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How much does a Certified Nursing Assistant make?

The average salary for a Certified Nursing Assistant is $41,281 per year in the US.

Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) play a vital role in healthcare. They earn a good living while helping others. On average, a CNA makes about $41,281 each year. This salary can change based on where they work and how much experience they have.

Here are some key salary points for CNAs:

  • About 10% earn less than $29,091.
  • A third earn between $29,091 and $38,364.
  • About half earn between $38,364 and $47,636.
  • Only a few earn more than $50,727.
The highest earners can make over $60,000. Working in a big city or a special care facility often leads to higher pay.

View Certified Nursing Assistant jobs nearby

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

Job seekers looking for high-paying roles as Certified Nursing Assistants can find lucrative opportunities in several cities. San Jose, CA, stands out with an average salary of $67,035. Close behind is San Francisco, CA, offering $64,143 annually. These cities provide not only competitive pay but also a range of employment options in well-regarded healthcare facilities.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Certified Nursing Assistant jobs, highlighting San Jose, CA with the highest at $67,035 and Santa Maria, CA with the lowest at $52,437.
  1. San Jose, CA
    Average Salary: $67,035
    Work as a nursing assistant in San Jose, and you will find a supportive environment in many well-known medical facilities like Kaiser Permanente and Stanford Health Care. The city's healthcare sector offers many opportunities for growth and learning.
    Find Certified Nursing Assistant jobs in San Jose, CA


  2. San Francisco, CA
    Average Salary: $64,143
    In San Francisco, healthcare professionals enjoy a vibrant community. Working at top hospitals like UCSF Health can provide a rewarding experience. The city's dynamic healthcare environment offers many career advancement opportunities.
    Find Certified Nursing Assistant jobs in San Francisco, CA


  3. Vallejo, CA
    Average Salary: $62,159
    Vallejo offers a close-knit community and a chance to work in facilities like Kaiser Permanente. The city’s healthcare system values compassionate care, making it a great place for nursing assistants to thrive.
    Find Certified Nursing Assistant jobs in Vallejo, CA


  4. Santa Rosa, CA
    Average Salary: $61,352
    In Santa Rosa, nursing assistants can find fulfilling work in well-respected healthcare providers like Sutter Health. The city’s healthcare sector is growing, offering many opportunities for professional development.
    Find Certified Nursing Assistant jobs in Santa Rosa, CA


  5. Salinas, CA
    Average Salary: $58,241
    Salinas provides a welcoming environment for healthcare workers, with facilities such as Natividad Medical Center. The city’s healthcare sector is expanding, offering plenty of opportunities for career growth.
    Find Certified Nursing Assistant jobs in Salinas, CA


  6. Seattle, WA
    Average Salary: $55,506
    Seattle is known for its vibrant healthcare sector, with renowned institutions like Virginia Mason Medical Center. Nursing assistants here benefit from a dynamic work environment and opportunities for professional advancement.
    Find Certified Nursing Assistant jobs in Seattle, WA


  7. Riverside, CA
    Average Salary: $54,318
    Riverside offers a range of healthcare opportunities, with prominent facilities like Riverside University Health System. The city’s healthcare environment supports growth and learning for nursing assistants.
    Find Certified Nursing Assistant jobs in Riverside, CA


  8. Visalia, CA
    Average Salary: $53,230
    In Visalia, nursing assistants can find fulfilling work in hospitals such as Kaweah Health Medical Center. The city’s healthcare sector values compassionate care, providing a supportive environment for professionals.
    Find Certified Nursing Assistant jobs in Visalia, CA


  9. Washington, DC
    Average Salary: $52,876
    Washington, DC offers a unique blend of urban and healthcare opportunities. Working at institutions like MedStar Washington Hospital Center provides a rewarding experience. The city’s healthcare environment is rich with professional development opportunities.
    Find Certified Nursing Assistant jobs in Washington, DC


  10. Santa Maria, CA
    Average Salary: $52,437
    Santa Maria provides a supportive environment for healthcare professionals, with facilities like French Hospital Medical Center. The city’s growing healthcare sector offers many opportunities for career growth and learning.
    Find Certified Nursing Assistant jobs in Santa Maria, CA

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

John Muir Health and Stanford Health Care are two of the top-paying employers for Certified Nursing Assistants, offering salaries above $70,000 annually. Montage Health and the University of Washington also provide competitive pay, around $70,000 per year. These organizations value their nursing staff and provide a rewarding career path for those in the field.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Certified Nursing Assistant jobs, highlighting John Muir Health with the highest at $82,744 and CareerStaff Unlimited with the lowest at $61,877.
  1. John Muir Health
    Average Salary: $82,744
    John Muir Health offers rewarding Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) jobs in Walnut Creek, CA. CNAs here provide essential care to patients. They work in various departments, ensuring top-notch patient care.


  2. Stanford Health Care
    Average Salary: $77,045
    Stanford Health Care provides high-paying CNA positions in Stanford, CA. CNAs here work in a world-renowned medical center. They assist in patient care and support medical staff in a dynamic environment.


  3. Montage Health
    Average Salary: $73,537
    Montage Health offers CNA jobs in Monterey, CA. CNAs here play a crucial role in patient care. They work in a beautiful and supportive setting, ensuring patients receive the best care possible.


  4. University of Washington
    Average Salary: $69,467
    The University of Washington has CNA positions in Seattle, WA. CNAs here contribute to patient care in a teaching hospital. They gain valuable experience and work alongside experienced medical professionals.


  5. MAS Medical Staffing
    Average Salary: $65,977
    MAS Medical Staffing offers CNA jobs in multiple locations across the country. CNAs here work in various healthcare facilities. They provide essential patient care and enjoy travel opportunities.


  6. Hospital for Special Surgery
    Average Salary: $65,328
    The Hospital for Special Surgery provides CNA positions in New York, NY. CNAs here assist in orthopedic care. They work in a leading medical institution known for its specialty in musculoskeletal health.


  7. Valley Medical Center
    Average Salary: $64,908
    Valley Medical Center offers CNA jobs in Renton, WA. CNAs here focus on patient care in a community hospital. They work in a supportive and caring environment, providing essential healthcare services.


  8. Children's National Hospital
    Average Salary: $63,980
    Children's National Hospital provides CNA positions in Washington, D.C. CNAs here work in a pediatric setting. They support young patients and their families, making a significant impact on children's health.


  9. Sutter Health
    Average Salary: $62,665
    Sutter Health offers CNA jobs in various locations in California. CNAs here work in a network of hospitals and clinics. They provide compassionate care to a diverse patient population.


  10. CareerStaff Unlimited
    Average Salary: $61,877
    CareerStaff Unlimited offers CNA positions in multiple locations nationwide. CNAs here work in various healthcare facilities. They enjoy flexible scheduling and the opportunity to work in different environments.

How to earn more as a Certified Nursing Assistant?

To earn more as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), one should focus on a combination of education, experience, and specialized skills. Investing time in further education can open new opportunities and higher pay rates. Certifications in areas such as geriatrics, hospice care, or pediatrics can set a CNA apart and command higher wages. These specializations meet specific demands in the healthcare industry, making the CNA more valuable to employers.

Another way to earn more is by gaining experience in high-demand areas. Working in critical care units, surgical departments, or long-term care facilities often comes with higher pay. Experience in these areas not only provides a solid resume but also increases the CNA's expertise and value. Building relationships with healthcare professionals in these settings can lead to better job opportunities and higher salaries. Networking and professional development also play a vital role in salary enhancement. Attending workshops, seminars, and joining professional organizations can keep CNAs updated with industry trends and best practices. Active participation in these activities can lead to promotions and pay raises. Lastly, seeking roles in areas with a shortage of CNAs can lead to higher compensation. Researching and targeting regions with a demand for CNAs can provide better earning potential.

Here are some key factors to consider:

  1. Further education and specialized certifications
  2. Gaining experience in high-demand areas
  3. Networking and professional development
  4. Targeting regions with a shortage of CNAs
  5. Pursuing roles in critical care units or specialized departments

Currently 10,071 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
10,071 Job Openings