Senior Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Kenosha, WI: $53,580 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of certified nursing assistants working in Kenosha, WI — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $53,580/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 31-1131. Strip back Kenosha's price premium (BEA RPP 101.1, 1% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $52,988 in average-cost America. The 9% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, experienced certified nursing assistants in Kenosha, Wisconsin can expect competitive top-tier salaries, with the 90th percentile earning as much as $53,580 annually. This advantageous position is bolstered by a median salary of $49,224, highlighting a significant gap that reflects the value placed on extensive experience. The local market offers a premium when compared to the national median, which stands at $45,007. To achieve these higher salaries, certified nursing assistants typically accumulate over seven years of hands-on experience and may pursue advanced certifications or specializations, all of which not only enhance their skills but also increase their marketability within the healthcare sector.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Kenosha
Experienced certified nursing assistants at the top of the pay scale in Kenosha earn between $49,980 and $53,580 per year (2026 est.). This $12,567 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Kenosha median of $49,224 sits 9.37% above the US median.
Top CNA Salary Comparison
| Level | Kenosha | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $49,224 | $45,007 |
| 75th Percentile | $49,980 | $50,289 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $53,580 | $55,359 |
In Kenosha, experienced certified nursing assistants (P90) earn 8.85% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Certified Nursing Assistant Pay in Kenosha
Advanced Certifications in Wisconsin
WI certified nursing assistants with additional specialty certifications within the nursing field earn significantly above the $49,224 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Kenosha employers.
Specialty Focus
Certified Nursing Assistants focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the nursing field in Kenosha command premium compensation, often reaching the $49,980–$53,580 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Kenosha metro area, which is a large CNA employment market, 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 Kenosha with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this competitive market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Certified Nursing Assistants in Wisconsin 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 Kenosha
Clinical Certified Nursing Assistant
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Certified Nursing Assistant
5-10 yearsCertified Nursing Assistant Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedKenosha ranks #25 of 46 Wisconsin cities for top earner certified nursing assistant salary (90th percentile: $53,580).
Top 10% certified nursing assistant compensation in Kenosha ($53,580) is 0.42% above the Wisconsin average P90 ($53,353).
2019 BLS Actual
$39,315
2025 BLS Actual
$50,310
2026 Current Est.
$53,580
2019–2027 Growth
+45.1%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Kenosha (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $39,315 | Actual |
| 2020 | $40,757 | Actual |
| 2021 | $42,819 | Actual |
| 2022 | $44,464 | Actual |
| 2023 | $47,213 | Actual |
| 2024 | $47,320 | Actual |
| 2025 | $50,310 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $53,580 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $57,063 | Projected |
Top-earning certified nursing assistants (90th percentile) in Kenosha saw their compensation grow 28.0% from $39,315 in 2019 to $50,310 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 $57,063 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Kenosha 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 Kenosha
Senior certified nursing assistants in Kenosha can significantly boost their earning potential by focusing on specific specializations such as restorative aide, medication aide, dementia care, hospice aide, and cross-training in dialysis technician roles. Compensation also varies widely depending on the type of employer, with skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, home health agencies, and hospice organizations each offering different pay scales. Positions in higher-acuity environments often yield greater financial rewards. Additionally, there are clear paths for advancement, such as transitioning to roles like charge CNA, scheduler, or training coordinator, as well as bridging to LPN or RN positions. Advanced certifications, such as CNA and beyond, particularly in areas like CPR/BLS or specialized medication aide certifications, are valuable assets. Moreover, non-salary compensation elements, such as shift differentials, agency premiums, and specific weekend-only positions, enhance the overall compensation package for seasoned professionals in this field.
More salary data for Kenosha, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced certified nursing assistants make in Kenosha in 2026?
What drives higher certified nursing assistant pay in Kenosha?
What certifications boost certified nursing assistant salary in Kenosha?
Can experienced certified nursing assistants make six figures in Kenosha?
How much does certified nursing assistant salary increase over time in Kenosha?
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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 $50,310 for certified nursing assistants in the Kenosha 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 2-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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