How much does a Certified Nursing Assistant make?
Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) play a crucial role in the healthcare industry. Their responsibilities include assisting patients with daily activities and ensuring their comfort. Their hard work earns them a rewarding salary. The average yearly salary for a CNA stands at around $40,905, but it can vary based on several factors.
The salary range for CNAs offers flexibility for job seekers. At the entry level, CNAs can expect to earn around $26,000 annually. As experience grows, so does the salary potential. Experienced CNAs can earn up to $59,800 per year. Locations and facilities can also affect salaries. Urban areas often offer higher wages than rural settings. This data provides a solid foundation for those considering a career as a CNA.
What are the highest paying cities for a Certified Nursing Assistant?

-
San Jose, CA
Average Salary: $66,247
San Jose offers a vibrant healthcare environment. CNAs work in major hospitals like Kaiser Permanente. The city values skilled care and has many job opportunities.
Find Certified Nursing Assistant jobs in San Jose, CA
-
San Francisco, CA
Average Salary: $62,946
In San Francisco, CNAs can find work in renowned facilities like UCSF Health. The city’s healthcare sector is strong, offering diverse career paths.
Find Certified Nursing Assistant jobs in San Francisco, CA
-
Vallejo, CA
Average Salary: $61,781
Vallejo provides a welcoming atmosphere for CNAs. They can work in well-known places like Kaiser Permanente Vallejo. The city has a growing demand for healthcare services.
Find Certified Nursing Assistant jobs in Vallejo, CA
-
Santa Rosa, CA
Average Salary: $61,398
Santa Rosa’s healthcare industry is expanding. CNAs find jobs in facilities like Sutter Santa Rosa Regional Hospital. The area offers a supportive work environment.
Find Certified Nursing Assistant jobs in Santa Rosa, CA
-
Salinas, CA
Average Salary: $57,735
Salinas has a need for CNAs. They can work in hospitals like Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System. The community values compassionate care.
Find Certified Nursing Assistant jobs in Salinas, CA
-
Seattle, WA
Average Salary: $54,201
Seattle offers a dynamic healthcare scene. CNAs can work in top hospitals like UW Medicine. The city's healthcare system is advanced and progressive.
Find Certified Nursing Assistant jobs in Seattle, WA
-
Riverside, CA
Average Salary: $52,559
Riverside provides many job opportunities for CNAs. They can work in places like Kaiser Permanente Riverside Medical Center. The city’s healthcare needs are growing.
Find Certified Nursing Assistant jobs in Riverside, CA
-
Visalia, CA
Average Salary: $52,175
Visalia is a growing city with opportunities for CNAs. They can work in facilities like Adventist Health Hanford. The area is supportive of healthcare workers.
Find Certified Nursing Assistant jobs in Visalia, CA
-
Santa Maria, CA
Average Salary: $51,468
Santa Maria has a demand for CNAs. They can find jobs in hospitals like Marian Regional Medical Center. The city values skilled and dedicated caregivers.
Find Certified Nursing Assistant jobs in Santa Maria, CA
-
Washington, DC
Average Salary: $51,441
Washington, DC, offers a unique setting for CNAs. They can work in facilities like MedStar Washington Hospital Center. The city’s healthcare sector is prominent and rewarding.
Find Certified Nursing Assistant jobs in Washington, DC
What are the best companies a Certified Nursing Assistant can work for?

-
Stanford Health Care
Average Salary: $82,205
Stanford Health Care offers competitive salaries for Certified Nursing Assistants. They operate in Stanford, CA, and provide excellent patient care. The facilities are well-equipped, and they offer many opportunities for professional growth.
-
John Muir Health
Average Salary: $81,014
John Muir Health pays well for Certified Nursing Assistants. They serve patients in Walnut Creek, CA. They value teamwork and provide a supportive work environment. This company is known for its strong patient care focus.
-
Montage Health
Average Salary: $74,445
Montage Health provides a good salary for Certified Nursing Assistants. They operate in Monterey, CA, and offer a welcoming workplace. They emphasize patient comfort and care, making it a great place to work.
-
Niagara County Community College
Average Salary: $69,807
Niagara County Community College offers competitive pay for Certified Nursing Assistants. They are located in Sanborn, NY. They focus on education and patient care, providing a solid work environment for caregivers.
-
University Of Washington
Average Salary: $68,590
The University Of Washington pays well for Certified Nursing Assistants. They are in Seattle, WA, and provide a dynamic work setting. They offer many training programs and opportunities for career advancement.
-
MAS Medical Staffing
Average Salary: $66,187
MAS Medical Staffing provides good salaries for Certified Nursing Assistants. They are nationwide and offer flexible assignments. They focus on quality patient care and offer good support to their staff.
-
Hospital for Special Surgery
Average Salary: $64,492
The Hospital for Special Surgery offers a solid salary for Certified Nursing Assistants. They are in New York, NY, and specialize in orthopedic care. They value teamwork and provide a supportive work environment.
-
Children's National Hospital
Average Salary: $64,126
Children's National Hospital pays well for Certified Nursing Assistants. They serve in Washington, DC, and focus on pediatric care. They offer many opportunities for professional development and patient interaction.
-
CareerStaff Unlimited
Average Salary: $63,205
CareerStaff Unlimited provides a decent salary for Certified Nursing Assistants. They are nationwide and offer various assignments. They value their employees and offer a positive work environment.
-
Sutter Health
Average Salary: $62,688
Sutter Health pays well for Certified Nursing Assistants. They operate in Northern California and focus on quality patient care. They offer many opportunities for growth and development.
How to earn more as a Certified Nursing Assistant?
Elevating your earnings as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) involves leveraging several key strategies. Prioritizing continued education and specialization can lead to more opportunities and higher pay rates. CNAs who obtain additional certifications in areas such as geriatric care, hospice care, or IV therapy often find themselves in higher demand.
Gaining experience in different healthcare settings also broadens job opportunities. Working in various environments like hospitals, nursing homes, and home healthcare agencies can make a CNA more versatile and attractive to potential employers. Networking with other healthcare professionals and joining professional organizations provides access to job openings and industry insights that can lead to better-paying positions.
Here are five factors to consider for increasing earnings:
- Specialization: Pursue additional certifications to enhance skills in high-demand areas.
- Experience: Work in multiple healthcare settings to become a versatile candidate.
- Networking: Connect with other healthcare professionals to discover new job opportunities.
- Education: Attend workshops and seminars to stay updated on industry trends.
- Professional Development: Join professional organizations to gain access to resources and opportunities.



