Latest 2023 Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Salary Details

CNAs are a vital part of patient care, and you can find them in nearly every healthcare setting. In this article, we will look at CNA salary from several angles, including topics such as average pay, income components, and earning potential based on state and industry. Additionally, we will look at a history of income growth and what graduates from CNA training programs can expect to make in the future.


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What is the Starting Salary of a CNA?

The average starting salary for CNAs is around $23,880. This average takes into consideration the many locations and types of positions that a CNA can hold. Depending on where the CNA works in the nation and who employs them affects potential earnings causing them to be either higher or lower compared to the average.

Type	Salary
Hourly	$11.48
Monthly	$1,990
Annual	$23,880
(Source: Compiled using data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)

What is the Average Salary of a CNA as per Latest BLS Data?

The average CNA salaries according to the Bureau of Labors and statistics is approximately $33,250, which is around $9,370 more than the average starting pay for CNAs in the United States.

Type	Salary
Hourly	$15.99
Monthly	$2,770
Annual	$33,250
(Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)

CNA Salary Survey

This income survey performed by the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that nearly half of all CNAs make between $28,900 and $37,170 with the highest 10% making above $44,240 and the lowest 10% making under $23,880.

What Factors Play a Role in How much a CNA Earns?

Location, the sector of employment, and skill set all play into the earnings of a CNA. For example, a CNA working in a privately-owned university in Massachusetts is likely to make more than a CNA employed by an assisted living facility in the state of Alabama. Additionally, CNAs can undergo training to perform advanced clinical skills determined by the state board of nursing. Examples include assisting with set up and discontinuation of peripheral IV fluids, sterile wound dressings, and oxygen therapy. The additional skills usually translate into some amount of additional compensation determined by the institution.

How Much Has the Average Salary Grown in The Last 5 Years (2017-2021)?

The income growth for CNAs has remained steady over the past five years with CNAs making $5,600 more than in 2017. This is consistent with increases in the cost of living overall.

How Much will the Average Salary Grow in The Next 5 Years (2022-2026)?

The average CNA salary is expected to increase 22.29% over the next five years, making for a $7,410 increase in pay and an overall $11,620 over the ten years from 2016-2022.

Total CNA Compensation in the Private Sector as per Latest BLS Data

CNAs working in the private sector can expect to earn close to the national average and almost $13,908 more in benefits.

Total CNA Compensation in the Government Sector as per Latest BLS Data

Government sector CNAs, such as those employed by the Veterans Administration enjoy the best overall compensation package with competitive pay and a full range of benefits.

Earnings in 4 Industries Hiring the Highest Number of Certified Nursing Assistants

1. Nursing Care Facilities

CNAs are relied upon heavily in nursing care facilities to assist patients with the activities of daily living such as feeding, bathing, and dressing. CNAs often form caring relationships with residents due to the time they spend with patients during therapeutic and recreational activities. CNAs also assist with taking vital signs and serve the vital role of reporting to the nurse any change in condition the patient experiences. The salary for CNAs working in nursing care facilities is slightly higher than that of the national average.

Hourly Wage	Annual Salary
$11.28 - $18.23	$23,470 - $37,920

2. Hospitals

CNAs in the hospital setting can play many roles, they prepare the room for a patient and welcome them when they arrive. They obtain vital signs and any information that might be useful for the nurse. CNAs gather equipment and supplies and assist the patient with mobility, dressing, and bathing. Depending on the level of training they may assist with IV fluid set-ups, dressing changes, and ostomy care. The salary for a CNA in the hospital setting is greater than the national average.

Hourly Wage	Annual Salary
$13.71 - $22.57	$28,510 - $46,950

3. Continuing Care Retirement Communities & Assisted Living Facilities for the Elderly

CNAs in the retirement communities and assisted living facilities care for residents with a spectrum of needs. Some residents are self-sufficient while others require more services from the CNA. These services can range from assistance with daily activities such as feeding or bathing or light cleaning of the resident apartment to teaching them how to use a cane or walker for safe mobility. They help patients remain active by assisting them in walking the campus or participating in recreation activities. CNAs in this setting can expect to make more than the average salary.

Hourly Wage	Annual Salary
$11.49 - $18.12	$23,910 - $37,690

4. Home Health Care Services

Home health CNAs care for patients in their home. They may visit several patients in a day, or they may stay with one patient throughout the day or night. CNAs in this setting often form long term caring relationships with their clients. They assist them with activities of daily living and small chores, and they may accompany them to the doctor’s office, pharmacy, or grocery. CNAs are often the first person to note changes in their patient that need to be reported to their nurse or physician. CNAs in this line of work can expect to make more than the average salary.

Hourly Wage	Annual Salary
$10.84 - $18.13	$22,550 - $37,700

Industry Wise CNA Earnings – Highest to Lowest

CNAs income varies depending on where they are employed. There is nearly a seven-dollar difference in hourly wage between the lowest and highest paying positions.

Earnings in 25 States Employing the Highest Number of Certified Nursing Assistants

1. California

California is full of sunshine, but it also holds a bright outlook for CNAs. The average income of a CNA in California is $39,760, much higher than the national average; however, pay does vary depending on location in the state. For example, CNAs in the San Francisco Bay area can expect to make slightly more than in other regions of the state. The majority of CNAs in California are employed in nursing care facilities, and there is a wealth of jobs available. The growth rate for jobs is expected to be 14.34%, which is 6.08% higher than the national average.

2. New York

If you are looking for a job in the empire state you may be pleasantly surprised. The average pay of a certified nursing assistant in New York is $40,680, well over the national average. CNAs in the city of New York area can expect to bring home the most significant pay, but they are also subject to the high cost of living in the city. New York may aptly be called the land of opportunity since the growth of CNA jobs is expected to be 13.87%, which is 5.61% higher than the national average.

3. Florida

Florida is full of beautiful beaches, but it is also full of opportunities for CNAs. The average income of a CNA in Florida at $29,840 is less than the national average; however, the employment growth rate is expected to be 11.04%, almost 2.78% greater than the national average. Florida is well-known as a great place to retire and as the baby boomer generation ages, help from CNAs will be welcome.

4. Texas

The great state of Texas, is growing and so is the demand for CNAs. The employment growth rate is expected to be 11.58%, almost three points higher than the national average. The average income for a CNA in Texas is $30,620, a bit lower than the national average. Texas is also home to 407 hospitals more than any other state, finding a job shouldn’t be a worry in this state!

5. Pennsylvania

If you are looking for an exciting place to work, Pennsylvania is home to the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Presbyterian, the fourth largest hospital system in the nation and a level I trauma center. You can expect to make more than the national average, with $34,190 being the average income and a projected employment growth of 10.34%, also close to the national average.

6. Ohio

Ohio is home to the famed Cleveland Clinic which ranks in the top twenty nurse friendly hospitals based on benefits and magnet status. If you like working with children perhaps the Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, ranked the second-best children’s hospital according to U.S. News and World Report, is more your style. No matter where you decide to work, Ohio has some top places where CNAs can provide quality care. The average income in Ohio is $31,330, only slightly lower than the national average with an expected job growth rate of 3.48%.

7. North Carolina

According to U.S. News and World Report, North Carolina is the 10th fastest growing states in the U.S. and with the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Carolina coast so close by, who could resist. The average income of CNAs living in North Carolina is $29,410 and the expected job growth is a solid 9.27%.

8. Illinois

Illinois is a state full of opportunity for CNAs. For example, Rush University includes a tuition reimbursement plan to help employees reach their full potential. The average income for a CNA working in Illinois is close to the national average at $33,230, with an employment growth rate of - 0.22%.

9. New Jersey

If you aim to work in the Garden State, you can expect an average income of $35,830, which is above the national average. Job growth is also expected to grow at 5.47%, slightly below the national average. Job opportunities are higher in more populated areas such as Newark or Jersey City.

10. Michigan

If you love being on the Lake Michigan, which has 3,288 miles of coastline, making it the longest freshwater coastline in the U.S, do not forget your sunscreen! The average income for nursing assistants in Michigan is $33,790, which is above the national average. Additionally, the projected employment growth rate of 1.70% is much lower than national average.

11. Missouri

If you love working with children, you may want to consider a job at St. Louis Children’s Hospital, ranked the #1 hospital for nursing staff to work in a survey done by nurse.org in 2017. CNAs in Missouri can expect an average income of $29,520 with a 9.04% projected job growth, both in line with the national average.

12. Virginia

If you are looking to find jobs in Virginia, you may want to consider Lynchburg, home of Westminister Canterbury Retirement Community, rated with five stars by U.S. news and world report. CNAs in Virginia can expect to make an average of $30,890 a year with a projected job growth rate of 14.58%.

13. Massachusetts

Massachusetts is home to Massachusetts General Hospital, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, and Baystate Medical, ranked the top three hospitals in the state. CNAs employed in Massachusetts can expect to earn an average income of $37,680 with a 4.11% job growth rate, its much lower than that of the U.S. average.

14. Georgia

Maybe the laid-back style of Savannah is where you find refuge, or maybe the buzz of Atlanta is more your speed, either way, you will find something to suit every taste in Georgia. Atlanta is host to several hospital systems and retirement communities, thus providing ample opportunities for CNAs. The average income of CNAs in Georgia is $30,600 with a job growth rate of 15.00%, well above that of the national average.

15. Wisconsin

If you are a die-hard Packers fan and have a penchant for eating cheese, Wisconsin may be the place for you. CNAs can expect an average income of $33,870, which is above the national average and a 1.58% rate of employment growth. Some of the top hospitals according to U.S. News and World Report are the University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics, Froedtert Hospital, and Aurora St. Luke’s Medical Center.

16. Minnesota

Minnesota is home to the famous Mall of America where, even if shopping is not your thing, you can find an amusement park complete with roller coasters, an aquarium and even a city made of Legos. CNAs who work in Minnesota can expect to earn $36,730, well over the national average with a 4.35% projected job growth. Some of the top-rated hospitals, according to News and World report, are Mayo Clinic, Abbott Northwestern, and St. Cloud Hospital.

17. Indiana

If you enjoy the farmer’s market, Indiana might be your state, boasting a wealth of farms and orchards that are often open to the public. CNAs in this state can expect an average income of $31,110 and an employment growth rate of 4.35%. Some of the top-rated hospitals according to U.S. News and World Report are Indiana University Health Medical Center and Deaconess Hospital.

18. Washington

If you are a nature enthusiast, you may want to consider making Washington state your home. With breathtaking views of Mt. Rainier and the rush of Snoqualmie Falls, you will find endless displays of nature’s finest. CNAs working in this beautiful state can expect to earn an average income of $38,270 well over the national average. The expected growth rate of 11.63% is also well above the average.

19. Tennessee

If you enjoy live music shows, you may want to check out Nashville’s thriving music scene where you can find more than 180 live performance venues. Nashville is also home to Vanderbilt University Medical Center, a nationally ranked hospital system. CNAs in the state of Tennessee can expect to make an average of $28,900 with a stunning expected employment growth of 11.60%, nearly double that of the national average.

20. Maryland

Maryland is home to the beautiful Chesapeake Bay and the towering Cape Henry Lighthouse. However, you will also find top-rated hospital systems to work such as John Hopkins Hospital, University of Maryland Medical Center, and Mercy Medical Center. The average income of a CNA in the state of Maryland is $34,040, and the expected employment growth is 18.36%, both are well above the national average.

21. Kentucky

Kentucky, also known as the bluegrass state is home to the famed Kentucky Derby horse races hosted every year in Louisville. CNAs can expect to earn an average income of $29,290 with an employment growth rate of 8.72%, both of which are on par with the national average. Two of the top-ranking hospitals according to U.S. News and World Report are the University of Kentucky Albert B. Chandler Hospital and Baptist health both systems are in the city of Lexington, Kentucky.

22. Alabama

Huntsville, Alabama was ranked the 7th best city to live in 2018, and it is also home to Huntsville Hospital, the #2 rated hospital in Alabama, according to News and World Report. CNAs residing in the state of Alabama can expect to make $26,590 a year with an employment growth rate of 5.52%.

23. Kansas

Kansas is home of the prairie lands and the bison that still graze there. If you are looking to find a job in Kansas places such as Aberdeen Village in Olathe and Anderson County Hospital Long Term Care Unit in Garnett are the top-rated nursing homes in the state. As a CNA living in Kansas, you can expect to make $29,730 with a projected employment growth rate of 2.43%.

24. Connecticut

In Connecticut you can find the well-known Yale-New Haven hospital, which is among the 7% of hospital systems awarded Magnet Recognition, a representation of nursing empowerment and of their dedication to make being a part of the nursing team a rewarding experience. A CNA working in Connecticut can expect to earn $36,110, which is well over the national average. The job growth is projected to be only 6.60% much lower than the national average.

25. Iowa

The certified nursing assistant salary in Iowa is $32,440, slightly below the national average, with a 10 year growth rate of approximately 10.77%. Some of the top-rated nursing homes include Hillcrest Home in Sumner, Iowa and Abcm Rehabilitation Center in Independence, Iowa. If you wish to work in the hospital setting University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City, IA is a nationally recognized hospital system, according to News and World report.

Certified Nursing Assistant Salary by State in Alphabetical Order

Certified nursing assistant income can range widely from state to state, below we have listed the CNA salary per hour, monthly, and annual average and compared it from state to state.

CNA Salary Compared to Other Nursing Jobs

Below we have listed the incomes of all nursing jobs to compare. Although CNAs make less than most professions, there is a wealth of opportunities to grow your career as most hospitals provide an educational allowance or tuition reimbursement.

CNA Salary Compared to Similar Healthcare Jobs

Below we have compared the income of nursing assistants against those in similar professions. CNAs rank 3rd from the bottom, but they may find opportunities to advance within the nursing field.