Senior Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Wausau, WI: $51,120 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of certified nursing assistants working in Wausau, WI — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $51,120/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 31-1131. Strip back Wausau's price premium (BEA RPP 92.7, 7% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $55,175 in average-cost America. The 10% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Official BLS data · View source
Pursuing a senior certified nursing assistant position in Wausau can lead to substantial financial rewards, especially for those with 7+ years of experience. In 2026, the top certified nursing assistant salary in Wausau is projected to reach $51,120, significantly surpassing the median annual salary of $46,498. This pay gap highlights the premium associated with experience and specialized skills in the nursing field. To reach the upper echelon of earnings, professionals need not only extensive hands-on experience but also may benefit from advanced certifications and specialized training that make them more competitive in the job market.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Wausau
Experienced certified nursing assistants at the top of the pay scale in Wausau earn between $48,734 and $51,120 per year (2026 est.). This $11,555 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Wausau median of $46,498 sits 3.31% above the US median.
Top CNA Salary Comparison
| Level | Wausau | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $46,498 | $45,007 |
| 75th Percentile | $48,734 | $50,289 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $51,120 | $55,359 |
In Wausau, experienced certified nursing assistants (P90) earn 9.94% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Certified Nursing Assistant Pay in Wausau
Advanced Certifications in Wisconsin
WI certified nursing assistants with additional specialty certifications within the nursing field earn significantly above the $46,498 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Wausau employers.
Specialty Focus
Certified Nursing Assistants focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the nursing field in Wausau command premium compensation, often reaching the $48,734–$51,120 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Wausau 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 Wausau 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 Wausau
Clinical Certified Nursing Assistant
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Certified Nursing Assistant
5-10 yearsCertified Nursing Assistant Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedWausau ranks #39 of 46 Wisconsin cities for top earner certified nursing assistant salary (90th percentile: $51,120).
Top 10% certified nursing assistant compensation in Wausau ($51,120) is 4.19% below the Wisconsin average P90 ($53,353).
2019 BLS Actual
$37,590
2025 BLS Actual
$48,000
2026 Current Est.
$51,120
2019–2027 Growth
+44.8%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Wausau (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $37,590 | Actual |
| 2020 | $39,080 | Actual |
| 2021 | $36,930 | Actual |
| 2022 | $38,100 | Actual |
| 2023 | $44,000 | Actual |
| 2024 | $46,630 | Actual |
| 2025 | $48,000 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $51,120 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $54,443 | Projected |
Top-earning certified nursing assistants (90th percentile) in Wausau saw their compensation grow 27.7% from $37,590 in 2019 to $48,000 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 $54,443 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Wausau 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 Wausau
Compensation for experienced professionals can vary widely based on their specializations and the type of employer. Senior certified nursing assistants who pursue additional certifications in areas such as dementia care, hospice care, or as medication aides may command higher wages. Employment settings also influence pay; those employed in skilled nursing facilities or hospitals often earn more than those in home health agencies or assisted living communities. Moreover, taking on supervisory roles, such as charge CNA or training coordinator, offers pathways to advancement and increased salaries. Non-salary factors such as shift differentials and agency premium rates during staffing shortages can further boost earnings. Understanding these variables is essential for navigating the senior certified nursing assistant pay landscape in Wausau, WI, as professionals look to maximize their career potential.
More salary data for Wausau, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced certified nursing assistants make in Wausau in 2026?
What drives higher certified nursing assistant pay in Wausau?
What certifications boost certified nursing assistant salary in Wausau?
Can experienced certified nursing assistants make six figures in Wausau?
How much does certified nursing assistant salary increase over time in Wausau?
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 $48,000 for certified nursing assistants in the Wausau 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