Nurse Salaries / CNA Salary
A Certified Nursing Assistant, or CNA, is an essential member of the healthcare team. CNAs work closely with and assist nursing staff in an assortment of patient care activities. They perform various tasks, including: obtaining vital signs, helping patients with activities of daily living (bathing, walking, eating), and preparing rooms and supplies for patient admissions.
After taking in-person training and successfully passing an exam, applicants are qualified as Certified Nursing Assistants.
CNA Salary Overview
According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual salary for a nursing assistant is $33,250, with an average hourly wage of $15.99.
The BLS also anticipates that the growth rate for the CNA occupation from 2021-2031 is expected to rise by 5%. It’s also estimated that, on average, there are 220,200 job positions available to those interested in pursuing a career as a certified nursing assistant.
Remember, the salary for a CNA will vary depending on location, years of experience, and what specialty you’re employed in (hospital, long-term care facility, etc.).
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Certified Nursing Assistant Salaries by State
Salaries for nursing assistants can vary depending on the state you reside. You’ll also want to factor in the cost of living for each state when reviewing its annual salaries. The top 5 highest paying states for certified nursing assistants are:
| State | Salary |
|---|---|
| Alaska | $43,080 |
| New York | $40,680 |
| California | $39,760 |
| District of Columbia | $39,390 |
| Oregon | $38,830 |
Certified Nursing Assistant Salaries by City
Many metropolitan cities boast having higher salaries for CNAs compared to non-metropolitan areas. The state of California has 4 of the 5 top cities with the highest annual salaries for nursing assistants. The top 5 cities in the country paying the highest salaries include:
| header | salary |
|---|---|
| San-Jose - Sunnyvale- Santa Clara, CA | $47,690 |
| San Francisco- Oakland- Hayward, CA | $47,500 |
| Salinas, CA | $44,210 |
| Fairbanks, AK | $43,880 |
| Napa, CA | $42,310 |
Sources
- Occupational Employment & Wages, May 2021, 31-1131 Nursing Assistants. https://www.bls.gov .Accessed October 20, 2022.
- Occupational Outlook Handbook: Nursing Assistants and Orderlies. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/nursing-assistants.htm#tab-1. Accessed October 19, 2022.
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