How much does a Certified Nursing Assistant make?
Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) play a vital role in healthcare. They work closely with patients and nurses to provide essential care. The average yearly salary for a CNA is around $39,994. This salary can vary based on experience, location, and the type of healthcare facility.
The salary range for CNAs can be quite broad. At the lower end, some CNAs earn around $25,000 per year. As experience grows, salaries can increase significantly. The top earners in this field can make over $58,000 annually. This range shows that with dedication and experience, CNAs can see their earnings grow.
What are the highest paying cities for a Certified Nursing Assistant?

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San Jose, CA
Average Salary: $65,738
In San Jose, healthcare facilities offer many opportunities. Hospitals like Kaiser Permanente and Stanford Health Care provide excellent environments. CNAs here enjoy a supportive community and competitive pay.
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San Francisco, CA
Average Salary: $61,830
San Francisco's healthcare sector is vibrant. Major employers like UCSF Health and UCSF Medical Center seek skilled CNAs. Working here means being part of a dynamic team in a city known for its innovation.
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Santa Rosa, CA
Average Salary: $58,667
Santa Rosa offers a mix of urban and rural settings. Local hospitals such as Sutter Santa Rosa Regional Hospital provide great career opportunities. CNAs here benefit from a welcoming community and a strong healthcare network.
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Vallejo, CA
Average Salary: $58,260
Vallejo's healthcare facilities, including Kaiser Permanente and NorthBay Healthcare, are looking for dedicated CNAs. The city's diverse environment offers a mix of professional and personal growth.
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Salinas, CA
Average Salary: $55,561
Salinas provides a close-knit community feel. Hospitals like Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System offer rewarding positions. CNAs here enjoy a supportive work environment and a chance to make a real difference.
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Seattle, WA
Average Salary: $52,599
Seattle's healthcare system is robust, with employers like Swedish Medical Center and Virginia Mason Medical Center. CNAs here work in a city known for its quality of life and professional opportunities.
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Riverside, CA
Average Salary: $51,091
Riverside offers a range of healthcare options. Loma Linda University Medical Center and Riverside University Health System are prominent employers. CNAs here benefit from a supportive community and diverse work experiences.
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Visalia, CA
Average Salary: $50,313
Visalia provides a friendly atmosphere with strong healthcare facilities. Kaweah Delta Medical Center and Adventist Health are key employers. CNAs here enjoy a supportive environment and a chance to grow professionally.
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Washington, DC
Average Salary: $49,484
Washington, DC, offers a unique blend of professional and personal growth. Hospitals like MedStar Washington Hospital Center and George Washington University Hospital seek skilled CNAs. Working here means being part of a vibrant and dynamic healthcare sector.
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Sacramento, CA
Average Salary: $49,335
Sacramento's healthcare facilities, including UC Davis Medical Center and Kaiser Permanente, provide excellent opportunities. CNAs here enjoy a supportive community and a chance to make a significant impact in patient care.
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What are the best companies a Certified Nursing Assistant can work for?

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Caldera Care
Average Salary: $87,545
Caldera Care offers Certified Nursing Assistant jobs with a focus on patient care. They operate in various locations, providing opportunities for CNAs to work in different settings and gain diverse experiences.
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Stanford Health Care
Average Salary: $77,824
Stanford Health Care provides CNA positions with a strong emphasis on quality care. They have locations in California, offering a chance for CNAs to work in a prestigious healthcare environment.
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John Muir Health
Average Salary: $77,719
John Muir Health offers CNA jobs with a commitment to patient well-being. They operate in several locations, allowing CNAs to choose where they want to work and grow their careers.
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Niagara County Community College
Average Salary: $68,792
Niagara County Community College provides CNA positions with a focus on education and patient care. They have locations in New York, offering CNAs a chance to work in a supportive educational setting.
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University Of Washington
Average Salary: $66,451
The University Of Washington offers CNA jobs with a strong emphasis on research and patient care. They have locations in Washington, providing CNAs with opportunities to work in a leading academic medical center.
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MAS Medical Staffing
Average Salary: $65,048
MAS Medical Staffing provides CNA positions with a focus on flexibility and patient care. They operate in multiple locations, allowing CNAs to choose assignments that fit their schedules and preferences.
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Hospital for Special Surgery
Average Salary: $62,986
The Hospital for Special Surgery offers CNA jobs with a focus on specialized care. They have locations in New York, providing CNAs with opportunities to work in a renowned orthopedic hospital.
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CareerStaff Unlimited
Average Salary: $62,666
CareerStaff Unlimited provides CNA positions with a focus on career growth and patient care. They operate in various locations, allowing CNAs to choose assignments that match their career goals.
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Children's National Hospital
Average Salary: $62,346
Children's National Hospital offers CNA jobs with a focus on pediatric care. They have locations in Washington, D.C., providing CNAs with opportunities to work in a leading children's hospital.
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Sutter Health
Average Salary: $61,259
Sutter Health provides CNA positions with a focus on patient care and community service. They operate in several locations, allowing CNAs to choose where they want to work and make a difference.
How to earn more as a Certified Nursing Assistant?
A Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) plays a crucial 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 stability.
First, gaining additional certifications can lead to higher pay. Specializations in areas like geriatrics or pediatrics can make a CNA more valuable. Second, working in high-demand areas can increase earning potential. Urban centers or regions with a shortage of healthcare workers often offer higher wages. Third, pursuing further education can open up more job opportunities. An associate degree or higher can lead to roles with better pay. Fourth, gaining experience in different healthcare settings can make a CNA more versatile. Experience in hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities can be beneficial. Lastly, networking with other healthcare professionals can lead to job opportunities that pay more. Attending conferences and joining professional organizations can help with this.
By focusing on these areas, CNAs can improve their earnings and career prospects. Each step taken towards further education and specialization can lead to better job opportunities and higher pay.
- Obtain additional certifications in specialized areas.
- Seek employment in high-demand areas or regions.
- Pursue further education to qualify for higher-paying roles.
- Gain experience in various healthcare settings.
- Network with other healthcare professionals to find better job opportunities.