How much does a Certified Nursing Assistant make?
Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) play a vital role in healthcare. They help patients with daily activities and provide essential care. The average yearly salary for CNAs is around $40,418. This salary can vary based on experience, location, and the type of facility where they work.
CNAs can earn more as they gain experience. Entry-level CNAs might start at the lower end of the salary range. Those with more years in the field often see higher pay. Working in a hospital or specialized care center can also lead to better salaries. Some CNAs may also earn extra through overtime or night shifts. This makes the job both rewarding and financially viable.
What are the highest paying cities for a Certified Nursing Assistant?

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San Jose, CA
Average Salary: $66,070
In San Jose, nursing assistants find work in top-rated hospitals like Kaiser Permanente. The city offers a vibrant community and a range of healthcare facilities. The average salary for nursing assistants here is competitive.
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San Francisco, CA
Average Salary: $61,898
San Francisco provides a dynamic environment for nursing assistants. With renowned institutions like UCSF Health, job opportunities abound. The city's healthcare sector is robust, offering good pay and benefits.
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Santa Rosa, CA
Average Salary: $60,555
Santa Rosa offers a peaceful setting for nursing assistants. Local hospitals like Sutter Santa Rosa Regional Hospital are always in need of skilled professionals. The cost of living is moderate, making it a great place to work and live.
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Vallejo, CA
Average Salary: $59,828
Vallejo is home to several healthcare facilities, including Kaiser Permanente. Nursing assistants here enjoy a supportive work environment. The city's lower cost of living complements the decent salary.
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Salinas, CA
Average Salary: $57,072
Salinas offers a welcoming environment for nursing assistants. Hospitals like Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System provide many job opportunities. The city's friendly atmosphere makes it a great place to work.
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Seattle, WA
Average Salary: $53,264
Seattle is known for its excellent healthcare system. Nursing assistants can find jobs at prestigious hospitals like Seattle Children's Hospital. The city offers a high quality of life and good compensation for nursing assistants.
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Riverside, CA
Average Salary: $51,201
Riverside has a growing healthcare sector, with hospitals like Riverside University Health System hiring nursing assistants. The city's affordable living costs and pleasant climate make it an attractive place to work.
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Visalia, CA
Average Salary: $51,015
Visalia offers a close-knit community for nursing assistants. Local hospitals like Kaweah Delta Health Care District provide many job opportunities. The city's lower cost of living and friendly atmosphere are big pluses.
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Washington, DC
Average Salary: $50,027
Washington, DC, offers a unique opportunity for nursing assistants. Working in federal hospitals like MedStar Washington Hospital Center provides a rewarding experience. The city's vibrant culture and professional network are great benefits.
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San Diego, CA
Average Salary: $49,814
San Diego is a great place for nursing assistants, with top hospitals like Scripps Health offering many jobs. The city's beautiful weather and coastal lifestyle make it an attractive place to live and work.
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What are the best companies a Certified Nursing Assistant can work for?

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John Muir Health
Average Salary: $79,333
John Muir Health offers rewarding Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) positions. They operate in Walnut Creek, Concord, and Antioch, California. CNAs work closely with patients, providing essential care and support.
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Stanford Health Care
Average Salary: $79,206
Stanford Health Care provides excellent CNA roles. They serve patients in Stanford, Palo Alto, and Los Gatos, California. CNAs here gain valuable experience in a top-tier medical environment.
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Montage Health
Average Salary: $74,445
Montage Health offers competitive CNA salaries. They operate in Monterey, Salinas, and King City, California. CNAs at Montage Health enjoy a supportive work culture and diverse patient care.
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Niagara County Community College
Average Salary: $69,521
Niagara County Community College provides CNA positions with a strong salary. They operate in Sanborn, New York. CNAs here benefit from a nurturing environment and hands-on training.
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University Of Washington
Average Salary: $67,408
The University Of Washington offers CNA roles with a good salary. They serve patients in Seattle, Washington. CNAs here work in a dynamic academic setting, gaining diverse experience.
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MAS Medical Staffing
Average Salary: $65,431
MAS Medical Staffing provides CNA positions with a solid salary. They operate nationwide. CNAs here enjoy flexibility and the chance to work in various locations.
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Children's National Hospital
Average Salary: $63,962
Children's National Hospital offers CNA roles with a competitive salary. They serve patients in Washington, D.C. CNAs here work in a specialized pediatric environment, providing essential care.
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Hospital for Special Surgery
Average Salary: $63,675
Hospital for Special Surgery provides CNA positions with a good salary. They operate in New York City. CNAs here focus on specialized orthopedic care, gaining valuable experience.
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CareerStaff Unlimited
Average Salary: $63,377
CareerStaff Unlimited offers CNA roles with a solid salary. They operate nationwide. CNAs here benefit from a supportive work environment and diverse patient care experiences.
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Sutter Health
Average Salary: $61,930
Sutter Health provides CNA positions with a good salary. They operate in Northern California. CNAs here work in a large network of hospitals, gaining valuable experience.
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 situation.
First, gaining experience is crucial. Hospitals and care facilities often offer higher pay to CNAs with more experience. Working in different settings, such as hospitals, nursing homes, or home health care, can also lead to better pay. Experience makes a CNA more valuable to employers. Second, obtaining additional certifications can boost earnings. Certifications in areas like geriatric care, hospice care, or IV therapy can make a CNA more versatile. These skills can lead to higher-paying positions. Third, pursuing further education can open new doors. Many CNAs choose to become Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) or Registered Nurses (RNs). This step requires more schooling but can lead to significant pay increases.
Fourth, seeking out travel nursing opportunities can also increase income. Travel CNAs often receive higher pay and benefits. They also get to work in different locations, which can be a rewarding change. Fifth, negotiating salary and benefits is important. CNAs should not hesitate to discuss their worth with employers. Researching average pay rates in their area can help in these discussions. Being proactive about salary can lead to better financial outcomes.
In summary, CNAs can increase their earnings by gaining experience, obtaining additional certifications, pursuing further education, seeking travel nursing opportunities, and negotiating salary and benefits. These steps can lead to a more rewarding and financially stable career.



