) earn 27.70% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Certified Nursing Assistant Pay in Suffolk
Advanced Certifications in Virginia
VA certified nursing assistants with additional specialty certifications within the nursing field earn significantly above the $41,855 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Suffolk employers.
Specialty Focus
Certified Nursing Assistants focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the nursing field in Suffolk command premium compensation, often reaching the $45,748–$53,447 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Suffolk 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 Suffolk 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 Suffolk
Clinical Certified Nursing Assistant
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Certified Nursing Assistant
5-10 yearsCertified Nursing Assistant Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedSuffolk ranks #9 of 42 Virginia cities for top earner certified nursing assistant salary (90th percentile: $53,447).
Top 10% certified nursing assistant compensation in Suffolk ($53,447) is 4.77% above the Virginia average P90 ($51,014).
2019 BLS Actual
$39,217
2025 BLS Actual
$50,185
2026 Current Est.
$53,447
2019–2027 Growth
+45.1%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Suffolk (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $39,217 | Actual |
| 2020 | $40,656 | Actual |
| 2021 | $42,712 | Actual |
| 2022 | $44,354 | Actual |
| 2023 | $47,096 | Actual |
| 2024 | $46,714 | Actual |
| 2025 | $50,185 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $53,447 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $56,921 | Projected |
Top-earning certified nursing assistants (90th percentile) in Suffolk saw their compensation grow 28.0% from $39,217 in 2019 to $50,185 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 $56,921 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Suffolk 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 Suffolk
Compensation for senior certified nursing assistants in Suffolk varies widely depending on the practice setting, often reflecting the demand for specialized skills. Areas such as restorative care, dementia specialty, and hospice support command higher pay, especially in skilled nursing facilities and hospitals, where critical patient care roles exist. Shifts in the pay scale can be influenced by factors including employer type, with skilled nursing facilities generally offering competitive salaries, while home health agencies may provide shift differentials and agency premium pay during staffing shortages. Additionally, advancement is possible for those who seek roles such as charge CNA or pursue further education through CNA-to-LPN or CNA-to-RN transition pathways. Enhanced certifications like medication aide or specialized training in hospice care also contribute to increased pay opportunities, while weekend shifts and acute care responsibilities can offer further financial incentives, drastically enhancing the overall compensation package for experienced CNAs in this market.
More salary data for Suffolk, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced certified nursing assistants make in Suffolk in 2026?
What drives higher certified nursing assistant pay in Suffolk?
What certifications boost certified nursing assistant salary in Suffolk?
Can experienced certified nursing assistants make six figures in Suffolk?
How much does certified nursing assistant salary increase over time in Suffolk?
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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 $50,185 for certified nursing assistants in the Suffolk 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 Suffolk 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