Certified Nursing Assistant Salary Information
How Much do Certified Nursing Assistants Make?
Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) typically make an hourly wage, which can vary depending on a few factors such as location, experience, and the type of healthcare facility they work in. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) as of May 2020, the median hourly wage for CNAs was $14.25, with the lowest 10% earning less than $10.73 per hour and the highest 10% earning more than $20.61 per hour. Keep in mind that these figures are based on national averages and may vary depending on your specific location and other factors. Additionally, some CNAs may be eligible for benefits such as healthcare, retirement plans, and paid time off, which can also affect their overall compensation.
Certified Nursing Assistant Salary Information by State
| State | Average Hourly Wage | Average Annual Salary | Annual Salary Hightest 10% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama CNA Salary | $ 12.78 | $ 26,590 | $ 30,270 |
| Alaska CNA Salary | $ 20.71 | $ 43,080 | $ 55,520 |
| Arizona CNA Salary | $ 16.64 | $ 34,610 | $ 37,980 |
| Arkansas CNA Salary | $ 13.38 | $ 27,840 | $ 35,010 |
| California CNA Salary | $ 19.12 | $ 39,760 | $ 49,040 |
| Colorado CNA Salary | $ 16.93 | $ 35,210 | $ 38,500 |
| Connecticut CNA Salary | $ 17.36 | $ 36,110 | $ 46,330 |
| Delaware CNA Salary | $ 16.46 | $ 34,240 | $ 38,140 |
| District of Columbia CNA Salary | $ 18.94 | $ 39,390 | $ 47,520 |
| Florida CNA Salary | $ 14.35 | $ 29,840 | $ 37,020 |
| Georgia CNA Salary | $ 14.71 | $ 30,600 | $ 40,730 |
| Hawaii CNA Salary | $ 17.64 | $ 36,680 | $ 47,520 |
| Idaho CNA Salary | $ 14.61 | $ 30,380 | $ 37,090 |
| Illinois CNA Salary | $ 15.97 | $ 33,230 | $ 37,460 |
| Indiana CNA Salary | $ 14.96 | $ 31,110 | $ 37,460 |
| Iowa CNA Salary | $ 15.60 | $ 32,440 | $ 37,750 |
| Kansas CNA Salary | $ 14.30 | $ 29,730 | $ 36,520 |
| Kentucky CNA Salary | $ 14.08 | $ 29,290 | $ 36,420 |
| Louisiana CNA Salary | $ 12.43 | $ 25,840 | $ 29,830 |
| Maine CNA Salary | $ 16.52 | $ 34,360 | $ 38,750 |
| Maryland CNA Salary | $ 16.37 | $ 34,040 | $ 43,650 |
| Massachusetts CNA Salary | $ 18.12 | $ 37,680 | $ 47,280 |
| Michigan CNA Salary | $ 16.25 | $ 33,790 | $ 38,080 |
| Minnesota CNA Salary | $ 17.66 | $ 36,730 | $ 46,490 |
| Mississippi CNA Salary | $ 12.35 | $ 25,690 | $ 29,840 |
| Missouri CNA Salary | $ 14.19 | $ 29,520 | $ 36,590 |
| Montana CNA Salary | $ 15.41 | $ 32,050 | $ 37,460 |
| Nebraska CNA Salary | $ 15.57 | $ 32,380 | $ 37,700 |
| Nevada CNA Salary | $ 17.22 | $ 35,820 | $ 46,180 |
| New Hampshire CNA Salary | $ 17.34 | $ 36,070 | $ 45,850 |
| New Jersey CNA Salary | $ 17.23 | $ 35,830 | $ 44,630 |
| New Mexico CNA Salary | $ 15.20 | $ 31,620 | $ 38,290 |
| New York CNA Salary | $ 19.56 | $ 40,680 | $ 47,800 |
| North Carolina CNA Salary | $ 14.14 | $ 29,410 | $ 37,250 |
| North Dakota CNA Salary | $ 17.34 | $ 36,070 | $ 46,330 |
| Ohio CNA Salary | $ 15.06 | $ 31,330 | $ 37,400 |
| Oklahoma CNA Salary | $ 13.39 | $ 27,850 | $ 33,240 |
| Oregon CNA Salary | $ 18.67 | $ 38,830 | $ 47,520 |
| Pennsylvania CNA Salary | $ 16.44 | $ 34,190 | $ 39,600 |
| Rhode Island CNA Salary | $ 17.12 | $ 35,610 | $ 46,210 |
| South Carolina CNA Salary | $ 14.07 | $ 29,260 | $ 36,330 |
| South Dakota CNA Salary | $ 14.26 | $ 29,660 | $ 36,800 |
| Tennessee CNA Salary | $ 13.89 | $ 28,900 | $ 36,520 |
| Texas CNA Salary | $ 14.72 | $ 30,620 | $ 37,710 |
| Utah CNA Salary | $ 14.72 | $ 30,630 | $ 37,460 |
| Vermont CNA Salary | $ 16.63 | $ 34,600 | $ 42,410 |
| Virginia CNA Salary | $ 14.85 | $ 30,890 | $ 37,750 |
| Washington CNA Salary | $ 18.40 | $ 38,270 | $ 46,550 |
| West Virginia CNA Salary | $ 14.21 | $ 29,560 | $ 37,500 |
| Wisconsin CNA Salary | $ 16.28 | $ 33,870 | $ 37,990 |
| Wyoming CNA Salary | $ 16.07 | $ 33,430 | $ 38,790 |
What are the Salaries of Different Types of Nursing Assistants?
There are different types of nurse assistants, each with varying levels of education, experience, and responsibilities. Here are the estimated salaries of some of the most common types of nurse assistants in the United States, based on data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics as of May 2020.
Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA)
Certified Nurse Assistants (CNAs) are healthcare professionals who provide basic patient care in a variety of settings, such as hospitals, nursing homes, and home health agencies. They typically earn an hourly wage, which varies based on factors such as location, experience, and the type of facility they work in. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) as of May 2020, the median hourly wage for CNAs was $14.25, with the highest 10% earning more than $20.61 per hour.
Home Health Aide (HHA)
Home Health Aides (HHAs) are healthcare professionals who provide basic care to patients in their homes, such as bathing, dressing, and helping with daily activities. They typically earn an hourly wage, which varies based on factors such as location, experience, and the type of agency they work for. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) as of May 2020, the median hourly wage for HHAs was $12.69, with the highest 10% earning more than $17.87 per hour.
Nursing Assistant (NA)
Nursing Assistants (NAs) are healthcare professionals who provide basic patient care in various settings, such as hospitals, nursing homes, and clinics. They typically earn an hourly wage, which varies based on factors such as location, experience, and the type of facility they work in. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) as of May 2020, the median hourly wage for NAs was $14.26,
Patient Care Technician (PCT)
Patient Care Technicians (PCTs) are healthcare professionals who work under the supervision of nurses and provide basic patient care such as monitoring vital signs, assisting with activities of daily living, and collecting specimens. They typically earn an hourly wage, which varies based on factors such as location, experience, and the type of healthcare facility they work in. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) as of May 2020, the median hourly wage for PCTs was $15.03, with the highest 10% earning more than $22.15 per hour.
What Type of Nursing Assistants Make the Most Money?
Patient Care Technicians (PCTs)
In general, Patient Care Technicians (PCTs) tend to make the most money among the different types of nurse assistants. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) as of May 2020, the median hourly wage for PCTs was $15.03, with the highest 10% earning more than $22.15 per hour.
What Are the Highest Paying States for Nursing Assistants?
| State | Employment | Hourly mean wage | Annual mean wage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alaska | 1,760 | $ 20.71 | $ 43,080 |
| New York | 85,490 | $ 19.56 | $ 40,680 |
| California | 94,450 | $ 19.12 | $ 39,760 |
| District of Columbia | 3,140 | $ 18.94 | $ 39,390 |
| Oregon | 12,460 | $ 18.67 | $ 38,830 |
What Are the Top Paying Metropolitan Areas for Nursing Assistants?
| Metropolitan area | Employment | Hourly mean wage | Annual mean wage |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | 4,940 | $ 22.93 | $ 47,690 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA | 10,220 | $ 22.84 | $ 47,500 |
| Salinas, CA | 810 | $ 21.26 | $ 44,210 |
| Fairbanks, AK | 190 | $ 21.10 | $ 43,880 |
| Napa, CA | 550 | $ 20.34 | $ 42,310 |
| New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA | 81,890 | $ 20.17 | $ 41,940 |
| Anchorage, AK | 1,000 | $ 19.99 | $ 41,580 |
| Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA | 310 | $ 19.74 | $ 41,070 |
| Santa Rosa, CA | 1,010 | $ 19.60 | $ 40,770 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | 13,850 | $ 19.51 | $ 40,590 |
How Can I Increase my Salary As a Certified Nursing Assistant?
Pursue additional certifications
Pursuing additional certifications, such as becoming a Patient Care Technician (PCT) or a Certified Medication Aide (CMA), can expand your skill set and increase your earning potential.
Gain More Experience
With more experience comes the potential for higher pay. Consider working in different healthcare settings, taking on additional responsibilities, or pursuing specialized training to increase your skills and value as a CNA.
Further Your Education
Consider pursuing a degree or certification in a related healthcare field, such as nursing or medical assisting, to increase your knowledge and skill set and potentially earn a higher salary.
When starting a new job or during performance evaluations, don’t be afraid to negotiate your pay based on your experience, skills, and the local market.
Seek out higher-paying job opportunities
Consider working in higher-paying healthcare settings, such as hospitals or specialty clinics, or exploring job opportunities in areas with higher pay rates.
take on additional responsibilities or roles
You could seek out opportunities to assist with more complex medical procedures or take on leadership roles within your team. By demonstrating a willingness to take on additional responsibilities and providing high-quality patient care, you may be able to negotiate a higher salary or position within your organization.
In some cases, employers may offer additional pay incentives for CNAs who take on additional responsibilities or have specialized skills.
How Much More Do Nursing Assistants Make If They Have a Certification?
Certified Nurse Assistants (CNAs) typically earn more than non-certified nurse assistants.
Earning a certification as a CNA can also lead to higher pay. CNAs who have completed a state-approved training program and passed a certification exam typically earn more than non-certified nurse assistants. The exact amount of the salary increase may vary based on the certification and the employer, but on average, CNAs with certification can expect to earn about 5-15% more than those without certification. It’s important to note that certification can also lead to expanded job opportunities and potential career advancement.
what are the top paying industries for CNAs?
The top paying industries for Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) vary based on the type of healthcare setting and the location of the job. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) as of May 2020, the top paying industries for CNAs are:
General Medical and Surgical Hospitals:
The median hourly wage for CNAs in hospitals was $15.76.
Specialty Hospitals (excluding Psychiatric and Substance Abuse)
The median hourly wage for CNAs in specialty hospitals was $16.85.
Employment Services
The median hourly wage for CNAs in employment services was $14.68.
Continuing Care Retirement Communities and Assisted Living Facilities for the Elderly
The median hourly wage for CNAs in these facilities was $14.16.
Home Health Care Services
The median hourly wage for CNAs in home health care services was $13.79.
Some healthcare settings may offer higher pay rates to attract and retain qualified nurse assistants.
How Much More Do CNAs Make With Experience?
As in most professions, a nursing assistant’s salary often increases with more experience. According to PayScale, CNAs who have less than one year of experience earn a median hourly wage of $12.32, but their earnings steadily rise as they gain more experience:
| Years of Experience | Hourly wage |
| 1-4 | $12.76 |
| 5-9 | $13.38 |
| 10-19 | $13.97 |
| 20+ | $14.60 |
CNAs can earn approximately 3.5% more after four years of experience, 8.6% more after five years, 13.4% more after ten years, and 19% more after 20 years.
how much more do registered nurses make than certified nursing assistants?
Registered Nurses (RNs) typically earn more than Certified Nurse Assistants (CNAs). According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) as of May 2020, the median hourly wage for RNs was $35.17, while the median hourly wage for CNAs was $14.25. This represents a significant difference in pay, with RNs earning more than twice as much as CNAs.
It’s important to note that RNs require additional education and training beyond that of a CNA, typically a nursing diploma, an associate degree in nursing (ADN), or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). Additionally, RNs have expanded job responsibilities and may perform a wider range of medical procedures and tasks than CNAs.
Additional Monetary Benefits of a Certified Nursing Assistant
Overtime pay
CNAs who work beyond their regular scheduled hours may be eligible for overtime pay, which typically pays time-and-a-half or double-time for hours worked over a certain threshold. Overtime pay can be a valuable way for CNAs to earn extra income and boost their overall compensation.
Bonuses
Some employers offer performance-based bonuses or sign-on bonuses to attract and retain CNAs. Performance-based bonuses may be tied to meeting specific goals or benchmarks, while sign-on bonuses may be offered as an incentive for CNAs to join a particular healthcare facility.
Shift differentials
Some healthcare facilities offer higher pay rates for CNAs who work evening, night, or weekend shifts. Shift differentials can be an additional way for CNAs to earn more money and compensate them for working less desirable hours.
Tuition Reimbursement
Some employers offer tuition reimbursement programs, which can help CNAs pay for additional education or training. Tuition reimbursement programs can be a valuable way for CNAs to pursue advanced certifications or degrees, which can lead to higher-paying job opportunities and expanded job responsibilities.
Health insurance
Many healthcare facilities offer health insurance benefits to full-time CNAs, which can include medical, dental, and vision coverage. Health insurance benefits can help CNAs access affordable healthcare and protect themselves and their families from unexpected medical expenses.
Retirement savings plans
Some employers offer retirement plans, such as 401(k) or pension plans, which allow CNAs to save for their future. Retirement plans can be a valuable way for CNAs to plan for their long-term financial goals and secure their financial future.
Paid Time Off
Many healthcare facilities offer paid time off benefits, such as vacation time, sick leave, or personal days, which allow CNAs to take time off with pay. Paid time off benefits can help CNAs maintain work-life balance and take time off when they need it.