Senior Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Burien, WA: $64,574 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of certified nursing assistants working in Burien, WA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $64,574/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 31-1131. Strip back Burien's price premium (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $60,125 in average-cost America. The 27% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Burien, experienced certified nursing assistants have a strong earning potential, reflected in the projected 2026 top-tier salaries, which reach $64,574 at the 90th percentile. Those in the 75th percentile enjoy a robust $58,297, demonstrating a substantial gap from the median annual salary of $50,945. This salary trajectory illustrates the significant experience premium available to CNAs with over seven years in the field. Achieving such high earnings often requires not only extensive hands-on experience but also additional certifications and specializations that align with industry demands.
About the Burien Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($44,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Burien
Experienced certified nursing assistants at the top of the pay scale in Burien earn between $58,297 and $64,574 per year (2026 est.). This $22,482 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Burien median of $50,945 sits 13.19% above the US median.
Top CNA Salary Comparison
| Level | Burien | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $50,945 | $45,007 |
| 75th Percentile | $58,297 | $50,289 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $64,574 | $55,359 |
In Burien, experienced certified nursing assistants (P90) earn 26.75% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Certified Nursing Assistant Pay in Burien
Advanced Certifications in Washington
WA certified nursing assistants with additional specialty certifications within the nursing field earn significantly above the $50,945 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Burien employers.
Specialty Focus
Certified Nursing Assistants focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the nursing field in Burien command premium compensation, often reaching the $58,297–$64,574 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Burien 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 Burien 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 Washington 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 Burien
Clinical Certified Nursing Assistant
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Certified Nursing Assistant
5-10 yearsCertified Nursing Assistant Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedBurien ranks #10 of 50 Washington cities for top earner certified nursing assistant salary (90th percentile: $64,574).
Top 10% certified nursing assistant compensation in Burien ($64,574) is 4.53% below the Washington average P90 ($67,640).
2019 BLS Actual
$47,382
2025 BLS Actual
$60,633
2026 Current Est.
$64,574
2019–2027 Growth
+45.1%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Burien (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $47,382 | Actual |
| 2020 | $49,120 | Actual |
| 2021 | $51,605 | Actual |
| 2022 | $53,588 | Actual |
| 2023 | $56,900 | Actual |
| 2024 | $61,425 | Actual |
| 2025 | $60,633 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $64,574 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $68,771 | Projected |
Top-earning certified nursing assistants (90th percentile) in Burien saw their compensation grow 28.0% from $47,382 in 2019 to $60,633 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 $68,771 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Burien 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 Burien
Delving into factors that influence senior certified nursing assistant pay in WA reveals a variety of paths for experienced professionals. Specializations in areas like medication aide, dementia care, and dialysis can command higher wages. Compensation across different employer types reflects these disparities; skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, and home health agencies may offer distinct pay structures that align with their operational needs. Moreover, the pathways to advancement—such as moving into roles like charge CNA, or bridging into LPN or RN positions—allow for sustained increases in salary. Additional certifications, including CPR/BLS and optional CMA credentials, can enhance a CNA's appeal in a competitive market. Not to overlook, non-salary compensation variables like shift differentials and weekend premiums add value to overall pay, bolstering the earnings potential of senior CNAs in Burien.
More salary data for Burien, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced certified nursing assistants make in Burien in 2026?
What drives higher certified nursing assistant pay in Burien?
What certifications boost certified nursing assistant salary in Burien?
Can experienced certified nursing assistants make six figures in Burien?
How much does certified nursing assistant salary increase over time in Burien?
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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 $60,633 for certified nursing assistants in the Burien 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 Burien 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