Senior Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Scranton, PA: $49,437 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of certified nursing assistants working in Scranton, PA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $49,437/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 31-1131. Strip back Scranton's price premium (BEA RPP 93.6, 6% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $52,842 in average-cost America. The 6% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Official BLS data · View source
Achieving top-tier pay as a certified nursing assistant in Scranton, Pennsylvania, requires not only experience but also a strategic approach to career advancement. Within the projected 2026 framework, the salary for the top 10% of earners is estimated at $49,437, while those in the 75th percentile can expect around $48,692 annually. This salary potential significantly outstrips the median yearly income of $46,839, showcasing the financial rewards available to those who invest in their careers. To reach such heights, CNAs must cultivate specialized skills, seek out advanced roles, or acquire additional certifications that align with market demands. In Scranton, this includes capitalizing on opportunities in high-need areas such as hospice and dialysis, where advanced training can lead to superior compensation.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Scranton
Experienced certified nursing assistants at the top of the pay scale in Scranton earn between $48,692 and $49,437 per year (2026 est.). This $9,350 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Scranton median of $46,839 sits 4.07% above the US median.
Top CNA Salary Comparison
| Level | Scranton | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $46,839 | $45,007 |
| 75th Percentile | $48,692 | $50,289 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $49,437 | $55,359 |
In Scranton, experienced certified nursing assistants (P90) earn 5.55% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Certified Nursing Assistant Pay in Scranton
Advanced Certifications in Pennsylvania
PA certified nursing assistants with additional specialty certifications within the nursing field earn significantly above the $46,839 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Scranton employers.
Specialty Focus
Certified Nursing Assistants focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the nursing field in Scranton command premium compensation, often reaching the $48,692–$49,437 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Scranton 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 Scranton 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 Pennsylvania 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 Scranton
Clinical Certified Nursing Assistant
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Certified Nursing Assistant
5-10 yearsCertified Nursing Assistant Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedScranton ranks #21 of 25 Pennsylvania cities for top earner certified nursing assistant salary (90th percentile: $49,437).
Top 10% certified nursing assistant compensation in Scranton ($49,437) is 4.64% below the Pennsylvania average P90 ($51,841).
2019 BLS Actual
$39,230
2025 BLS Actual
$46,420
2026 Current Est.
$49,437
2019–2027 Growth
+34.2%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Scranton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $39,230 | Actual |
| 2020 | $40,070 | Actual |
| 2021 | $37,460 | Actual |
| 2022 | $39,330 | Actual |
| 2023 | $44,550 | Actual |
| 2024 | $46,590 | Actual |
| 2025 | $46,420 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49,437 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $52,651 | Projected |
Top-earning certified nursing assistants (90th percentile) in Scranton saw their compensation grow 18.3% from $39,230 in 2019 to $46,420 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 $52,651 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Scranton 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 Scranton
In the competitive landscape of senior certified nursing assistant pay in PA, certain specializations can elevate an experienced CNA's earnings significantly. For instance, professionals focusing on restorative care or obtaining medication aide certifications are often compensated at more favorable rates as they provide essential services that enhance patient outcomes. Compensation structures also vary significantly depending on the type of employer. Those working in skilled nursing facilities or hospitals, particularly in critical care settings, tend to have higher salary potential compared to those in home health or assisted living roles. Career advancement becomes a tangible goal as many CNAs transition into leadership positions like charge CNA or training coordinator, with pathways available to bridge into LPN or RN roles. Furthermore, possessing advanced credentials, such as the state CNA certification, CPR/BLS training, and any additional specialties in dementia care, can further boost earning potential in Scranton, while non-salary benefits like shift differentials and premium pay for high-demand shifts provide additional financial incentives.
More salary data for Scranton, PA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced certified nursing assistants make in Scranton in 2026?
What drives higher certified nursing assistant pay in Scranton?
What certifications boost certified nursing assistant salary in Scranton?
Can experienced certified nursing assistants make six figures in Scranton?
How much does certified nursing assistant salary increase over time in Scranton?
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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 $46,420 for certified nursing assistants in the Scranton 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