Senior Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Sun Prairie, WI: $56,290 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of certified nursing assistants working in Sun Prairie, WI — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $56,290/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 31-1131. Strip back Sun Prairie's price premium (BEA RPP 93.4, 7% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $60,268 in average-cost America. The 22% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Certified nursing assistants with significant experience in Sun Prairie can anticipate competitive pay in 2026. With a top-tier annual salary projected at $56,290, these professionals have the potential to earn notably above the median of $46,143. This highlights the substantial experience premium associated with senior roles, reflecting the high demand for skilled talent in the area. For those who excel in specialized functions or pursue advanced certifications, reaching the upper echelons of the income range becomes quite feasible. Achieving a top certified nursing assistant salary in Sun Prairie requires not just time in service, but also a focus on continuous learning and skill enhancement.
About the Sun Prairie Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($38,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Sun Prairie
Experienced certified nursing assistants at the top of the pay scale in Sun Prairie earn between $51,873 and $56,290 per year (2026 est.). This $19,684 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Sun Prairie median of $46,143 sits 2.52% above the US median.
Top CNA Salary Comparison
| Level | Sun Prairie | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $46,143 | $45,007 |
| 75th Percentile | $51,873 | $50,289 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $56,290 | $55,359 |
In Sun Prairie, experienced certified nursing assistants (P90) earn 21.99% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Certified Nursing Assistant Pay in Sun Prairie
Advanced Certifications in Wisconsin
WI certified nursing assistants with additional specialty certifications within the nursing field earn significantly above the $46,143 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Sun Prairie employers.
Specialty Focus
Certified Nursing Assistants focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the nursing field in Sun Prairie command premium compensation, often reaching the $51,873–$56,290 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Sun Prairie 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 Sun Prairie 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 Sun Prairie
Clinical Certified Nursing Assistant
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Certified Nursing Assistant
5-10 yearsCertified Nursing Assistant Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedSun Prairie ranks #7 of 46 Wisconsin cities for top earner certified nursing assistant salary (90th percentile: $56,290).
Top 10% certified nursing assistant compensation in Sun Prairie ($56,290) is 5.5% above the Wisconsin average P90 ($53,353).
2019 BLS Actual
$41,303
2025 BLS Actual
$52,854
2026 Current Est.
$56,290
2019–2027 Growth
+45.1%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Sun Prairie (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $41,303 | Actual |
| 2020 | $42,818 | Actual |
| 2021 | $44,984 | Actual |
| 2022 | $46,712 | Actual |
| 2023 | $49,600 | Actual |
| 2024 | $43,353 | Actual |
| 2025 | $52,854 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $56,290 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $59,948 | Projected |
Top-earning certified nursing assistants (90th percentile) in Sun Prairie saw their compensation grow 28.0% from $41,303 in 2019 to $52,854 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 $59,948 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Sun Prairie 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 Sun Prairie
The financial landscape for experienced certified nursing assistants in Sun Prairie also varies considerably based on their areas of specialization and the types of healthcare facilities they work in. Specialties like restorative aides and medication aides often come with a compensation premium, as do those with certifications in dementia care or hospice services. Furthermore, locations such as hospitals or skilled nursing facilities may offer different pay rates compared to home health agencies or assisted living communities. Career advancement is within reach, whether moving into roles like charge CNA, training coordinator, or pursuing CNA-to-LPN or CNA-to-RN bridges. Non-salary benefits can significantly impact top pay as well; shift differentials for nights and weekends frequently add $1 to $4 per hour. This multifaceted approach to career growth, paired with the potential for higher performance-based pay, positions experienced professionals to thrive financially in the evolving healthcare environment of Sun Prairie, WI.
More salary data for Sun Prairie, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced certified nursing assistants make in Sun Prairie in 2026?
What drives higher certified nursing assistant pay in Sun Prairie?
What certifications boost certified nursing assistant salary in Sun Prairie?
Can experienced certified nursing assistants make six figures in Sun Prairie?
How much does certified nursing assistant salary increase over time in Sun Prairie?
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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 $52,854 for certified nursing assistants in the Sun Prairie 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 Sun Prairie 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