Senior Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Derby, KS: $47,992 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of certified nursing assistants working in Derby, KS — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $47,992/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 31-1131. Strip back Derby's price premium (BEA RPP 90.9, 9% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $52,796 in average-cost America. The 19% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
With a robust earning potential, senior certified nursing assistants in Derby can achieve remarkable compensation, particularly at the top tier of the pay scale. In 2026, the upper echelon of earners, represented by the P90 figure, can expect to make $47,992 annually, while the P75 tier stands at $44,485. This stark contrast to the median annual salary of $40,342 reflects the experience premium available to those with over seven years of field experience. To bridge the gap towards top-tier pay in Derby, CNAs should consider specializing in high-demand areas such as restorative care or medication administration, actively seeking certification and gaining exposure in diverse healthcare settings.
About the Derby Market
Salary estimated from Kansas average ($32,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Derby
Experienced certified nursing assistants at the top of the pay scale in Derby earn between $44,485 and $47,992 per year (2026 est.). This $14,997 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Derby median of $40,342 sits 10.37% below the US median.
Top CNA Salary Comparison
| Level | Derby | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $40,342 | $45,007 |
| 75th Percentile | $44,485 | $50,289 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $47,992 | $55,359 |
In Derby, experienced certified nursing assistants (P90) earn 18.96% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Certified Nursing Assistant Pay in Derby
Advanced Certifications in Kansas
KS certified nursing assistants with additional specialty certifications within the nursing field earn significantly above the $40,342 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Derby employers.
Specialty Focus
Certified Nursing Assistants focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the nursing field in Derby command premium compensation, often reaching the $44,485–$47,992 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Derby 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 Derby 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 Kansas 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 Derby
Clinical Certified Nursing Assistant
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Certified Nursing Assistant
5-10 yearsCertified Nursing Assistant Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedDerby ranks #11 of 22 Kansas cities for top earner certified nursing assistant salary (90th percentile: $47,992).
Top 10% certified nursing assistant compensation in Derby ($47,992) is 1.1% below the Kansas average P90 ($48,528).
2019 BLS Actual
$35,215
2025 BLS Actual
$45,063
2026 Current Est.
$47,992
2019–2027 Growth
+45.1%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Derby (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $35,215 | Actual |
| 2020 | $36,506 | Actual |
| 2021 | $38,353 | Actual |
| 2022 | $39,827 | Actual |
| 2023 | $42,289 | Actual |
| 2024 | $35,191 | Actual |
| 2025 | $45,063 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $47,992 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $51,112 | Projected |
Top-earning certified nursing assistants (90th percentile) in Derby saw their compensation grow 28.0% from $35,215 in 2019 to $45,063 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 $51,112 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Derby 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 Derby
Delving deeper into the compensation dynamics, specific specializations can significantly boost earnings for senior certified nursing assistants in Derby. Roles such as restorative aides, dementia care specialists, and hospice aides command premiums due to their advanced skills. Moreover, compensation varies based on the employer type; those working in skilled nursing facilities or hospital settings may find better pay and benefits compared to home health agencies or assisted living communities. Senior-level advancement opportunities such as charge nurse assistant or patient care coordinator positions can also lead to higher salaries, encouraging CNAs to pursue bridging programs to LPN or RN. Advanced certifications, including CPR/BLS and optional medication aide training, further enhance marketability and pay potential. Alongside salary incentives, non-salary benefits like shift differentials and agency pay premiums during staffing shortages enrich the overall compensation package for experienced certified nursing assistants in KS, making it essential to stay informed of opportunities that elevate career trajectories.
More salary data for Derby, KS:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced certified nursing assistants make in Derby in 2026?
What drives higher certified nursing assistant pay in Derby?
What certifications boost certified nursing assistant salary in Derby?
Can experienced certified nursing assistants make six figures in Derby?
How much does certified nursing assistant salary increase over time in Derby?
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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 $45,063 for certified nursing assistants in the Derby 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 Derby 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