Senior Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Racine, WI: $57,233 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of certified nursing assistants working in Racine, WI — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $57,233/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 31-1131. Strip back Racine's price premium (BEA RPP 96.0, 4% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $59,642 in average-cost America. The 18% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Official BLS data · View source
In Racine, senior certified nursing assistants can expect to see significant earning potential, with the top earners (P90) projected to command salaries of up to $57,233 in 2026. This figure reflects a competitive advantage over the national top-tier salary, indicating that experienced professionals in Racine can achieve a noticeable premium for their expertise and skills. The difference between the median annual salary of $48,681 and the top tier demonstrates the pronounced experience premium present in this market. To reach such heights, CNAs must accumulate substantial experience, often exceeding seven years, while continually expanding their skill set and pursuing specialized certifications that enhance their value to employers.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Racine
Experienced certified nursing assistants at the top of the pay scale in Racine earn between $50,098 and $57,233 per year (2026 est.). This $16,827 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Racine median of $48,681 sits 8.16% above the US median.
Top CNA Salary Comparison
| Level | Racine | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $48,681 | $45,007 |
| 75th Percentile | $50,098 | $50,289 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $57,233 | $55,359 |
In Racine, experienced certified nursing assistants (P90) earn 17.57% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Certified Nursing Assistant Pay in Racine
Advanced Certifications in Wisconsin
WI certified nursing assistants with additional specialty certifications within the nursing field earn significantly above the $48,681 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Racine employers.
Specialty Focus
Certified Nursing Assistants focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the nursing field in Racine command premium compensation, often reaching the $50,098–$57,233 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Racine 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 Racine 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 Racine
Clinical Certified Nursing Assistant
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Certified Nursing Assistant
5-10 yearsCertified Nursing Assistant Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedRacine ranks #5 of 46 Wisconsin cities for top earner certified nursing assistant salary (90th percentile: $57,233).
Top 10% certified nursing assistant compensation in Racine ($57,233) is 7.27% above the Wisconsin average P90 ($53,353).
2019 BLS Actual
$36,850
2025 BLS Actual
$53,740
2026 Current Est.
$57,233
2019–2027 Growth
+65.4%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Racine (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $36,850 | Actual |
| 2020 | $39,800 | Actual |
| 2021 | $37,500 | Actual |
| 2022 | $41,790 | Actual |
| 2023 | $51,270 | Actual |
| 2024 | $54,250 | Actual |
| 2025 | $53,740 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $57,233 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $60,953 | Projected |
Top-earning certified nursing assistants (90th percentile) in Racine saw their compensation grow 45.8% from $36,850 in 2019 to $53,740 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 $60,953 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Racine 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 Racine
In terms of compensatory factors within Racine, several specializations, such as restorative aide, medication aide, and dementia care specialty, are attracting higher pay opportunities. These roles, typically found across diverse employer types like skilled nursing facilities and dialysis centers, highlight how compensation can vary significantly based on the workplace setting. Additionally, positions like charge CNA, scheduler, and bridge roles to LPN or RN offer advancement pathways that not only elevate responsibilities but also salaries. Achieving state certifications and completing training programs can further increase earning potential in Wisconsin, especially through enhanced credentials like CMA and hospice aide certifications. Furthermore, senior-level CNAs can benefit from various non-salary compensation elements, such as shift differentials and agency premiums during staffing shortages, reflecting broader industry trends and the need for experienced professionals in the post-COVID care landscape.
More salary data for Racine, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced certified nursing assistants make in Racine in 2026?
What drives higher certified nursing assistant pay in Racine?
What certifications boost certified nursing assistant salary in Racine?
Can experienced certified nursing assistants make six figures in Racine?
How much does certified nursing assistant salary increase over time in Racine?
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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 $53,740 for certified nursing assistants in the Racine 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