Certified Nursing Assistant Salaries

Updated on Mar 08, 2025
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How much does a Certified Nursing Assistant make?

The average salary for a Certified Nursing Assistant is $41,426 per year in the US.

Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) play a crucial role in healthcare. They provide essential support to patients, making their work both rewarding and important. In terms of salary, the average yearly earnings for a CNA is about $41,426.


Salaries for CNAs can vary based on experience, location, and specific workplaces. For those just starting out, the salary begins around $26,650. As CNAs gain more experience and competence, their earnings increase. For example, with a few years on the job, a CNA can make around $30,722.


Mid-career CNAs, with solid experience, can earn an average of $38,865. As you advance further into your career, salaries can reach up to $51,081 and beyond. Some experienced CNAs even make as much as $71,440, especially in high-demand areas or specialized roles.


Overall, pursuing a career as a Certified Nursing Assistant can be financially rewarding, with opportunities for salary growth as you gain experience and skills.

View Certified Nursing Assistant Jobs Nearby

What are the highest paying cities for a Certified Nursing Assistant?

Certified Nursing Assistants can find some of the highest salaries in cities like San Francisco, CA, where the average salary reaches $56,416. Other cities with strong earnings include Vallejo, CA ($54,816) and Seattle, WA ($54,594). These locations offer great opportunities for job seekers looking to advance their careers in healthcare.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Certified Nursing Assistant jobs, highlighting San Francisco, CA with the highest at $56,416 and Worcester, MA with the lowest at $49,517.
  1. San Francisco, CA
    Average Salary: $56,416
    In San Francisco, nursing professionals work alongside top-notch healthcare facilities like UCSF Medical Center and Dignity Health. The city's commitment to healthcare ensures a rewarding atmosphere for those in supportive roles.
    Find Certified Nursing Assistant jobs in San Francisco, CA


  2. Vallejo, CA
    Average Salary: $54,816
    Vallejo offers a thriving healthcare environment with major employers like Kaiser Permanente and Sutter Health. Working here provides opportunities to impact patients' lives positively while being part of a caring community.
    Find Certified Nursing Assistant jobs in Vallejo, CA


  3. Seattle, WA
    Average Salary: $54,594
    Seattle's healthcare system is robust, featuring esteemed organizations such as Swedish Medical Center and Virginia Mason. The city's focus on patient care makes it a fulfilling place for individuals passionate about helping others.
    Find Certified Nursing Assistant jobs in Seattle, WA


  4. Santa Maria, CA
    Average Salary: $53,486
    In Santa Maria, healthcare facilities like Marian Regional Medical Center provide a supportive environment for caregivers. The city's strong sense of community enhances the rewarding experience of working in this field.
    Find Certified Nursing Assistant jobs in Santa Maria, CA


  5. Minneapolis, MN
    Average Salary: $52,353
    Minneapolis boasts renowned hospitals like the University of Minnesota Medical Center and Fairview Health Services. The collaborative healthcare atmosphere fosters growth and camaraderie among staff.
    Find Certified Nursing Assistant jobs in Minneapolis, MN


  6. San Jose, CA
    Average Salary: $51,969
    San Jose has a vibrant job market with excellent opportunities at hospitals such as Good Samaritan Hospital and Regional Medical Center. Working here allows you to be part of an innovative healthcare community.
    Find Certified Nursing Assistant jobs in San Jose, CA


  7. Albuquerque, NM
    Average Salary: $51,936
    In Albuquerque, healthcare is a priority with institutions like Presbyterian Hospital and Lovelace Health System leading the way. This city offers a fulfilling work environment for those dedicated to patient care.
    Find Certified Nursing Assistant jobs in Albuquerque, NM


  8. Portland, OR
    Average Salary: $50,217
    Portland features a growing healthcare sector with respected institutions like Legacy Health and OHSU. Individuals here enjoy a supportive work culture that emphasizes the importance of patient wellbeing.
    Find Certified Nursing Assistant jobs in Portland, OR


  9. Sacramento, CA
    Average Salary: $49,975
    Sacramento is home to major healthcare providers like UC Davis Medical Center and Sutter Health. The collaborative spirit in this city makes it a great place for people who want to make a difference in healthcare.
    Find Certified Nursing Assistant jobs in Sacramento, CA


  10. Worcester, MA
    Average Salary: $49,517
    Worcester's healthcare scene includes notable facilities like UMass Memorial Health Care. Working in this city allows individuals to contribute to a compassionate community focused on improving patient outcomes.
    Find Certified Nursing Assistant jobs in Worcester, MA

What are the best companies a Certified Nursing Assistant can work for?

Apex Healthcare and Stanford Medicine Children's Health lead the way for Certified Nursing Assistant jobs, boasting impressive average salaries of $145,596 and $145,234, respectively. Hewlett Packard Enterprise follows closely with an average salary of $136,650. Other notable companies, like VHC Health and Legacy Home Care, also offer competitive compensation, making them attractive options for job seekers in the field.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Certified Nursing Assistant jobs, highlighting Apex Healthcare with the highest at $145,596 and Convergence with the lowest at $95,500.
  1. Apex Healthcare
    Average Salary: $145,596
    Apex Healthcare offers rewarding opportunities for Certified Nursing Assistants, particularly in their facilities across major metropolitan areas. The organization emphasizes quality patient care and provides ongoing training to enhance skills.


  2. Stanford Medicine Children's Health
    Average Salary: $145,234
    At Stanford Medicine Children's Health, Certified Nursing Assistants play a vital role in supporting pediatric patients. The organization operates in the Bay Area and provides a nurturing environment focused on team collaboration and professional development.


  3. Hewlett Packard Enterprise | HPE
    Average Salary: $136,650
    Hewlett Packard Enterprise offers unique positions for Certified Nursing Assistants, particularly within their health and wellness programs. Their focus on employee health extends into communities across several states, providing engaging work environments.


  4. VHC Health
    Average Salary: $106,609
    VHC Health employs Certified Nursing Assistants in various healthcare settings, ensuring personalized patient care. Their facilities are located primarily in Virginia, offering CNAs a chance to make a significant impact in patient lives.


  5. Legacy Home Care
    Average Salary: $102,299
    Legacy Home Care specializes in home health services, providing Certified Nursing Assistants with meaningful work in clients’ homes. The company operates in several regions and focuses on delivering compassionate and personalized care.


  6. Glendora Hospital
    Average Salary: $100,595
    Glendora Hospital offers Certified Nursing Assistants the opportunity to work in a supportive environment. Located in California, the hospital prioritizes collaborative care and values the contributions of its CNAs.


  7. Clinical Management Consultants
    Average Salary: $98,463
    Clinical Management Consultants recruit Certified Nursing Assistants for various healthcare settings. They work with facilities throughout the country, focusing on matching qualified professionals with the right opportunities.


  8. Clover Health Services
    Average Salary: $98,127
    Clover Health Services provides Certified Nursing Assistants with fulfilling roles in patient care. The company aims to improve health outcomes in communities across different locations, focusing on personal care and wellness.


  9. Gifted Healthcare
    Average Salary: $97,452
    Gifted Healthcare offers opportunities for Certified Nursing Assistants in a variety of clinical environments. They operate across numerous states, providing supportive services to help professionals thrive in their careers.


  10. Convergence
    Average Salary: $95,500
    Convergence employs Certified Nursing Assistants in diverse healthcare settings, including hospitals and long-term care facilities. They focus on creating a positive work atmosphere and enhancing the skills of their nursing staff.

How to earn more as a Certified Nursing Assistant?

As a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), earning more can come from a few key factors. Focus on these areas to increase your pay and advance your career:

  • Gain Experience: Work longer in the field to build your skills. More experience often leads to higher pay.
  • Certifications: Get additional certifications such as CPR or specialized training in areas like geriatrics or pediatrics. These can open doors to higher-paying positions.
  • Geographic Location: Consider moving to areas with higher demand for CNAs. Some regions offer better pay rates due to a shortage of healthcare workers.
  • Work Overtime: Many healthcare facilities offer overtime hours. Taking advantage of these can lead to significant pay increases.
  • Network Professionally: Connect with other healthcare professionals. Networking can lead to job opportunities and insights into higher-paying roles.

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Currently 34,013 Certified Nursing Assistant job openings, nationwide!

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Certified Nursing Assistant
34,013 Job Openings