Senior Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Williamsburg, VA: $48,083 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of certified nursing assistants working in Williamsburg, VA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $48,083/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 31-1131. Strip back Williamsburg's price premium (BEA RPP 103.2, 3% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $46,592 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 Williamsburg, VA, the earning potential for senior certified nursing assistants is significant, particularly for those with more than seven years of experience. The top tier of earners can expect a salary around $48,083 in 2026, with the 75th percentile making about $42,531. This creates a noticeable distinction between the median annual salary of $40,310 and the compensation for high-performing CNAs, reflecting the considerable experience premium in this market. To achieve these peak salaries, professionals typically need to develop advanced skills in specialized areas, cultivate a robust network, and actively pursue positions that emphasize their expertise in critical care settings or leadership roles.
About the Williamsburg Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($35,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Williamsburg
Experienced certified nursing assistants at the top of the pay scale in Williamsburg earn between $42,531 and $48,083 per year (2026 est.). This $14,693 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Williamsburg median of $40,310 sits 10.44% below the US median.
Top CNA Salary Comparison
| Level | Williamsburg | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $40,310 | $45,007 |
| 75th Percentile | $42,531 | $50,289 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $48,083 | $55,359 |
In Williamsburg, experienced certified nursing assistants (P90) earn 19.28% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Certified Nursing Assistant Pay in Williamsburg
Advanced Certifications in Virginia
VA certified nursing assistants with additional specialty certifications within the nursing field earn significantly above the $40,310 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Williamsburg employers.
Specialty Focus
Certified Nursing Assistants focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the nursing field in Williamsburg command premium compensation, often reaching the $42,531–$48,083 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Williamsburg 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 Williamsburg 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 Williamsburg
Clinical Certified Nursing Assistant
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Certified Nursing Assistant
5-10 yearsCertified Nursing Assistant Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedWilliamsburg ranks #36 of 42 Virginia cities for top earner certified nursing assistant salary (90th percentile: $48,083).
Top 10% certified nursing assistant compensation in Williamsburg ($48,083) is 5.74% below the Virginia average P90 ($51,014).
2019 BLS Actual
$35,281
2025 BLS Actual
$45,148
2026 Current Est.
$48,083
2019–2027 Growth
+45.1%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Williamsburg (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $35,281 | Actual |
| 2020 | $36,575 | Actual |
| 2021 | $38,425 | Actual |
| 2022 | $39,902 | Actual |
| 2023 | $42,369 | Actual |
| 2024 | $42,034 | Actual |
| 2025 | $45,148 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $48,083 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $51,208 | Projected |
Top-earning certified nursing assistants (90th percentile) in Williamsburg saw their compensation grow 28.0% from $35,281 in 2019 to $45,148 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 $51,208 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Williamsburg 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 Williamsburg
Exploring the salary dynamics further, specialized roles such as restorative aides and dementia care professionals tend to command higher pay in Williamsburg. Employment settings also play a key role in determining compensation levels, with skilled nursing facilities and hospitals often offering more competitive wages compared to home health agencies or assisted living communities. On the path to advancement, roles like charge CNA and training coordinator are viable options, allowing experienced certified nursing assistants to leverage their skills for leadership positions. Advanced credentials, such as CPR/BLS certification and optional medication aide training, can further enhance earning potential. Additionally, shift differentials for nights and weekends often add $1-4 per hour to the base salary, making certain shifts particularly lucrative during staffing shortages. Understanding these nuances can empower senior CNAs in Williamsburg to strategically position themselves for the best opportunities in the evolving healthcare landscape.
More salary data for Williamsburg, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced certified nursing assistants make in Williamsburg in 2026?
What drives higher certified nursing assistant pay in Williamsburg?
What certifications boost certified nursing assistant salary in Williamsburg?
Can experienced certified nursing assistants make six figures in Williamsburg?
How much does certified nursing assistant salary increase over time in Williamsburg?
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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 $45,148 for certified nursing assistants in the Williamsburg 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 Williamsburg 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