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How much does a Certified Nursing Assistant make?

The average salary for a Certified Nursing Assistant is $40,246 per year in the US.

Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) play a vital role in healthcare. They provide essential care to patients in various settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, and home care. The average yearly salary for CNAs is around $40,246. This salary can vary based on experience, location, and the type of facility where they work.

The salary range for CNAs can differ significantly. The lowest 10% earn about $25,150 per year. The highest 10% earn more than $59,150 annually. Most CNAs fall somewhere in the middle of this range. Factors like additional certifications, night shifts, and overtime can also boost earnings. This career offers a stable income and opportunities for growth and advancement.

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What are the highest paying cities for a Certified Nursing Assistant?

Job seekers looking for top-paying Certified Nursing Assistant roles should consider cities like San Jose and San Francisco in California. These cities offer some of the highest average salaries for this profession. San Jose leads with an average salary of $66,183, while San Francisco follows closely with $61,882. Other notable cities include Santa Rosa, Vallejo, and Salinas, all in California, as well as Seattle in Washington. These locations provide competitive pay packages for Certified Nursing Assistants.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Certified Nursing Assistant jobs, highlighting San Jose, CA with the highest at $66,183 and San Diego, CA with the lowest at $49,609.
  1. San Jose, CA
    Average Salary: $66,183
    In San Jose, healthcare facilities offer many opportunities for those in the nursing field. With prominent companies like Kaiser Permanente and Stanford Health Care, job seekers can find stable and rewarding positions. The city's growing population increases the demand for skilled nursing assistants.
    Find Certified Nursing Assistant jobs in San Jose, CA


  2. San Francisco, CA
    Average Salary: $61,882
    San Francisco provides a vibrant environment for nursing assistants. The city's top hospitals, including UCSF Health and Zuckerberg San Francisco General, offer excellent career growth. The diverse patient population enriches the experience for those in the field.
    Find Certified Nursing Assistant jobs in San Francisco, CA


  3. Santa Rosa, CA
    Average Salary: $59,750
    Santa Rosa is known for its strong healthcare sector. Sutter Health and Adventist Health are key employers in the area. Working here offers a mix of urban and rural settings, providing a unique experience for nursing assistants.
    Find Certified Nursing Assistant jobs in Santa Rosa, CA


  4. Vallejo, CA
    Average Salary: $58,579
    Vallejo has a supportive community for healthcare workers. Hospitals like Kaiser Permanente and NorthBay Healthcare provide stable job opportunities. The city's focus on health and wellness creates a positive work environment.
    Find Certified Nursing Assistant jobs in Vallejo, CA


  5. Salinas, CA
    Average Salary: $56,044
    Salinas offers a close-knit community with many healthcare options. Companies like Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System provide excellent career paths. The city's agricultural roots mean a strong demand for healthcare services.
    Find Certified Nursing Assistant jobs in Salinas, CA


  6. Seattle, WA
    Average Salary: $52,866
    Seattle is a hub for healthcare innovation. Major hospitals like Seattle Children's and Virginia Mason offer cutting-edge opportunities. The city's progressive environment supports professional growth and development.
    Find Certified Nursing Assistant jobs in Seattle, WA


  7. Riverside, CA
    Average Salary: $51,076
    Riverside provides a balanced lifestyle with many job opportunities. Loma Linda University Medical Center and Kaiser Permanente are leading employers. The city's growing population increases the need for skilled nursing assistants.
    Find Certified Nursing Assistant jobs in Riverside, CA


  8. Visalia, CA
    Average Salary: $50,993
    Visalia offers a welcoming environment for healthcare professionals. Kaweah Delta Health Care District and Adventist Health are key employers. The city's community focus creates a supportive work atmosphere.
    Find Certified Nursing Assistant jobs in Visalia, CA


  9. Washington, DC
    Average Salary: $49,643
    Washington, DC, is a center for healthcare excellence. Hospitals like MedStar Health and George Washington University Hospital offer top-tier positions. The city's political and healthcare nexus provides unique career opportunities.
    Find Certified Nursing Assistant jobs in Washington, DC


  10. San Diego, CA
    Average Salary: $49,609
    San Diego offers a dynamic healthcare scene. Scripps Health and UC San Diego Health are prominent employers. The city's mild climate and strong economy make it an attractive place for nursing assistants.
    Find Certified Nursing Assistant jobs in San Diego, CA

What are the best companies a Certified Nursing Assistant can work for?

John Muir Health offers the highest average salary for Certified Nursing Assistants at $78,853. Stanford Health Care follows closely with an average salary of $78,462. Montage Health also provides a competitive salary of $74,445. These top-paying companies provide excellent opportunities for those in the nursing field. They offer not only higher salaries but also a chance to work in reputable healthcare environments. Job seekers should consider these companies for a rewarding career.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Certified Nursing Assistant jobs, highlighting John Muir Health with the highest at $78,853 and Sutter Health with the lowest at $61,518.
  1. John Muir Health
    Average Salary: $78,853
    John Muir Health offers rewarding Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) jobs with competitive pay. They operate in Walnut Creek, Concord, and Antioch, California. CNAs work in various departments, including surgery, maternity, and pediatrics.


  2. Stanford Health Care
    Average Salary: $78,462
    Stanford Health Care provides excellent CNA positions with a strong focus on patient care. They are located in Stanford, California. CNAs here assist in a range of services, from emergency care to specialized treatments.


  3. Montage Health
    Average Salary: $74,445
    Montage Health offers CNA jobs with a focus on quality care. They operate in Monterey, California. CNAs here support patients in areas like surgery, maternity, and pediatrics.


  4. Niagara County Community College
    Average Salary: $69,312
    Niagara County Community College provides CNA jobs with a focus on education and patient care. They are located in Sanborn, New York. CNAs here assist in both clinical and educational settings.


  5. University Of Washington
    Average Salary: $67,044
    The University Of Washington offers CNA jobs with a strong emphasis on research and patient care. They are located in Seattle, Washington. CNAs here support patients in various departments, including surgery and pediatrics.


  6. MAS Medical Staffing
    Average Salary: $65,474
    MAS Medical Staffing provides CNA jobs with a focus on flexibility and patient care. They operate nationwide. CNAs here assist in various healthcare settings, from hospitals to clinics.


  7. Hospital for Special Surgery
    Average Salary: $63,543
    The Hospital for Special Surgery offers CNA jobs with a focus on orthopedic care. They are located in New York City, New York. CNAs here support patients in areas like surgery and rehabilitation.


  8. Children's National Hospital
    Average Salary: $62,868
    Children's National Hospital provides CNA jobs with a focus on pediatric care. They are located in Washington, D.C. CNAs here assist in various pediatric departments, including surgery and oncology.


  9. CareerStaff Unlimited
    Average Salary: $62,630
    CareerStaff Unlimited offers CNA jobs with a focus on flexibility and patient care. They operate nationwide. CNAs here assist in various healthcare settings, from hospitals to clinics.


  10. Sutter Health
    Average Salary: $61,518
    Sutter Health provides CNA jobs with a focus on quality care. They operate in Northern California. CNAs here support patients in areas like surgery, maternity, and pediatrics.

How to earn more as a Certified Nursing Assistant?

A Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) plays a vital role in healthcare. They provide essential care to patients. Increasing earnings as a CNA involves several key strategies. These strategies can help CNAs advance their careers and improve their financial stability.

First, gaining experience is crucial. Hospitals and care facilities often value seasoned CNAs. Experienced CNAs know the routines and can handle emergencies better. Second, obtaining additional certifications can boost earnings. Certifications in areas like geriatric care or hospice care can open new job opportunities. Third, pursuing further education can lead to higher-paying roles. Many CNAs choose to become Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) or Registered Nurses (RNs). Fourth, seeking positions in high-demand areas can increase pay. Urban areas or specialized care facilities often offer higher wages. Lastly, networking with other healthcare professionals can lead to job referrals and better-paying positions. Attending conferences and joining professional organizations can help with this.

By focusing on these factors, CNAs can enhance their skills and increase their earning potential. Each step takes them closer to a more rewarding career.

  1. Gain experience in various healthcare settings.
  2. Obtain additional certifications in specialized care areas.
  3. Pursue further education to become an LPN or RN.
  4. Seek positions in high-demand areas or specialized facilities.
  5. Network with other healthcare professionals to find job opportunities.

Currently 13,436 Certified Nursing Assistant job openings, nationwide.

How's the job market for a Certified Nursing Assistant in the US?

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
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Certified Nursing Assistant
13,436 Job Openings