Senior Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Oshkosh, WI: $51,631 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of certified nursing assistants working in Oshkosh, WI — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $51,631/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 31-1131. Strip back Oshkosh's price premium (BEA RPP 92.9, 7% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $55,560 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 Oshkosh, Wisconsin, a senior certified nursing assistant with extensive experience can anticipate an impressive pay scale, highlighted by the top earners (P90) in the sector, who project to make around $51,631 annually in 2026. This figure reflects a significant earning potential compared to the median salary of $47,488, displaying a clear premium associated with accrued years of experience. Those in pursuit of top-tier pay will typically need to build comprehensive skill sets, which may include specializations or advanced certifications in areas like medications or dementia care. Achieving such distinctions not only enhances one's expertise but is often a key differentiation factor that can propel earnings into the upper echelon of Oshkosh's nursing assistant market.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Oshkosh
Experienced certified nursing assistants at the top of the pay scale in Oshkosh earn between $50,534 and $51,631 per year (2026 est.). This $10,767 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Oshkosh median of $47,488 sits 5.51% above the US median.
Top CNA Salary Comparison
| Level | Oshkosh | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $47,488 | $45,007 |
| 75th Percentile | $50,534 | $50,289 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $51,631 | $55,359 |
In Oshkosh, experienced certified nursing assistants (P90) earn 8.72% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Certified Nursing Assistant Pay in Oshkosh
Advanced Certifications in Wisconsin
WI certified nursing assistants with additional specialty certifications within the nursing field earn significantly above the $47,488 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Oshkosh employers.
Specialty Focus
Certified Nursing Assistants focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the nursing field in Oshkosh command premium compensation, often reaching the $50,534–$51,631 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Oshkosh 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 Oshkosh 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 Oshkosh
Clinical Certified Nursing Assistant
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Certified Nursing Assistant
5-10 yearsCertified Nursing Assistant Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedOshkosh ranks #37 of 46 Wisconsin cities for top earner certified nursing assistant salary (90th percentile: $51,631).
Top 10% certified nursing assistant compensation in Oshkosh ($51,631) is 3.23% below the Wisconsin average P90 ($53,353).
2019 BLS Actual
$36,910
2025 BLS Actual
$48,480
2026 Current Est.
$51,631
2019–2027 Growth
+49.0%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Oshkosh (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $36,910 | Actual |
| 2020 | $38,000 | Actual |
| 2021 | $37,750 | Actual |
| 2022 | $40,960 | Actual |
| 2023 | $45,190 | Actual |
| 2024 | $47,060 | Actual |
| 2025 | $48,480 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $51,631 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $54,987 | Projected |
Top-earning certified nursing assistants (90th percentile) in Oshkosh saw their compensation grow 31.3% from $36,910 in 2019 to $48,480 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 $54,987 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Oshkosh 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 Oshkosh
Compensation for experienced certified nursing assistants can vary substantially based on the types of employers and the specializations held. For instance, certain roles such as restorative aides or dialysis technicians frequently warrant higher pay rates in skilled nursing facilities and rehabilitation hospitals. Moreover, the compensation structure tends to fluctuate within different settings—hospitals, home health agencies, and assisted living communities each present unique financial opportunities. In Oshkosh, pursuing roles like charge CNA or moving towards CNA-to-LPN or RN bridges can facilitate upward mobility while leading to enhanced salaries. Furthermore, factors like shift differentials—particularly for night and weekend roles—may bolster earning potential significantly, in addition to benefits from certification stipends or premiums associated with staffing shortages. Advancing one’s education and credentials is essential in this evolving job market; therefore, securing state certifications and specialized training programs can serve as both a career booster and a pathway to a more lucrative future in healthcare.
More salary data for Oshkosh, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced certified nursing assistants make in Oshkosh in 2026?
What drives higher certified nursing assistant pay in Oshkosh?
What certifications boost certified nursing assistant salary in Oshkosh?
Can experienced certified nursing assistants make six figures in Oshkosh?
How much does certified nursing assistant salary increase over time in Oshkosh?
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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 $48,480 for certified nursing assistants in the Oshkosh 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, 7-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