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 basic care. The average yearly salary for CNAs is around $39,879. 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 about $25,040 per year. At the higher end, experienced CNAs can earn up to $58,840 annually. This range shows that with more experience and skills, CNAs can increase their earnings. Many CNAs also have opportunities for additional training and certifications, which can lead to higher pay.
What are the highest paying cities for a Certified Nursing Assistant?

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San Jose, CA
Average Salary: $65,390
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-driven economy also provides a dynamic environment for career growth.
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San Francisco, CA
Average Salary: $61,393
San Francisco's healthcare sector is robust, with top employers like UCSF Health and UCSF Medical Center. This city values compassionate care and innovation. Working here offers a chance to be part of a progressive healthcare system.
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Vallejo, CA
Average Salary: $58,026
Vallejo has several healthcare providers, including Kaiser Permanente and NorthBay Healthcare. This city offers a mix of urban and suburban living. Working here means you'll be in a supportive environment with a strong community focus.
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Santa Rosa, CA
Average Salary: $57,754
Santa Rosa is home to Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital and Sutter Medical Center. This city offers a blend of natural beauty and modern amenities. Working here means you'll be in a community that values health and wellness.
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Salinas, CA
Average Salary: $54,949
Salinas has healthcare providers like Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System. This city is known for its agricultural roots and growing tech sector. Working here offers a chance to be part of a community with a strong work ethic.
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Seattle, WA
Average Salary: $52,186
Seattle's healthcare scene includes major employers like Swedish Medical Center and Virginia Mason. This city is known for its innovation and progressive values. Working here means you'll be in a forward-thinking environment.
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Riverside, CA
Average Salary: $50,989
Riverside has healthcare facilities like Riverside University Health System and Loma Linda University Medical Center. This city offers a mix of urban and suburban living. Working here means you'll be in a community that values health and wellness.
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Visalia, CA
Average Salary: $50,128
Visalia has healthcare providers like Kaweah Delta Health Care District. This city is known for its agricultural industry and growing economy. Working here offers a chance to be part of a community with a strong work ethic.
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Sacramento, CA
Average Salary: $49,391
Sacramento's healthcare sector includes Kaiser Permanente and UC Davis Health. This city is the state capital and offers a mix of urban and political opportunities. Working here means you'll be in a dynamic environment with many career options.
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Washington, DC
Average Salary: $49,119
Washington, DC, has top healthcare providers like MedStar Health and Johns Hopkins Medicine. This city is a hub for politics and innovation. Working here offers a chance to be part of a vibrant and influential community.
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What are the best companies a Certified Nursing Assistant can work for?

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Stanford Medicine Children's Health
Average Salary: $106,204
Stanford Medicine Children's Health offers top-tier Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) positions. They operate in California, providing a range of pediatric care services. CNAs here work in a supportive environment, ensuring the best care for young patients.
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Caldera Care
Average Salary: $86,778
Caldera Care provides rewarding CNA roles. They serve communities in California, offering a variety of care settings. CNAs at Caldera Care enjoy a collaborative work atmosphere, focusing on patient well-being.
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Stanford Health Care
Average Salary: $81,764
Stanford Health Care offers competitive CNA salaries. They operate in California, providing advanced medical care. CNAs here work in a prestigious institution, supporting skilled healthcare professionals.
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John Muir Health
Average Salary: $77,504
John Muir Health provides excellent CNA opportunities. They serve the Bay Area in California. CNAs here contribute to a patient-centered care model, ensuring high-quality service.
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Niagara County Community College
Average Salary: $68,492
Niagara County Community College offers CNA positions with a good salary. They operate in New York, providing educational and healthcare services. CNAs here work in a learning environment, supporting students and patients.
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University Of Washington
Average Salary: $66,451
The University Of Washington offers CNA roles with a solid salary. They operate in Washington, providing top-notch medical care. CNAs here work in a research-focused setting, supporting both patients and academic missions.
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MAS Medical Staffing
Average Salary: $64,809
MAS Medical Staffing provides CNA positions with a competitive salary. They operate nationwide, offering flexible staffing solutions. CNAs here enjoy diverse work environments, supporting various healthcare facilities.
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Insight Global
Average Salary: $63,462
Insight Global offers CNA roles with a good salary. They operate nationwide, providing staffing services. CNAs here benefit from a dynamic work environment, supporting multiple healthcare settings.
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CareerStaff Unlimited
Average Salary: $62,666
CareerStaff Unlimited provides CNA positions with a solid salary. They operate nationwide, offering staffing solutions. CNAs here work in various healthcare facilities, supporting diverse patient needs.
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Hospital for Special Surgery
Average Salary: $62,304
Hospital for Special Surgery offers CNA roles with a good salary. They operate in New York, specializing in orthopedics and rheumatology. CNAs here work in a specialized environment, supporting patients with musculoskeletal conditions.
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 higher pay and better job opportunities. One key factor is gaining experience in specialized areas of care. For example, working in critical care or pediatrics can command higher wages. Another factor is obtaining additional certifications. Certifications in areas like geriatric care or hospice can make a CNA more valuable to employers.
Location also plays a significant role. CNAs can earn more in areas with a high demand for healthcare workers. Urban centers and regions with aging populations often offer better pay. Continuing education is another important factor. Taking courses in first aid, CPR, or other advanced skills can lead to higher-paying positions. Networking with other healthcare professionals can open doors to better job opportunities. Attending conferences and joining professional organizations can help CNAs stay informed and connected. These steps can lead to higher earnings and career advancement.
Here are five factors to consider:
- Specialize in high-demand areas of care.
- Obtain additional certifications.
- Work in high-demand locations.
- Pursue continuing education and advanced skills.
- Network with other healthcare professionals.