How much does a Certified Nursing Assistant make?
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%
What are the highest paying cities for a Certified Nursing Assistant?

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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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: $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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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MAS Medical Staffing
Average Salary: $65,156
MAS Medical Staffing offers CNA jobs nationwide. They provide flexible staffing solutions and competitive salaries.
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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.
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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.
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Sutter Health
Average Salary: $62,695
Sutter Health offers CNA jobs in Northern California. The company is committed to delivering high-quality healthcare services.
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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



