How much does a Certified Nursing Assistant make?
Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) play a vital role in healthcare. They earn a good living while helping others. On average, a CNA makes about $41,281 each year. This salary can change based on where they work and how much experience they have.
Here are some key salary points for CNAs:
- About 10% earn less than $29,091.
- A third earn between $29,091 and $38,364.
- About half earn between $38,364 and $47,636.
- Only a few earn more than $50,727.
What are the highest paying cities for a Certified Nursing Assistant?

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San Jose, CA
Average Salary: $67,035
Work as a nursing assistant in San Jose, and you will find a supportive environment in many well-known medical facilities like Kaiser Permanente and Stanford Health Care. The city's healthcare sector offers many opportunities for growth and learning.
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San Francisco, CA
Average Salary: $64,143
In San Francisco, healthcare professionals enjoy a vibrant community. Working at top hospitals like UCSF Health can provide a rewarding experience. The city's dynamic healthcare environment offers many career advancement opportunities.
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Vallejo, CA
Average Salary: $62,159
Vallejo offers a close-knit community and a chance to work in facilities like Kaiser Permanente. The city’s healthcare system values compassionate care, making it a great place for nursing assistants to thrive.
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Santa Rosa, CA
Average Salary: $61,352
In Santa Rosa, nursing assistants can find fulfilling work in well-respected healthcare providers like Sutter Health. The city’s healthcare sector is growing, offering many opportunities for professional development.
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Salinas, CA
Average Salary: $58,241
Salinas provides a welcoming environment for healthcare workers, with facilities such as Natividad Medical Center. The city’s healthcare sector is expanding, offering plenty of opportunities for career growth.
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Seattle, WA
Average Salary: $55,506
Seattle is known for its vibrant healthcare sector, with renowned institutions like Virginia Mason Medical Center. Nursing assistants here benefit from a dynamic work environment and opportunities for professional advancement.
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Riverside, CA
Average Salary: $54,318
Riverside offers a range of healthcare opportunities, with prominent facilities like Riverside University Health System. The city’s healthcare environment supports growth and learning for nursing assistants.
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Visalia, CA
Average Salary: $53,230
In Visalia, nursing assistants can find fulfilling work in hospitals such as Kaweah Health Medical Center. The city’s healthcare sector values compassionate care, providing a supportive environment for professionals.
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Washington, DC
Average Salary: $52,876
Washington, DC offers a unique blend of urban and healthcare opportunities. Working at institutions like MedStar Washington Hospital Center provides a rewarding experience. The city’s healthcare environment is rich with professional development opportunities.
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Santa Maria, CA
Average Salary: $52,437
Santa Maria provides a supportive environment for healthcare professionals, with facilities like French Hospital Medical Center. The city’s growing healthcare sector offers many opportunities for career growth and learning.
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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: $82,744
John Muir Health offers rewarding Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) jobs in Walnut Creek, CA. CNAs here provide essential care to patients. They work in various departments, ensuring top-notch patient care.
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Stanford Health Care
Average Salary: $77,045
Stanford Health Care provides high-paying CNA positions in Stanford, CA. CNAs here work in a world-renowned medical center. They assist in patient care and support medical staff in a dynamic environment.
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Montage Health
Average Salary: $73,537
Montage Health offers CNA jobs in Monterey, CA. CNAs here play a crucial role in patient care. They work in a beautiful and supportive setting, ensuring patients receive the best care possible.
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University of Washington
Average Salary: $69,467
The University of Washington has CNA positions in Seattle, WA. CNAs here contribute to patient care in a teaching hospital. They gain valuable experience and work alongside experienced medical professionals.
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MAS Medical Staffing
Average Salary: $65,977
MAS Medical Staffing offers CNA jobs in multiple locations across the country. CNAs here work in various healthcare facilities. They provide essential patient care and enjoy travel opportunities.
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Hospital for Special Surgery
Average Salary: $65,328
The Hospital for Special Surgery provides CNA positions in New York, NY. CNAs here assist in orthopedic care. They work in a leading medical institution known for its specialty in musculoskeletal health.
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Valley Medical Center
Average Salary: $64,908
Valley Medical Center offers CNA jobs in Renton, WA. CNAs here focus on patient care in a community hospital. They work in a supportive and caring environment, providing essential healthcare services.
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Children's National Hospital
Average Salary: $63,980
Children's National Hospital provides CNA positions in Washington, D.C. CNAs here work in a pediatric setting. They support young patients and their families, making a significant impact on children's health.
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Sutter Health
Average Salary: $62,665
Sutter Health offers CNA jobs in various locations in California. CNAs here work in a network of hospitals and clinics. They provide compassionate care to a diverse patient population.
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CareerStaff Unlimited
Average Salary: $61,877
CareerStaff Unlimited offers CNA positions in multiple locations nationwide. CNAs here work in various healthcare facilities. They enjoy flexible scheduling and the opportunity to work in different environments.
How to earn more as a Certified Nursing Assistant?
To earn more as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), one should focus on a combination of education, experience, and specialized skills. Investing time in further education can open new opportunities and higher pay rates. Certifications in areas such as geriatrics, hospice care, or pediatrics can set a CNA apart and command higher wages. These specializations meet specific demands in the healthcare industry, making the CNA more valuable to employers.
Another way to earn more is by gaining experience in high-demand areas. Working in critical care units, surgical departments, or long-term care facilities often comes with higher pay. Experience in these areas not only provides a solid resume but also increases the CNA's expertise and value. Building relationships with healthcare professionals in these settings can lead to better job opportunities and higher salaries. Networking and professional development also play a vital role in salary enhancement. Attending workshops, seminars, and joining professional organizations can keep CNAs updated with industry trends and best practices. Active participation in these activities can lead to promotions and pay raises. Lastly, seeking roles in areas with a shortage of CNAs can lead to higher compensation. Researching and targeting regions with a demand for CNAs can provide better earning potential.
Here are some key factors to consider:
- Further education and specialized certifications
- Gaining experience in high-demand areas
- Networking and professional development
- Targeting regions with a shortage of CNAs
- Pursuing roles in critical care units or specialized departments



