Certified Nursing Assistant Salaries

Updated on May 09, 2025
Position
Salary

How much does a Certified Nursing Assistant make?

The average salary for a Certified Nursing Assistant is $39,509 per year in the US.

A Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) plays a vital role in healthcare. They help patients with daily activities and provide basic care. The salary for a CNA can vary based on experience and location. On average, CNAs earn around $39,509 per year. The lowest-paid CNAs make about $25,000, while the highest-paid earn around $58,000.

Factors that affect a CNA's salary include the type of facility and the state where they work. For example, CNAs in hospitals often earn more than those in nursing homes. States like California and New York tend to offer higher wages. Experience also matters. New CNAs start at the lower end of the salary range, but with more experience, they can earn more.

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

Job seekers looking for top-paying Certified Nursing Assistant positions should consider cities like San Jose and San Francisco in California. These cities offer some of the highest salaries for this role. San Jose pays an average of $61,876, while San Francisco offers $60,065 annually. Other cities with competitive pay include Vallejo, Santa Rosa, and Sacramento, all in California. These locations provide attractive salaries, making them excellent choices for those in the nursing field.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Certified Nursing Assistant jobs, highlighting San Jose, CA with the highest at $61,876 and Sacramento, CA with the lowest at $48,831.
  1. San Jose, CA
    Average Salary: $61,876
    In San Jose, healthcare facilities offer many opportunities for nursing assistants. Companies like Kaiser Permanente and Stanford Health Care provide excellent work environments. The city's growing tech industry also means a steady demand for healthcare services.
    Find Certified Nursing Assistant jobs in San Jose, CA


  2. San Francisco, CA
    Average Salary: $60,065
    San Francisco has a vibrant healthcare sector. Nursing assistants here work in top-notch hospitals such as UCSF Health and Zuckerberg San Francisco General. The city's diverse population ensures a variety of experiences and learning opportunities.
    Find Certified Nursing Assistant jobs in San Francisco, CA


  3. Vallejo, CA
    Average Salary: $55,578
    Vallejo offers a close-knit community feel with a strong healthcare system. Nursing assistants can find jobs at places like Kaiser Permanente and NorthBay Healthcare. The city's smaller size means more personal connections with patients and colleagues.
    Find Certified Nursing Assistant jobs in Vallejo, CA


  4. Santa Rosa, CA
    Average Salary: $54,397
    Santa Rosa provides a balanced lifestyle with a growing healthcare industry. Sutter Health and Kaiser Permanente are prominent employers. The city's scenic beauty and outdoor activities make it a great place to live and work.
    Find Certified Nursing Assistant jobs in Santa Rosa, CA


  5. Seattle, WA
    Average Salary: $51,086
    Seattle's healthcare facilities are among the best in the nation. Nursing assistants can work at renowned hospitals like Seattle Children's Hospital and Virginia Mason Medical Center. The city's progressive environment offers many career advancement opportunities.
    Find Certified Nursing Assistant jobs in Seattle, WA


  6. Salinas, CA
    Average Salary: $51,044
    Salinas has a strong agricultural community, which means a steady need for healthcare services. Nursing assistants can find jobs at places like Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System. The city's warm climate and friendly atmosphere make it a pleasant place to work.
    Find Certified Nursing Assistant jobs in Salinas, CA


  7. Riverside, CA
    Average Salary: $49,348
    Riverside offers a mix of urban and suburban living. Loma Linda University Medical Center and Kaiser Permanente are key employers. The city's growing population ensures a continuous demand for healthcare professionals.
    Find Certified Nursing Assistant jobs in Riverside, CA


  8. Santa Maria, CA
    Average Salary: $49,145
    Santa Maria provides a relaxed lifestyle with a strong healthcare network. Nursing assistants can work at Marian Regional Medical Center and French Hospital Medical Center. The city's beautiful beaches and outdoor activities make it an attractive place to live and work.
    Find Certified Nursing Assistant jobs in Santa Maria, CA


  9. Worcester, MA
    Average Salary: $48,846
    Worcester has a rich history and a robust healthcare system. Nursing assistants can find jobs at UMass Memorial Health and Saint Vincent Hospital. The city's cultural events and educational institutions offer a vibrant community life.
    Find Certified Nursing Assistant jobs in Worcester, MA


  10. Sacramento, CA
    Average Salary: $48,831
    Sacramento offers a dynamic work environment with many healthcare opportunities. Nursing assistants can work at UC Davis Medical Center and Kaiser Permanente. The city's central location and growing economy make it an attractive place to build a career.
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What are the best companies a Certified Nursing Assistant can work for?

Certified Nursing Assistants can find top-paying jobs at Stanford Medicine Children's Health, with an average salary of $116,519. Oakland Healthcare and Wellness Center offers a competitive salary of $90,000. Caldera Care provides an average salary of $85,471. These companies value their CNAs and offer attractive compensation packages. Job seekers should consider these employers for high-paying opportunities in the field.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Certified Nursing Assistant jobs, highlighting Stanford Medicine Children's Health with the highest at $116,519 and Los Robles Hospital and Medical Center with the lowest at $60,121.
  1. Stanford Medicine Children's Health
    Average Salary: $116,519
    Stanford Medicine Children's Health offers rewarding Certified Nursing Assistant jobs. They provide top-notch care in pediatric settings. Locations include Stanford Children's Health in Palo Alto and Lucile Packard Children's Hospital in Stanford.


  2. Oakland Healthcare and Wellness Center
    Average Salary: $90,000
    Oakland Healthcare and Wellness Center values its CNAs. They focus on patient-centered care. This company operates in Oakland, providing a supportive environment for nursing assistants.


  3. Caldera Care
    Average Salary: $85,471
    Caldera Care offers competitive salaries for CNAs. They emphasize quality care and patient comfort. Caldera Care operates in various locations, including San Francisco, providing diverse work experiences.


  4. Stanford Health Care
    Average Salary: $79,284
    Stanford Health Care provides excellent opportunities for CNAs. They focus on innovation and patient care. This company is located in Stanford, offering a dynamic work environment.


  5. John Muir Health
    Average Salary: $76,515
    John Muir Health offers rewarding CNA positions. They prioritize patient well-being and care. This company operates in Walnut Creek, providing a supportive environment for nursing assistants.


  6. University Of Washington
    Average Salary: $64,901
    The University Of Washington offers CNA jobs with a focus on research and education. They provide a collaborative environment. This company operates in Seattle, offering diverse work experiences.


  7. MAS Medical Staffing
    Average Salary: $62,706
    MAS Medical Staffing offers flexible CNA positions. They focus on matching CNAs with the right facilities. This company operates nationwide, providing a variety of work environments.


  8. IntelyCare
    Average Salary: $62,571
    IntelyCare offers competitive CNA salaries. They focus on providing flexible scheduling. This company operates in multiple states, offering diverse work opportunities.


  9. Hospital for Special Surgery
    Average Salary: $60,338
    Hospital for Special Surgery offers rewarding CNA jobs. They focus on orthopedic care. This company operates in New York City, providing a dynamic work environment.


  10. Los Robles Hospital and Medical Center
    Average Salary: $60,121
    Los Robles Hospital and Medical Center offers CNA positions with a focus on patient care. They provide a supportive environment. This company operates in Thousand Oaks, offering diverse work experiences.

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 enhance skills and marketability.

First, gaining additional certifications can boost earnings. Specializations in areas like geriatrics or pediatrics can make a CNA more valuable. Second, seeking opportunities in high-demand areas can lead to higher pay. Urban areas or regions with fewer healthcare workers often offer better wages. Third, pursuing further education can open more doors. An associate degree or a bachelor’s degree in nursing can lead to higher-paying positions. Fourth, gaining experience in different healthcare settings can improve job prospects. Working in hospitals, nursing homes, or home health care can provide diverse skills. Lastly, networking with other healthcare professionals can lead to job opportunities. Attending conferences and joining professional organizations can be beneficial.

By focusing on these factors, a CNA can increase their earning potential. Each step takes time and effort, but the rewards can be significant.

  1. Obtain additional certifications
  2. Seek jobs in high-demand areas
  3. Pursue further education
  4. Gain experience in different settings
  5. Network with other professionals

Currently 14,934 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
Overview
Certified Nursing Assistant
14,934 Job Openings