Certified Nursing Assistant Salaries

Updated on Jan 08, 2025
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Salary

How much does a Certified Nursing Assistant make?

The average salary for a Certified Nursing Assistant is $41,310 per year in the US.

Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) play a vital role in healthcare. They provide essential care to patients in various settings. This job not only offers personal satisfaction but also comes with a respectable salary.


The average yearly salary for a Certified Nursing Assistant stands at around $41,310. Many factors influence earnings, including location, experience, and workplace setting. Starting salaries for CNAs are typically around $27,000 and can go as high as $70,000 with experience and additional responsibilities.


Here's a closer look at the salary distribution for CNAs:

  • 7.1% earn about $27,000
  • 14.5% earn around $30,909
  • 20.1% earn approximately $34,818
  • 21.5% earn near $38,727
  • 15.2% earn about $42,636
  • 8.4% earn around $46,545
  • 4.4% earn approximately $50,455
  • 1.9% earn near $54,364
  • 0.9% earn about $58,273
  • 0.5% earn around $62,182
  • 0.4% earn approximately $66,091
  • 0.1% earn up to $70,000

This overview shows that CNAs can enjoy a rewarding career both personally and financially. The potential for growth in salary is significant as they advance in their skills and take on more responsibilities.

View Certified Nursing Assistant Jobs Nearby

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

Certified Nursing Assistants can earn impressive salaries in several U.S. cities. San Francisco leads with an average annual salary of $57,115, followed by Vallejo and Santa Maria, both in California. Other notable cities include Seattle and San Jose, where wages remain competitive for skilled nursing professionals.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Certified Nursing Assistant jobs, highlighting San Francisco, CA with the highest at $57,115 and Worcester, MA with the lowest at $49,522.
  1. San Francisco, CA
    Average Salary: $57,115
    Working as a nursing assistant in San Francisco offers unique opportunities in top hospitals like UCSF Medical Center. The city’s diverse community creates a rewarding environment, allowing professionals to make a difference in many patients' lives.
    Find Certified Nursing Assistant jobs in San Francisco, CA


  2. Vallejo, CA
    Average Salary: $54,742
    In Vallejo, nursing assistants play a vital role in supporting patients at facilities such as Sutter Health. The city's welcoming atmosphere and strong sense of community make it a fulfilling place to start or advance a healthcare career.
    Find Certified Nursing Assistant jobs in Vallejo, CA


  3. Santa Maria, CA
    Average Salary: $54,461
    Santa Maria provides a close-knit working environment for nursing assistants at organizations like Marian Regional Medical Center. The supportive community allows staff to form strong relationships while providing essential care.
    Find Certified Nursing Assistant jobs in Santa Maria, CA


  4. Seattle, WA
    Average Salary: $54,246
    Seattle offers an exciting environment for nursing assistants, with employers such as Swedish Medical Center and Virginia Mason Medical Center. The city's innovation and focus on healthcare make it an appealing place to work and grow professionally.
    Find Certified Nursing Assistant jobs in Seattle, WA


  5. San Jose, CA
    Average Salary: $52,507
    San Jose boasts a variety of hospitals and skilled nursing facilities where nursing assistants are in high demand. Working here allows you to be part of a vibrant tech hub and provide care in a dynamic healthcare landscape.
    Find Certified Nursing Assistant jobs in San Jose, CA


  6. Minneapolis, MN
    Average Salary: $52,436
    In Minneapolis, nursing assistants enjoy fulfilling roles in reputable hospitals like Hennepin Healthcare. The city’s commitment to healthcare and its diverse population create a meaningful work experience.
    Find Certified Nursing Assistant jobs in Minneapolis, MN


  7. Albuquerque, NM
    Average Salary: $51,979
    Albuquerque is home to several healthcare facilities, including Presbyterian Hospital, where nursing assistants are integral to patient care. The city’s rich culture and community involvement foster a rewarding workplace.
    Find Certified Nursing Assistant jobs in Albuquerque, NM


  8. Sacramento, CA
    Average Salary: $50,225
    Working as a nursing assistant in Sacramento means joining a healthcare system with prominent employers like UC Davis Health. The city’s focus on patient-centered care allows nursing assistants to thrive in their careers.
    Find Certified Nursing Assistant jobs in Sacramento, CA


  9. Portland, OR
    Average Salary: $50,036
    Portland offers nursing assistants a chance to work in a variety of settings, including hospitals like Oregon Health & Science University. The city's emphasis on wellness and innovation makes it an exciting place for healthcare professionals.
    Find Certified Nursing Assistant jobs in Portland, OR


  10. Worcester, MA
    Average Salary: $49,522
    In Worcester, nursing assistants find professional opportunities at well-established healthcare facilities like UMass Memorial Medical Center. The city's strong healthcare network supports both career growth and community well-being.
    Find Certified Nursing Assistant jobs in Worcester, MA

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

Certified Nursing Assistants can find some of the best salaries at top companies like Stanford Medicine Children's Health, offering an average salary of $152,856. Apex Healthcare and Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) also provide impressive pay, averaging $145,828 and $136,650 respectively. Working for these companies not only offers competitive wages but also a chance to be part of renowned healthcare teams.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Certified Nursing Assistant jobs, highlighting Stanford Medicine Children's Health with the highest at $152,856 and Convergence with the lowest at $95,250.
  1. Stanford Medicine Children's Health
    Average Salary: $152,856
    Stanford Medicine Children's Health offers Certified Nursing Assistants a rewarding career focused on pediatric care. Working in locations like Palo Alto, CA, CNAs provide essential support to children and families in a compassionate environment.


  2. Apex Healthcare
    Average Salary: $145,828
    Apex Healthcare is known for its commitment to quality patient care. CNAs at Apex work in various facilities, helping to maintain high standards of health services across California. Their roles involve direct patient interaction and support in a friendly atmosphere.


  3. Hewlett Packard Enterprise | HPE
    Average Salary: $136,650
    Hewlett Packard Enterprise employs Certified Nursing Assistants primarily in corporate wellness programs. Located in Houston, TX, CNAs assist in promoting health and wellbeing among employees, blending healthcare with technology.


  4. Resort Travel & Xchange
    Average Salary: $126,991
    Resort Travel & Xchange provides Certified Nursing Assistants with unique opportunities in travel healthcare. CNAs can work in various tourist-friendly locations, combining work with exciting travel experiences across the United States.


  5. VHC Health
    Average Salary: $103,190
    VHC Health is a community-focused healthcare provider in Arlington, VA. Certified Nursing Assistants at VHC contribute significantly to patient care in a supportive environment, helping improve the health of the local community.


  6. Glendora Hospital
    Average Salary: $100,595
    Located in Glendora, CA, Glendora Hospital offers a welcoming environment for Certified Nursing Assistants. CNAs here provide vital care to patients while working alongside experienced health professionals in a team-oriented setting.


  7. Clinical Management Consultants
    Average Salary: $98,266
    Clinical Management Consultants connects Certified Nursing Assistants with top healthcare facilities across the U.S. CNAs can explore diverse roles in various settings, enhancing their skills in a supportive network.


  8. Gifted Healthcare
    Average Salary: $97,452
    Gifted Healthcare specializes in placing Certified Nursing Assistants in a range of healthcare settings. With opportunities nationwide, CNAs can find flexible roles that fit their lifestyle and career goals.


  9. Stanford Health Care
    Average Salary: $96,824
    Stanford Health Care stands out for offering CNAs quality training and development. Operating in Stanford, CA, CNAs play a crucial role in patient care, experiencing a dynamic and nurturing work environment.


  10. Convergence
    Average Salary: $95,250
    Convergence provides Certified Nursing Assistants with opportunities in various healthcare facilities. With locations across several states, CNAs can enjoy diverse experiences while making a meaningful difference in patient care.

How to earn more as a Certified Nursing Assistant?

To increase your earnings as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), focus on these key factors:
  • Gain More Experience: Work in different healthcare settings. Each experience builds your skills and makes you more valuable.
  • Specialize in a Field: Consider certifications in areas like geriatrics, pediatrics, or rehabilitation. Specialization can lead to higher pay.
  • Work Overtime or Extra Shifts: Many facilities offer pay incentives for overtime or extra shifts. This can boost your overall earnings significantly.
  • Pursue Additional Certifications: Gaining certifications in areas like CPR or Basic Life Support can enhance your resume and lead to better-paying jobs.
  • Consider Travel CNA Positions: Travel CNAs often receive higher pay rates and benefits. This option allows you to explore new places while earning more money.

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Currently 34,857 Certified Nursing Assistant job openings, nationwide!

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Position
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Certified Nursing Assistant
34,857 Job Openings