Senior Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Superior, WI: $55,804 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of certified nursing assistants working in Superior, WI — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $55,804/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 31-1131. Strip back Superior's price premium (BEA RPP 93.4, 7% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $59,747 in average-cost America. The 23% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Achieving top-tier compensation as a certified nursing assistant in Superior, Wisconsin, is within reach for those with substantial experience. Senior professionals can anticipate earning up to $55,804 per year by 2026, with a significant number falling within the P75 range of $51,171. This marks an experience premium that clearly differentiates the median annual salary of $45,439. The ability to command such high wages often requires a combination of specialized training, deep expertise, and a commitment to ongoing professional development. As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, those seeking senior certified nursing assistant pay in WI must be strategic, focusing on acquiring credentials and seeking opportunities that enhance their value in a competitive market.
About the Superior Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($38,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Superior
Experienced certified nursing assistants at the top of the pay scale in Superior earn between $51,171 and $55,804 per year (2026 est.). This $17,154 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Superior median of $45,439 sits 0.96% above the US median.
Top CNA Salary Comparison
| Level | Superior | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $45,439 | $45,007 |
| 75th Percentile | $51,171 | $50,289 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $55,804 | $55,359 |
In Superior, experienced certified nursing assistants (P90) earn 22.81% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Certified Nursing Assistant Pay in Superior
Advanced Certifications in Wisconsin
WI certified nursing assistants with additional specialty certifications within the nursing field earn significantly above the $45,439 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Superior employers.
Specialty Focus
Certified Nursing Assistants focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the nursing field in Superior command premium compensation, often reaching the $51,171–$55,804 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Superior 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 Superior 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 Superior
Clinical Certified Nursing Assistant
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Certified Nursing Assistant
5-10 yearsCertified Nursing Assistant Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedSuperior ranks #11 of 46 Wisconsin cities for top earner certified nursing assistant salary (90th percentile: $55,804).
Top 10% certified nursing assistant compensation in Superior ($55,804) is 4.59% above the Wisconsin average P90 ($53,353).
2019 BLS Actual
$40,947
2025 BLS Actual
$52,398
2026 Current Est.
$55,804
2019–2027 Growth
+45.1%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Superior (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $40,947 | Actual |
| 2020 | $42,449 | Actual |
| 2021 | $44,596 | Actual |
| 2022 | $46,309 | Actual |
| 2023 | $49,172 | Actual |
| 2024 | $42,971 | Actual |
| 2025 | $52,398 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $55,804 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $59,431 | Projected |
Top-earning certified nursing assistants (90th percentile) in Superior saw their compensation grow 28.0% from $40,947 in 2019 to $52,398 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 $59,431 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Superior 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 Superior
The demand for specialized skills can significantly enhance earning capacity in Superior. Navigating roles such as restorative aide or medication aide, particularly in states that recognize these certifications, can yield higher salaries compared to standard certifications. Pay can also fluctuate dramatically based on the type of employment setting. Senior roles in skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, and rehabilitative centers typically offer better compensation than home health agencies or assisted living communities. Advancement opportunities abound for seasoned CNAs willing to step into leadership roles like charge CNA or training coordinators, with pathways available to bridge into LPN or RN positions. Additionally, advanced certifications such as CPR/BLS and medication aide can provide the necessary edge to boost one’s salary. Non-salary drivers, like shift differentials that increase pay by $2-4 an hour for night shifts, further contribute to attracting experienced CNAs in this evolving market.
More salary data for Superior, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced certified nursing assistants make in Superior in 2026?
What drives higher certified nursing assistant pay in Superior?
What certifications boost certified nursing assistant salary in Superior?
Can experienced certified nursing assistants make six figures in Superior?
How much does certified nursing assistant salary increase over time in Superior?
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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 $52,398 for certified nursing assistants in the Superior 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 Superior 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