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How much does a Certified Nursing Assistant make?

The average salary for a Certified Nursing Assistant is $41,410 per year in the US.

Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) play a vital role in the healthcare system. They work closely with patients, nurses, and doctors. On average, a CNA earns about $41,410 per year. This is a competitive salary for the level of care they provide.

The salary for a CNA can vary based on several factors. Experience and location are two important ones. CNAs with more experience often earn higher salaries. Those working in metropolitan areas or regions with a high demand for healthcare services may see higher pay. The table below shows the percentage distribution of CNA salaries and the corresponding salary amounts.

  • 26,000: 4.27%
  • 29,091: 6.75%
  • 32,182: 9.65%
  • 35,273: 12.60%
  • 38,364: 14.32%
  • 41,455: 16.93%
  • 44,545: 10.89%
  • 47,636: 9.53%
  • 50,727: 5.31%
  • 53,818: 3.31%
  • 56,909: 1.45%
  • 60,000: 0%
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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 California cities. San Jose leads the pack with an average salary of $67,126, while San Francisco follows closely at $64,310. Other notable cities include Vallejo, Santa Rosa, and Salinas, all offering competitive wages. Opportunities also arise on the West Coast in Seattle, with an average salary of $55,796. Job seekers in California can find good options in Riverside, Visalia, and Washington, DC. Santa Maria offers a solid average salary as well.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Certified Nursing Assistant jobs, highlighting San Jose, CA with the highest at $67,126 and Santa Maria, CA with the lowest at $52,325.
  1. San Jose, CA
    Average Salary: $67,126
    San Jose offers numerous opportunities for nursing assistants. Top employers include local hospitals like Stanford Health Care and Kaiser Permanente. The city's healthcare sector is robust, ensuring ample job openings.
    Find Certified Nursing Assistant jobs in San Jose, CA


  2. San Francisco, CA
    Average Salary: $64,310
    In San Francisco, nursing assistants work in renowned institutions like UCSF Health and UCSF Medical Center. The city provides a dynamic work environment with many patients and diverse medical cases.
    Find Certified Nursing Assistant jobs in San Francisco, CA


  3. Vallejo, CA
    Average Salary: $62,083
    Vallejo has several facilities where nursing assistants can find work, such as Kaiser Permanente and NorthBay Healthcare. The community is small, making it a tight-knit place to work and grow professionally.
    Find Certified Nursing Assistant jobs in Vallejo, CA


  4. Santa Rosa, CA
    Average Salary: $61,352
    Santa Rosa is home to Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital and Sutter Medical Center, offering nursing assistants solid employment. The city’s healthcare needs provide steady job opportunities and growth potential.
    Find Certified Nursing Assistant jobs in Santa Rosa, CA


  5. Salinas, CA
    Average Salary: $58,341
    Salinas has a strong demand for nursing assistants in its healthcare facilities, such as Salinas Valley Memorial Hospital. The agricultural community’s needs make this a great place for those who want stable employment.
    Find Certified Nursing Assistant jobs in Salinas, CA


  6. Seattle, WA
    Average Salary: $55,796
    Seattle's healthcare system, with employers like Virginia Mason Medical Center and Swedish Medical Center, offers many opportunities. The city's vibrant community and strong economy make it an attractive place to work.
    Find Certified Nursing Assistant jobs in Seattle, WA


  7. Riverside, CA
    Average Salary: $54,457
    Riverside has several hospitals, including Riverside University Health System and Loma Linda University Medical Center, providing plenty of job options. The city’s growing population ensures a steady need for nursing assistants.
    Find Certified Nursing Assistant jobs in Riverside, CA


  8. Visalia, CA
    Average Salary: $53,571
    Visalia offers opportunities in facilities like Kaweah Delta Medical Center. The city’s smaller size allows for personal connections, and there is a strong demand for healthcare workers.
    Find Certified Nursing Assistant jobs in Visalia, CA


  9. Washington, DC
    Average Salary: $53,316
    Washington, DC, provides many job openings in well-known hospitals like George Washington University Hospital and MedStar Washington Hospital Center. The city’s role as a political and medical hub ensures a steady need for skilled nursing assistants.
    Find Certified Nursing Assistant jobs in Washington, DC


  10. Santa Maria, CA
    Average Salary: $52,325
    Santa Maria offers jobs in healthcare facilities such as Marian Regional Medical Center. The city’s smaller size makes for a close-knit community, and there is a stable demand for healthcare services.
    Find Certified Nursing Assistant jobs in Santa Maria, CA

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

Top employers for Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) often offer competitive salaries. John Muir Health, Stanford Health Care, and Montage Health stand out with higher pay. These companies provide excellent opportunities for those seeking rewarding roles with strong compensation. John Muir Health offers an average salary of $83,086, making it a top choice. Next is Stanford Health Care with $77,426, followed closely by Montage Health at $73,537. These figures reflect the value these companies place on their CNAs.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Certified Nursing Assistant jobs, highlighting John Muir Health with the highest at $83,086 and Insight Global with the lowest at $61,357.
  1. John Muir Health
    Average Salary: $83,086
    John Muir Health offers Certified Nursing Assistant jobs in Walnut Creek, Pleasant Hill, and Concord, California. The company values patient care and offers various benefits.


  2. Stanford Health Care
    Average Salary: $77,426
    Stanford Health Care provides CNA jobs in Stanford, California. This company is known for its cutting-edge medical technology and a supportive work environment.


  3. Montage Health
    Average Salary: $73,537
    Montage Health offers CNA roles in Monterey and Salinas, California. The company focuses on providing exceptional healthcare services with a personal touch.


  4. University of Washington
    Average Salary: $69,421
    The University of Washington offers CNA jobs in Seattle, Washington. It combines academic excellence with healthcare, providing a unique work experience.


  5. Hospital for Special Surgery
    Average Salary: $65,354
    Hospital for Special Surgery provides CNA jobs in New York City, New York. The hospital specializes in orthopedics and rheumatology, offering specialized care.


  6. MAS Medical Staffing
    Average Salary: $65,156
    MAS Medical Staffing offers CNA jobs nationwide. They provide flexible staffing solutions and competitive salaries.


  7. Valley Medical Center
    Average Salary: $65,150
    Valley Medical Center offers CNA jobs in Renton, Washington. The hospital is known for its patient-centered approach and commitment to quality care.


  8. Children’s National Hospital
    Average Salary: $63,363
    Children’s National Hospital provides CNA jobs in Washington, D.C. The hospital focuses on pediatric care and offers a nurturing work environment.


  9. Sutter Health
    Average Salary: $62,695
    Sutter Health offers CNA jobs in Northern California. The company is committed to delivering high-quality healthcare services.


  10. Insight Global
    Average Salary: $61,357
    Insight Global provides CNA staffing services across the country. They focus on matching healthcare professionals with the right opportunities.

How to earn more as a Certified Nursing Assistant?

A Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) can find many ways to increase earnings. This role often serves as a stepping stone to higher-paying healthcare jobs. Understanding these avenues can help CNAs make more money.

First, consider working in high-demand areas. Places with more patients often need more CNAs. These areas include busy hospitals, large care facilities, or regions with an aging population. Second, gain more certifications. Specializing in areas like pediatric care or geriatric care can lead to higher pay. Third, work overtime or night shifts. These shifts usually offer higher hourly rates. Fourth, take on a leadership role. Positions like lead CNA can bring a salary increase. Finally, look for travel nursing opportunities. These jobs offer higher pay and the chance to see new places.

With these strategies, a CNA can earn more and build a successful career. Each step offers a path to higher earnings and more job satisfaction.

Factors to increase earnings:

  • Work in high-demand areas
  • Gain more certifications
  • Work overtime or night shifts
  • Take on a leadership role
  • Look for travel nursing opportunities

Currently 9,743 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
9,743 Job Openings