Becoming a certified nursing assistant (CNA) is one of the quickest ways to enter the healthcare field. Certification programs last anywhere from 4-12 weeks. While not the highest-paying healthcare role, the ability to enter the field so quickly allows CNAs to gain valuable experience.
Should they choose to pursue advanced nursing roles, CNAs can use their experience to set them apart from nurses who are just starting out in the field.
Explore CNA salary expectations, along with ways they can increase their pay throughout their careers in this guide.
Average Salary for CNAs
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), CNAs earn a median salary of $35,760, which amounts to $17.19 per hour. The lowest 10% make about $28,030, with the top 10% earning $45,940. CNA salaries depend on many factors, like education, certification, and experience.
Pay can also vary depending on geographic location and/or practice setting. The BLS reports that CNAs in Alaska, D.C., California, New York, and Oregon earn the highest salaries in the field.
Those who work for the government, at hospitals, or in nursing care facilities also benefit from higher-than-average yearly salaries.
$34,150
Average Annual Salary
Source: Payscale, September 2023
$15.07
Average Hourly Wage
Source: Payscale, September 2023
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The Highest-Paying States for CNAs
The highest-paying states for CNAs are mainly located either on the East or West Coast of the United States. The high cost of living in these states directly contributes to higher salaries.
According to theMissouri Economic Research and Information Center, one of the most expensive areas to live in is Washington D.C. Other States with high cost of living indices included Alaska, California, Hawaii, New York, and Oregon. The higher salary for CNAs corresponds with the high cost of living in these regions.
The states with the highest annual pay for CNAs are:
| State | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Alaska | $44,420 |
| District of Columbia | $43,820 |
| California | $43,570 |
| New York | $43,450 |
| Oregon | $42,960 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
| Metropolitan Area | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| San Francisco — Oakland — Hayward, CA | $52,280 |
| San Jose — Sunnyvale — Santa Clara, CA | $51,600 |
| Minneapolis — St. Paul - Bloomington, MN-WI | $46,520 |
| Salem, OR | $44,900 |
| New York — Newark — Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA | $44,720 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
| Workplace Setting | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Junior Colleges | $69,150 |
| Offices of Dentists | $55,870 |
| Technical and Trade Schools | $50,270 |
| Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools | $49,820 |
| Scientific Research and Development Services | $48,020 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
What Kind of Salary Growth Can CNAs Expect?
CNA compensation varies due to several factors. Although a college degree is not required, CNAs can increase their salary by earning an associate, bachelor's, or master's degree. They can also expect salary growth by pursuing certification or changing practice settings or clinical focus.
CNAs also earn a higher salary as they spend more time in the field. Gaining experience as a CNA is a simple way to increase average yearly pay.
| >1 Year Experience | 1-4 Years Experience | 5-9 Years Experience | 10-19 Years Experience | 20+ Years Experience |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $29,720 | $30,870 | $35,390 | $36,170 | $36,490 |
Source: Payscale (September 2023)
How Do CNA Salaries Compare to Other Nurses or Specialties?
Because of the increased education, training, and licensing requirements, registered nurses (RNs) and nurse practitioners (NPs) earn a higher salary than CNAs. The BLS reports thatRNs earn a median salary of $81, 220 per year, while NPs earn about $125,900.
Certain specialties also reflect how a CNA's salary compares to RNs and NPs. RNs who focus onHIV/AIDS, informatics nursing, or legal consulting earn $97,000, $88,630, and $88,050, respectively, as per Payscale data in September 2023.
Advanced practice nurses who specialize in anesthetics or midwifery can expect to earn $203,090 and $120,880, respectively.
5 Ways to Increase Pay As a CNA
CNAs can pursue several pathways to increase their pay. To increase earning potential and employment opportunities, consider the following options:
1. Pursuing Certifications
There are several certification options available to CNAs. Specialization shows dedication to the field while providing an in-depth understanding of a certain subject area. This often results in higher earning potential.
CNA II and III: Not all states offer CNA II or CNA III programs. Those that do provide additional training that increases knowledge, training, and pay. A CNA II can provide certain patient care services under the supervision of an RN. A CNA III can be trained to run certain diagnostic tests and focus on areas such as phlebotomy or acute care. Medication Aide Certification: The National Council of State Boards of Nursing offers the Medication Aide Certification Exam. CNAs who pass the exam are certified to give medications to patients in certain settings. Only a little more than half the states recognize this certification and some categories of medication are restricted. Certified Hospice and Palliative Nursing Assistance: The Hospice and Palliative Nursing Association offers an exam for CNAs interested in hospice and palliative care. CNAs may have opportunities for better-paying positions with this certification. Patient Care Technician: The American Phlebotomy Association offers a patient care technician program, which certifies CNAs to perform tasks such as electrocardiogram administration and blood collection.
2. Increase Your Education Level or Earn Your BSN/MSN
Although CNAs are not required to have a degree, pursuing an associate degree in nursing (ADN), bachelor of science in nursing (BSN), or master of science in nursing (MSN) can increase their earning potential.
Completion of an ADN or a BSN degree and passing the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) makes CNAs eligible to become licensed RNs, a role that pays a median of $81,220 annually. RNs who complete an MSN-NP program can significantly influence their pay, earning a median of $125,900 per year, with specializations that exceed the average.
3. Gain Experience in Administrative Roles
According to Payscale in September 2023, CNAs with office administration skills earn $15.60 per hour, which is slightly more than nonadministrative CNAs. CNA work often provides a foundation for taking on more administrative roles in various specialties. Options include becoming a medical biller or a certified medical assistant (CMA).
Because of their experience with medical terminology and health conditions, CNAs can transition into the role of a medical billing professional by completing a 4-6 week program and passing a certification exam. The BLS reports that this position has a median pay of $47,180 per year.
CNAs can become CMAs by completing a 10-month program and passing a certification exam. After earning their certification, they can work in administration in clinical settings. Shifting to this more administrative role can result in a $4,000 increase in pay, with CMAs earning $38,370 annually.
4. Work Higher-Paying Shifts
To attract CNAs to work less popular shifts, many employers pay shift differentials in addition to their hourly pay. Those who work late nights, weekends, and holidays may be rewarded with an increased hourly rate. Those who work overtime also benefit from additional compensation. The amount and shift time varies from one employer to the next.
5. Change Practice Setting or Become a Registered Nurse
Switching to a practice setting that is in more demand can help CNAs increase their salary. According to the BLS, junior colleges ($69,150), dentist offices ($55,870), and technical and trade schools ($50,270) are some of the highest-paid roles available to CNAs.
CNAs can also become registered nurses. They would have to earn an ADN or a BSN. The additional education can translate to a significant increase in pay, with travel nurses earning an average yearly salary of $82,470, according to Payscale in September 2023.
Frequently Asked Questions About CNA Salaries
According to the BLS, CNAs can make $22.09 an hour, but only the top 10% of CNAs are reported as earning this hourly wage.
The best way to live off of a CNA salary is to take advantage of all of the variables that can increase pay. By getting certification, pursuing a college degree, or searching for a setting that offers higher pay, it is possible to make a comfortable living.
Alaska is the highest-paying state for CNAs, earning $44,420 per year. Because the state has one of the highest costs of living in the country, employers need to provide a higher-than-average salary.
The BLS reports that the median salary for home health aides (HHAs) is $30,180, which is lower than the salary for a CNA. However, they also project a 22% increase in employment over the next decade, while CNAs can expect a 4% increase.
Page last reviewed October 25, 2022
