CNA Salary

Senior Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Pelham, AL: $37,897 (2026)

Quick Answer:The top tier of certified nursing assistants working in Pelham, AL — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $37,897/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 31-1131. Strip back Pelham's price premium (BEA RPP 87.9, 12% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $43,114 in average-cost America. The 15% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.

$37,897
Top 10% Earn
$18.22/hr
Top Hourly Rate
$35,829
75th Percentile
$37,897
90th Percentile

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Certified Nursing Assistant Senior Salary in Pelham, AL — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
Pelham, AL certified nursing assistant senior salary overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

In 2026, experienced certified nursing assistants in Pelham, Alabama, can expect a considerable salary upside, particularly if they rise to the top of the pay scale. The highest earners are projected to reach approximately $37,897, while those in the 75th percentile will earn around $35,829. This indicates a notable experience premium, as the median annual salary stands at $32,998. Such a gap emphasizes the financial benefits associated with gaining seniority and expertise within the field. To achieve top-tier pay in this market, professionals will need not only extensive on-the-job experience, typically over seven years, but also specialized skills that enhance their value to healthcare employers in Pelham.

About the Pelham Market

Salary estimated from Alabama average ($30,000) adjusted for local cost of living.

2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Pelham

Vertical bar chart of 10th through 90th percentile salaries for certified nursing assistants in Pelham. The median salary is $32,998, compared to the national median of $45,007.$25.9K$31.3K$36.6K$41.9K$47.3K$28.8K10th Pctl$30.2K25th Pctl$33.0KMedian$35.8K75th Pctl$37.9K90th PctlUS Median$45.0K

Experienced certified nursing assistants at the top of the pay scale in Pelham earn between $35,829 and $37,897 per year (2026 est.). This $9,081 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Pelham median of $32,998 sits 26.68% below the US median.

Source: BLS OEWS projected to 2026. Percentiles reflect the distribution of certified nursing assistant pay in the Pelham metro area.

Top CNA Salary Comparison

LevelPelhamNational
Median (P50)$32,998$45,007
75th Percentile$35,829$50,289
90th Percentile (Top 10%)$37,897$55,359

In Pelham, experienced certified nursing assistants (P90) earn 14.85% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.

What Drives Top Certified Nursing Assistant Pay in Pelham

1

Advanced Certifications in Alabama

AL certified nursing assistants with additional specialty certifications within the nursing field earn significantly above the $32,998 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Pelham employers.

2

Specialty Focus

Certified Nursing Assistants focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the nursing field in Pelham command premium compensation, often reaching the $35,829–$37,897 range.

3

Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience

Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Pelham metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced certified nursing assistants who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.

4

Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships

Long-tenured certified nursing assistants in Pelham with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.

5

Continuing Education & Leadership

Certified Nursing Assistants in Alabama 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 Pelham

Clinical Certified Nursing Assistant

0-5 years
$28,816 – $32,998

Senior/Lead Certified Nursing Assistant

5-10 years
$32,998 – $35,829

Certified Nursing Assistant Department Manager

10+ years
$35,829+

Educator / Specialty Leadership

Advanced
Varies by role

Pelham ranks #24 of 24 Alabama cities for top earner certified nursing assistant salary (90th percentile: $37,897).

Top 10% certified nursing assistant compensation in Pelham ($37,897) is 9.85% below the Alabama average P90 ($42,039).

2019 BLS Actual

$27,807

2025 BLS Actual

$35,584

2026 Current Est.

$37,897

2019–2027 Growth

+45.1%

Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Pelham (20192027)

2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Salary trajectory chart for certified nursing assistants in Pelham. Baseline $27,807 in 2025, projected to $40,360 by 2027.$25.3K$29.7K$34.1K$38.5K$42.9K2019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$27.8K$28.8K$30.3K$31.4K$33.4K$28.9K$35.6K$37.9K$40.4K
YearAnnual SalaryStatus
2019$27,807Actual
2020$28,827Actual
2021$30,285Actual
2022$31,449Actual
2023$33,393Actual
2024$28,887Actual
2025$35,584Actual
2026(current)$37,897Estimated
2027$40,360Projected

Top-earning certified nursing assistants (90th percentile) in Pelham saw their compensation grow 28.0% from $27,807 in 2019 to $35,584 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 $40,360 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.

Note: Historical values (20192025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Pelham metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 20262026 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 Pelham

The path to premium compensation for senior certified nursing assistants in Pelham often includes specialized training in areas such as restorative care, medication administration, and dementia care. These qualifications can significantly boost earning potential, especially in various work settings like skilled nursing facilities and acute care hospitals. Employers often distinguish their compensation based on the complexity and acuity of care provided, with top earners commonly found in critical care or hospice environments. Furthermore, there are leadership opportunities in this profession, such as charge CNA positions or bridges to LPN and RN roles, which not only enhance job responsibilities but also improve pay prospects. Additional certifications, including CPR/BLS and optional medication aide credentials, are increasingly valued in the market. Non-salary compensation factors such as shift differentials for night and weekend work, agency premiums during staffing shortages, and specialized roles can also make a marked difference in overall earnings for seasoned professionals in the AL area.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do experienced certified nursing assistants make in Pelham in 2026?

Top-earning certified nursing assistants in Pelham (90th percentile) make $37,897/year, based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 6.50% annual growth). This is $4,899 more than the area median of $32,998 — representing a significant experience premium. Senior certified nursing assistants typically reach this level after 10+ years of clinical experience combined with specialty certifications, strong patient relationships, and working at high-production or specialty practices.

What drives higher certified nursing assistant pay in Pelham?

Higher certified nursing assistant pay in Pelham is driven by several key factors: years of clinical experience (10+ years for top tier), specializations, expanded-function certifications that allow additional procedures, and employment at high-production practices or large organizations. Geographic factors within the metro area also matter — practices in affluent neighborhoods or underserved areas often pay premium rates. Building a loyal patient base and strong clinical reputation further supports salary negotiation.

What certifications boost certified nursing assistant salary in Pelham?

The most impactful salary-boosting certifications for certified nursing assistants in Pelham include specialty certifications, advanced treatment certifications, and expanded-function credentials. These certifications can increase earnings well above the median of $32,998, especially when combined with experience at specialty practices.

Can experienced certified nursing assistants make six figures in Pelham?

The 90th percentile in Pelham is $37,897. Reaching six figures in this market may require combining clinical work at multiple practices with additional income from education, consulting, product sales, or relocating to a higher-paying metro area. Advanced certifications and specializations can help close the gap.

How much does certified nursing assistant salary increase over time in Pelham?

In Pelham, the gap between entry level ($28,816) and top earners ($37,897) is $9,081, reflecting significant earning potential over a career. Most salary growth occurs in the first 5–10 years through accumulated clinical experience and additional credentials. After year 10, growth slows unless you pursue management roles, teaching positions, or transition into consulting. Continuous professional development is essential for maximizing long-term earnings.

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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.

Clinically reviewed by Michael Rodriguez, CNAData verified by Sara Patel, RN

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 $35,584 for certified nursing assistants in the Pelham 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 Pelham is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).

View estimation methodology

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

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