Certified Nursing Assistant Salaries

Updated on Jun 05, 2025
Position
Salary

How much does a Certified Nursing Assistant make?

The average salary for a Certified Nursing Assistant is $39,242 per year in the US.

Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) play a vital role in healthcare. They provide essential care to patients in various settings. The average salary for a CNA can vary based on experience and location. According to recent data, CNAs earn between $25,000 and $58,000 annually. The median salary stands at around $39,242 per year. This range shows that with more experience, CNAs can expect to see their earnings increase.

Several factors influence a CNA's salary. These include the type of healthcare facility, the state in which they work, and the level of experience. For example, CNAs in urban areas or specialized hospitals often earn more. Those with additional certifications or training may also see higher pay. This career path offers opportunities for growth and increased earnings over time.

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

Job seekers looking for top-paying Certified Nursing Assistant roles should consider cities like San Jose, CA, and San Francisco, CA. These cities offer some of the highest salaries for this profession. San Jose pays an average of $62,566, while San Francisco offers $60,458. Other cities like Vallejo, CA, and Seattle, WA, also provide competitive wages.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Certified Nursing Assistant jobs, highlighting San Jose, CA with the highest at $62,566 and Sacramento, CA with the lowest at $48,661.
  1. San Jose, CA
    Average Salary: $62,566
    In San Jose, healthcare facilities like Kaiser Permanente and Stanford Health Care offer many opportunities. Working here means you'll be part of a vibrant community with a strong focus on patient care. The city's tech-savvy environment provides a unique blend of innovation and care.
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  2. San Francisco, CA
    Average Salary: $60,458
    San Francisco's healthcare sector is robust, with UCSF Health and UCSF Medical Center leading the way. Job seekers will find a dynamic environment that values both clinical skills and compassion. The city's diverse population adds to the rich experience of providing care.
    Find Certified Nursing Assistant jobs in San Francisco, CA


  3. Vallejo, CA
    Average Salary: $56,060
    Vallejo offers a mix of urban and suburban settings, with healthcare providers like Kaiser Permanente and NorthBay Healthcare. Working here means you'll be in a supportive community with a strong emphasis on patient care. The area's scenic beauty provides a pleasant backdrop to your work.
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  4. Santa Rosa, CA
    Average Salary: $55,029
    Santa Rosa is known for its quality healthcare services, with Sutter Santa Rosa Regional Hospital and Kaiser Permanente. Job seekers will find a welcoming community that values healthcare professionals. The city's charming atmosphere makes it a great place to work and live.
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  5. Salinas, CA
    Average Salary: $51,761
    Salinas offers a close-knit community with healthcare facilities like Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System. Working here means you'll be part of a supportive environment that values your skills. The city's agricultural roots provide a unique cultural experience.
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  6. Seattle, WA
    Average Salary: $51,217
    Seattle's healthcare scene is vibrant, with major employers like Swedish Medical Center and Virginia Mason. Job seekers will find a dynamic city that values innovation in healthcare. The city's tech-driven culture adds to the exciting work environment.
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  7. Riverside, CA
    Average Salary: $49,816
    Riverside offers a range of healthcare opportunities, with Loma Linda University Medical Center and Riverside University Health System. Working here means you'll be in a community that values your contributions. The city's growing population provides a diverse patient base.
    Find Certified Nursing Assistant jobs in Riverside, CA


  8. Santa Maria, CA
    Average Salary: $49,617
    Santa Maria offers a smaller community feel with healthcare providers like Marian Regional Medical Center. Job seekers will find a supportive environment that values teamwork. The city's proximity to nature offers a relaxing work environment.
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  9. Worcester, MA
    Average Salary: $48,772
    Worcester is home to top healthcare institutions like UMass Memorial Health and Saint Vincent Hospital. Job seekers will find a city that values education and healthcare. The area's rich history adds to the unique experience of working here.
    Find Certified Nursing Assistant jobs in Worcester, MA


  10. Sacramento, CA
    Average Salary: $48,661
    Sacramento offers a variety of healthcare opportunities, with providers like UC Davis Health and Kaiser Permanente. Working here means you'll be in a vibrant city that values your skills. The city's central location provides easy access to many other areas.
    Find Certified Nursing Assistant jobs in Sacramento, CA

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

Job seekers looking for top-paying Certified Nursing Assistant positions can find excellent opportunities at Stanford Medicine Children's Health, Caldera Care, and Stanford Health Care. These companies offer competitive salaries, with Stanford Medicine Children's Health leading at $116,519 per year. Caldera Care and Stanford Health Care follow closely, providing salaries of $85,515 and $81,259 respectively. These employers not only offer high pay but also provide a supportive work environment and valuable career growth opportunities. Securing a position with one of these companies can lead to a rewarding and financially stable career.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Certified Nursing Assistant jobs, highlighting Stanford Medicine Children's Health with the highest at $116,519 and Sutter Health with the lowest at $59,799.
  1. Stanford Medicine Children's Health
    Average Salary: $116,519
    Stanford Medicine Children's Health offers rewarding Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) jobs. They provide top-notch care in pediatric settings. Locations include Stanford, CA, and other areas in the state.


  2. Caldera Care
    Average Salary: $85,515
    Caldera Care is known for providing excellent CNA positions. They focus on home care and hospice services. Caldera Care operates in several locations across California.


  3. Stanford Health Care
    Average Salary: $81,259
    Stanford Health Care offers competitive CNA salaries. They provide high-quality care in a prestigious medical setting. The company operates in Stanford, CA, and nearby areas.


  4. John Muir Health
    Average Salary: $76,633
    John Muir Health provides CNA jobs with a good salary. They offer care in various locations in California, including Walnut Creek and Concord.


  5. University Of Washington
    Average Salary: $65,004
    The University Of Washington offers CNA positions with a solid salary. They provide care in Seattle, WA, and other parts of the state.


  6. IntelyCare
    Average Salary: $63,500
    IntelyCare offers CNA jobs with a competitive salary. They focus on flexible scheduling and high-quality care. IntelyCare operates in multiple states across the U.S.


  7. MAS Medical Staffing
    Average Salary: $62,659
    MAS Medical Staffing provides CNA positions with a good salary. They offer care in various locations nationwide. Their services include temporary and permanent placements.


  8. Hospital for Special Surgery
    Average Salary: $60,650
    The Hospital for Special Surgery offers CNA jobs with a solid salary. They focus on orthopedic care and rehabilitation. The hospital is located in New York City.


  9. Los Robles Hospital and Medical Center
    Average Salary: $60,058
    Los Robles Hospital and Medical Center provides CNA jobs with a good salary. They offer care in Thousand Oaks, CA, and surrounding areas.


  10. Sutter Health
    Average Salary: $59,799
    Sutter Health offers CNA positions with a competitive salary. They provide care in various locations across California, including Sacramento and San Francisco.

How to earn more as a Certified Nursing Assistant?

A Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) can find several ways to increase their earnings. By focusing on specific areas, CNAs can enhance their skills and marketability. This can lead to more job opportunities and higher pay rates. Investing in additional training and certifications can make a significant difference.

Here are some key factors to consider:

  1. Specialize in a High-Demand Area: CNAs can earn more by specializing in areas like pediatrics, geriatrics, or critical care. These areas often have higher pay rates.
  2. Get Additional Certifications: Certifications in areas like IV therapy, EKG, or wound care can make a CNA more valuable. These skills can lead to higher-paying jobs.
  3. Work in High-Paying Locations: Some regions offer higher wages for CNAs. Urban areas or states with higher living costs often pay more.
  4. Pursue Advanced Roles: With experience, CNAs can move into roles like charge nurse or nursing assistant supervisor. These positions come with higher salaries.
  5. Seek Night or Weekend Shifts: Many facilities offer higher pay for working nights or weekends. This can be a good way to increase earnings.

Currently 16,509 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
Overview
Certified Nursing Assistant
16,509 Job Openings