Certified Nursing Assistant Salaries

Updated on Feb 08, 2025
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Salary

How much does a Certified Nursing Assistant make?

The average salary for a Certified Nursing Assistant is $41,283 per year in the US.

Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) enjoy a rewarding career that also offers a solid salary. The average yearly salary for a CNA stands at approximately $41,283. This amount varies based on experience, education, and location.


Entry-level positions start around $26,750, allowing those new to the field to gain valuable skills. As CNAs gain experience, their earnings can rise significantly. With moderate experience, salaries reach about $38,586, while skilled professionals can earn up to $62,259 or more.


Many factors influence these salaries, including the type of facility where a CNA works, the state or region, and the demand for nursing assistants in the area. Overall, pursuing a career as a CNA not only provides a chance to make a difference in people's lives but also offers a pathway to a stable and increasing income.

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 paying opportunities in cities like San Francisco, CA, where the average salary reaches $56,747. Vallejo and Santa Maria follow closely, offering average salaries of $54,742 and $54,461, respectively. Seattle and Minneapolis also provide attractive pay, with averages around $54,363 and $52,432.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Certified Nursing Assistant jobs, highlighting San Francisco, CA with the highest at $56,747 and Worcester, MA with the lowest at $49,558.
  1. San Francisco, CA
    Average Salary: $56,747
    Working as a nursing assistant in San Francisco offers diverse opportunities in various healthcare settings. Major employers include Sutter Health and UCSF Medical Center, providing excellent training and career advancement.
    Find Certified Nursing Assistant jobs in San Francisco, CA


  2. Vallejo, CA
    Average Salary: $54,742
    In Vallejo, nursing assistants find a supportive community and growing healthcare facilities. Local hospitals and assisted living centers offer great job openings and the chance to make a meaningful impact on patients' lives.
    Find Certified Nursing Assistant jobs in Vallejo, CA


  3. Santa Maria, CA
    Average Salary: $54,461
    Santa Maria presents a friendly environment for nursing assistants looking to advance their careers. With facilities like Marian Regional Medical Center, professionals can enjoy both growth and a strong community feel.
    Find Certified Nursing Assistant jobs in Santa Maria, CA


  4. Seattle, WA
    Average Salary: $54,363
    Seattle boasts a vibrant healthcare scene, perfect for nursing assistants. Major institutions like Virginia Mason Medical Center and Swedish Medical Center contribute to a dynamic work environment full of growth potential.
    Find Certified Nursing Assistant jobs in Seattle, WA


  5. Minneapolis, MN
    Average Salary: $52,432
    Minneapolis offers a range of healthcare opportunities for nursing assistants. Facilities like HCMC and Fairview Health Services focus on quality care and provide paths for advancement in your career.
    Find Certified Nursing Assistant jobs in Minneapolis, MN


  6. San Jose, CA
    Average Salary: $52,134
    In San Jose, nursing assistants work in a booming healthcare sector with companies like Kaiser Permanente and El Camino Health. This city allows for professional growth while contributing to the well-being of the community.
    Find Certified Nursing Assistant jobs in San Jose, CA


  7. Albuquerque, NM
    Average Salary: $52,116
    Albuquerque features a welcoming environment for nursing assistants. Employers like Presbyterian Healthcare Services and Lovelace Health System create a positive workplace culture focused on patient care.
    Find Certified Nursing Assistant jobs in Albuquerque, NM


  8. Portland, OR
    Average Salary: $50,022
    Portland's healthcare landscape is lush with opportunity for nursing assistants. Facilities like OHSU and Legacy Health attract dedicated professionals who value teamwork and compassionate care.
    Find Certified Nursing Assistant jobs in Portland, OR


  9. Sacramento, CA
    Average Salary: $49,754
    Sacramento has a robust need for nursing assistants across various healthcare settings. The area's hospitals and healthcare facilities provide rewarding roles and a supportive work environment.
    Find Certified Nursing Assistant jobs in Sacramento, CA


  10. Worcester, MA
    Average Salary: $49,558
    Worcester offers a strong demand for nursing assistants within its healthcare community. Institutions like UMass Memorial Health Care provide numerous job prospects and a chance to connect with patients meaningfully.
    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 excellent opportunities with some of the highest paying companies in the industry. Stanford Medicine Children's Health leads the way with an impressive average salary of $154,696, followed closely by Apex Healthcare at $145,828. Other notable employers include Hewlett Packard Enterprise and Resort Travel & Xchange, both offering competitive pay to attract dedicated professionals.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Certified Nursing Assistant jobs, highlighting Stanford Medicine Children's Health with the highest at $154,696 and Convergence with the lowest at $95,556.
  1. Stanford Medicine Children's Health
    Average Salary: $154,696
    Certified Nursing Assistants at Stanford Medicine Children's Health support pediatric patients in a top-tier medical environment. The organization operates in California, offering competitive salaries and benefits.


  2. Apex Healthcare
    Average Salary: $145,828
    Apex Healthcare employs Certified Nursing Assistants in various settings, focusing on patient care and comfort. This company serves multiple locations, providing a supportive work culture and attractive pay.


  3. Hewlett Packard Enterprise | HPE
    Average Salary: $136,650
    Hewlett Packard Enterprise offers Certified Nursing Assistants positions that blend healthcare with technology support. They operate in cities across the U.S., focusing on employee development and job satisfaction.


  4. Resort Travel & Xchange
    Average Salary: $126,238
    At Resort Travel & Xchange, Certified Nursing Assistants play a vital role in health management within hospitality settings. They provide care to clients in various locations, combining healthcare with customer service.


  5. VHC Health
    Average Salary: $103,840
    Certified Nursing Assistants at VHC Health work in a community-oriented healthcare setting. This organization serves Northern Virginia, emphasizing teamwork and quality patient care.


  6. Glendora Hospital
    Average Salary: $100,595
    Glendora Hospital hires Certified Nursing Assistants to provide compassionate care in their local community. This hospital is known for its supportive environment and focus on patient outcomes in California.


  7. Clinical Management Consultants
    Average Salary: $98,266
    Clinical Management Consultants employs Certified Nursing Assistants across various healthcare facilities. They prioritize professional growth and operate in multiple states, creating pathways for career advancement.


  8. Gifted Healthcare
    Average Salary: $97,452
    Gifted Healthcare recruits Certified Nursing Assistants for roles in diverse clinical settings. The company operates nationwide, valuing flexibility for both employees and clients.


  9. Stanford Health Care
    Average Salary: $96,800
    At Stanford Health Care, Certified Nursing Assistants engage in delivering high-quality patient care. This prominent health system primarily operates in California, focusing on innovation and patient-centered care.


  10. Convergence
    Average Salary: $95,556
    Convergence provides Certified Nursing Assistants the opportunity to work in corporate health settings. They focus on enhancing health outcomes while operating across multiple locations in the United States.

How to earn more as a Certified Nursing Assistant?

To earn more as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), focus on these key factors:
  • Gain Experience: The more experience you have, the higher your pay can be. Look for opportunities to work in different healthcare settings.
  • Obtain Certifications: Additional certifications, like CPR or First Aid, can make you more valuable to employers and increase your salary.
  • Choose the Right Employer: Some hospitals, nursing homes, and home health agencies offer higher pay rates. Research your options and apply where the pay is better.
  • Work Overtime: If possible, take extra shifts or overtime hours. This often comes with additional pay and can significantly boost your earnings.
  • Expand Your Skills: Learn new skills or specializations, such as working with elderly patients or those with specific medical conditions. This can lead to higher-paying positions.

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

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Learn what a Certified Nursing Assistant does, how to become one, and understand the job outlook. Get simple steps to start your career as a Certified Nursing Assistant today.
Position
Overview
Certified Nursing Assistant
34,857 Job Openings