Certified Nursing Assistant Salary Guide

CNAs support registered nurses (RN) and licensed practical nurses (LPN) in healthcare settings, providing direct care for multiple patients. They're typically responsible for daily tasks, including bathing, dressing, grooming and feeding those needing assistance with activities of daily living. In some facilities, they use special lifts to transfer or move residents. CNAs monitor and document each patient's vital signs, condition and overall well-being. They communicate key details and concerns to the supervising nurse and participate in shift reports.

Nursing assistants are key in patient engagement, building relationships and creating a welcoming environment. The CNA's scope of practice is usually limited to personal care, monitoring and transportation, but some states allow non-sterile dressing changes and blood draws with supervision and additional training.

How do you become a Certified Nursing Assistant?

To become a CNA, you must complete a nursing assistant training program approved by your state's nursing board. Most programs require a high school diploma or GED. You can find CNA training courses at trade schools and community colleges. Training takes about 3 months, but the length can vary based on your state's required training and clinical hours. Some institutions offer expedited programs that last only 3 to 4 weeks. Once you pass the training, you must sit for your state's certification exam. The exam usually includes a written component and an in-person clinical skills test.

What credentials/licensing does a Certified Nursing Assistant require?

Most states require you to complete the certification process and register as a CNA. To be certified, you must pass your state's certified nursing assistant certification exam and submit a certification application. If the nursing board approves your application, you register with the state. CNA registration typically comes up for renewal every 2 years. Given the shortage of healthcare workers, some employers may hire you right out of a training program with the expectation that you’ll be certified within a specified time.

Average Certified Nursing Assistant Salary

$17.96/hour

The average salary for a Certified Nursing Assistant is $17.96 per hour.

Last updated on March 18, 2024. Based on active jobs on Vivian.com.

Where do Certified Nursing Assistants get paid the most?
StateAverage Hourly SalaryMax Hourly Salary
New York$19$25
New Jersey$18$18
Maryland$16$20
Pennsylvania$15$19
North Carolina$15$15
Illinois$14$19
Texas$13$18
What are the highest paying Employers and Agencies for Certified Nursing Assistant jobs?

Last updated on March 18, 2024. Information based on active jobs on Vivian.com and pay data from BLS and around the web.

A Nurse holding a file folder

Certified Nursing Assistant Career Guide

Use our exclusive Career Guides to research the education, qualifications, skills and responsibilities for a variety of healthcare disciplines and specialties employers are hiring now.

Go to the guide
Was this page helpful?

Get alerts about new jobs and salary trends

Be the first to know about new jobs for Certified Nursing Assistants with the salary that suits you.

How can you increase your pay as a Certified Nursing Assistant?

How much does a staff Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) make?

Certified nursing assistants (CNAs) on staff made an average of $17.18 per hour, according to Vivian Health's salary data on April 29, 2023. However, your actual income can vary by facility, location and experience. During this period, hourly wages ranged between $12 and $24.

Is Certified Nursing Assistant a growing career?

A CNA career offers stability and plenty of job opportunities. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts a 5% growth rate for nursing assistant jobs between 2021 and 2031. If this estimate holds true, the industry should add about 62,700 jobs. The BLS expects to see 220,200 open positions for nursing assistants and orderlies every year during this 10-year span.

What types of employers/facilities have the most Certified Nursing Assistants employed?

A variety of healthcare facilities hire CNAs to assist the nursing staff. The following list of employers employ the most CNAs, according to May 2022 data from the BLS:

  • Skilled Nursing Facilities: 447,940

  • General Medical and Surgical Hospitals: 396,060 

  • Assisted Living Facilities and Continuing Care Retirement Communities: 140,910 

  • Home Health Care Services: 81,640 

  • Employment Services: 52,310

Which employers/facilities have the highest pay?

While healthcare facilities hire more CNAs than other businesses, they're not the highest-paying employers. According to May 2022 BLS data, CNAs working at junior colleges make the highest hourly wage at $33.25, followed by nursing assistants in dental offices at $26.86. Other high-paying employers include technical and trade schools at $24.17, colleges and universities at $23.95 and scientific research and development services at $23.09 per hour. While these employers pay more, they employ far fewer CNAs than medical facilities.

How does Certified Nursing Assistant pay compare to similar healthcare jobs?

CNAs make much less money than nursing positions requiring more education. According to Vivian Health's salary data on April 29, 2023, staff LPN salaries averaged $28.62 per hour, more than $11 more per hour than CNAs. On this same date, staff RN positions paid an average of $40.49 per hour, more than double a CNA salary and nearly $12 more per hour than LPNs.

CNA Specialty Certifications

A nursing assistant position can be a stepping stone to more responsibility and better pay. The following are some possible pathways to explore for enhancing your credentials:

  • Oregon and North Carolina have two levels of CNA credentials. Nursing assistants
    start as a CNA 1 and can assume additional duties by training to become a CNA 2.

  • Certified medication aides can distribute medication to patients in hospitals and care facilities. The NCSBN administers the national Medication Aide Certification Examination.

  • CNAs who provide comfort and care to terminally ill patients can work toward a

    Certified Hospice and Palliative Nursing Assistant credential. Certification is through the Hospice and Palliative Credentialing Center.

  • If you’re interested in the special requirements of patients with dementia, consider earning a Certified Alzheimer Caregiver certification through the National Certification Board for Alzheimer & Aging Care.

  • Patient care technicians (PCTs) can perform phlebotomy procedures and obtain EKG
    readings. You can pursue a joint CNA/PCT program or get your CNA credential first. The National Healthcareer Association administers the Certified Patient Care Technician/Assistant exam.

Featured Blog Posts

Open article Health System Spotlight: Inova Health System
Inova Health System Hospital
Health System Spotlight: Inova Health System
Explore the numerous perks of working at one of Virginia’s renowned medical systems.
Open article Spring Cleaning & Organization Guide for HCPs
Affiliate Post - Spring Cleaning Header
Spring Cleaning & Organization Guide for HCPs
Choose essential items to help tidy up and simplify on-the-go tasks.
Open article 8 Career Tips for Miami Nurses
8 Career Tips for Miami Nurses
Discover tips for Miami RNs including advice on professional groups, travel work and salaries.
See more Blog Posts

Certified Nursing Assistant FAQs

What professional certifications can potentially increase my salary as a Certified Nursing Assistant?

Earning your Certified Hospice and Palliative Nursing Assistant (CHPNA) often increases your salary potential as a certified nursing assistant or makes you eligible for another position with greater responsibilities, which also might include a bump in wages.

Can having a Certified Hospice and Palliative Nursing Assistant (CHPNA) boost my salary as a Certified Nurse Assistant?

Yes, having a Certified Hospice and Palliative Nursing Assistant (CHPNA) or any relevant professional certification has the potential to boost your salary as a certified nurse assistant.