How Much Do CNAs Earn?
Let’s take a closer look at the salaries of Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs), what they can expect in their careers, which states pay the most, and how they can boost their income through education, certification, or changing where they work.
Becoming a certified nursing assistant (CNA) is one of the fastest ways to get started in the healthcare field. CNA certification programs typically last between 4 to 12 weeks. While CNAs may not have the highest-paying jobs in healthcare, the advantage is that they can enter the field quickly and gain valuable experience.
If CNAs decide to pursue advanced nursing roles, the experience they gain can give them an edge over nurses who are just starting their careers.
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In this guide, we’ll explore CNA salary expectations and discuss ways to increase their earnings throughout their careers.
Average Salary for CNAs
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that CNAs earn a median salary of $35,760, which is equivalent to around $17.19 per hour. The lowest 10% of CNAs earn about $28,030, while the top 10% can make as much as $45,940. The salary of CNAs can be influenced by various factors such as their level of education, certification, and years of experience.
$34,150
Average Annual Salary
Source: Payscale, September 2023
$15.07
Average Hourly Wage
Source: Payscale, September 2023
Pay can also vary based on where CNAs work and the specific geographic location. According to the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center, CNAs in states like Alaska, Washington D.C., California, New York, and Oregon tend to have higher salaries in this field.
CNAs who work in government positions, hospitals, or nursing care facilities often enjoy above-average annual salaries.
The Highest-Paying States for CNAs
The states that offer the highest salaries for CNAs are generally found on the East or West Coast of the United States. The cost of living in these states tends to be higher, which directly contributes to the increased salaries for CNAs.
For instance, Washington D.C. is known to have one of the highest costs of living. Other states with elevated living costs include Alaska, California, Hawaii, New York, and Oregon. In these regions, CNAs can expect to earn higher salaries to cope with the increased expenses associated with living there.
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 Salary Growth Can CNAs Anticipate?
The salary of CNAs can differ based on several factors. While a college degree isn’t mandatory, CNAs have opportunities to boost their income. They can achieve this by obtaining an associate, bachelor’s, or master’s degree. Pursuing certification or changing their practice settings or clinical focus can also lead to salary growth.
Additionally, CNAs can expect higher salaries as they accumulate more experience in the field. As they work and gain experience, their average yearly pay tends to increase.
| >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 (December 2023)
How Do CNA Salaries Compare to Other Nurses or Specialties?
CNA salaries are generally lower than those of registered nurses (RNs) and nurse practitioners (NPs) due to the increased education, training, and licensing requirements for the latter. RNs earn a median salary of $81,220 per year, while NPs earn around $125,900.
Specializing in certain areas can also affect how a CNA’s salary compares to that of RNs and NPs. For instance, RNs focusing on areas like HIV/AIDS, informatics nursing, or legal consulting earn $97,000, $88,630, and $88,050, respectively, according to Payscale data from September 2023. Advanced practice nurses specializing in fields like anesthetics or midwifery can expect to earn $203,090 and $120,880, respectively.
5 Ways to Increase Pay As a CNA
CNAs have several avenues to enhance their pay and employment opportunities:
1. Pursuing Certifications:
CNAs can obtain specialized certifications, which demonstrate commitment to the field and in-depth knowledge in specific areas. This often leads to increased earning potential. Examples include CNA II and III programs, Medication Aide Certification, Certified Hospice and Palliative Nursing Assistance, and Patient Care Technician certification.
2. Increase Your Education Level or Earn Your BSN/MSN:
Although CNAs aren’t required to hold a degree, pursuing an associate degree in nursing (ADN), bachelor of science in nursing (BSN), or master of science in nursing (MSN) can significantly increase earning potential. Becoming a licensed RN after completing ADN or BSN programs can lead to a median annual salary of $81,220. RNs who complete an MSN-NP program can earn a median of $125,900 annually, with specializations that can exceed this average.
3. Gain Experience in Administrative Roles:
CNAs with office administration skills tend to earn more, around $15.60 per hour, compared to nonadministrative CNAs, as of September 2023, according to Payscale. CNAs can transition into administrative roles, such as medical billing professionals or certified medical assistants (CMAs), to increase their pay. Medical billing professionals earn a median pay of $47,180 per year, while CMAs earn $38,370 annually.
4. Work Higher-Paying Shifts:
Employers often offer shift differentials to attract CNAs to work less popular shifts, providing an increased hourly rate for late nights, weekends, holidays, and overtime. The specific amounts and shift times may vary by employer.
5. Change Practice Setting or Become a Registered Nurse:
CNAs can explore higher-paying practice settings such as junior colleges, dentist offices, and technical and trade schools. Additionally, becoming a registered nurse (RN) by earning an ADN or BSN can lead to a significant pay increase. Travel nurses, for example, earn an average yearly salary of $82,470.
FAQs About CNA Salaries:
– What is the highest hourly wage a CNA can earn?
According to the BLS, CNAs can earn $22.09 per hour, but this rate is typically achieved by the top 10% of CNAs.
– Can you make a living with a CNA salary?
Living off a CNA salary is possible by taking advantage of opportunities to increase pay, such as obtaining certification, pursuing a college degree, or seeking higher-paying work settings.
– Which state pays the highest CNA salary?
Alaska offers the highest CNA salary, with an annual average of $44,420. This is influenced by the state’s high cost of living, necessitating a higher-than-average salary.
– Who earns more, CNAs or home health aides (HHAs)?
The BLS reports that home health aides (HHAs) earn a median salary of $30,180, which is lower than that of CNAs. However, HHAs are projected to experience a 22% increase in employment over the next decade, while CNAs can expect a 4% increase.
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