Senior Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Stevens Point, WI: $54,909 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of certified nursing assistants working in Stevens Point, WI — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $54,909/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 31-1131. Strip back Stevens Point's price premium (BEA RPP 93.4, 7% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $58,789 in average-cost America. The 20% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
A career as an experienced certified nursing assistant in Stevens Point offers strong earning potential, particularly for those reaching the top tier of the salary spectrum. With a projected annual salary of $54,909 for the 90th percentile in 2026, senior certified nursing assistants can expect to earn significantly more than the median salary of $45,704. This reflects the experience premium many professionals enjoy, illustrating the earning gap often observed in the healthcare field. Achieving this level of pay usually requires over seven years of experience, specialized training, and possibly additional certifications that enhance skill sets in critical areas such as patient care and medication administration. Comparatively, the national top earners are slightly lower, with a median annual salary of $45,007, highlighting the advantages of working in this specific Wisconsin market.
About the Stevens Point Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($38,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Stevens Point
Experienced certified nursing assistants at the top of the pay scale in Stevens Point earn between $50,865 and $54,909 per year (2026 est.). This $15,599 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Stevens Point median of $45,704 sits 1.55% above the US median.
Top CNA Salary Comparison
| Level | Stevens Point | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $45,704 | $45,007 |
| 75th Percentile | $50,865 | $50,289 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $54,909 | $55,359 |
In Stevens Point, experienced certified nursing assistants (P90) earn 20.14% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Certified Nursing Assistant Pay in Stevens Point
Advanced Certifications in Wisconsin
WI certified nursing assistants with additional specialty certifications within the nursing field earn significantly above the $45,704 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Stevens Point employers.
Specialty Focus
Certified Nursing Assistants focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the nursing field in Stevens Point command premium compensation, often reaching the $50,865–$54,909 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Stevens Point 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 Stevens Point 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 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 Stevens Point
Clinical Certified Nursing Assistant
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Certified Nursing Assistant
5-10 yearsCertified Nursing Assistant Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedStevens Point ranks #13 of 46 Wisconsin cities for top earner certified nursing assistant salary (90th percentile: $54,909).
Top 10% certified nursing assistant compensation in Stevens Point ($54,909) is 2.92% above the Wisconsin average P90 ($53,353).
2019 BLS Actual
$40,290
2025 BLS Actual
$51,558
2026 Current Est.
$54,909
2019–2027 Growth
+45.1%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Stevens Point (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $40,290 | Actual |
| 2020 | $41,768 | Actual |
| 2021 | $43,881 | Actual |
| 2022 | $45,567 | Actual |
| 2023 | $48,384 | Actual |
| 2024 | $42,311 | Actual |
| 2025 | $51,558 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $54,909 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $58,478 | Projected |
Top-earning certified nursing assistants (90th percentile) in Stevens Point saw their compensation grow 28.0% from $40,290 in 2019 to $51,558 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 $58,478 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Stevens Point 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 Stevens Point
Several areas of specialization can lead to premium pay for certified nursing assistants in Stevens Point, including roles such as restorative aide and medication aide. Specialized training can enhance marketability and earning potential, especially for those pursuing positions in high-demand fields like dialysis or hospice care. Compensation varies greatly based on the type of employer, with skilled nursing facilities generally offering competitive wages compared to hospitals or home health agencies. Advancing into leadership roles such as a charge CNA, training coordinator, or unit secretary can also provide upward mobility and increased income. To further bolster earning potential, certifications beyond the basic CNA credential are critical; options include CPR/BLS, medication aide training, and focused care certifications in areas like dementia or hospice. Additionally, creative pay structures like shift differentials significantly contribute to overall compensation, offering upwards of $4 hourly for night shifts and weekend work, which makes this profession even more appealing for skilled professionals seeking better financial rewards in the evolving healthcare landscape.
More salary data for Stevens Point, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced certified nursing assistants make in Stevens Point in 2026?
What drives higher certified nursing assistant pay in Stevens Point?
What certifications boost certified nursing assistant salary in Stevens Point?
Can experienced certified nursing assistants make six figures in Stevens Point?
How much does certified nursing assistant salary increase over time in Stevens Point?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Wisconsin
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 $51,558 for certified nursing assistants in the Stevens Point 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 Stevens Point 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