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How much does a Certified Nursing Assistant make?

The average salary for a Certified Nursing Assistant is $39,879 per year in the US.

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.

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

Job seekers looking for top-paying Certified Nursing Assistant positions can find excellent opportunities in several cities. San Jose, CA, leads with an average salary of $65,390. Following closely, San Francisco, CA, offers an average salary of $61,393. These cities offer competitive pay and a chance to work in top-tier healthcare facilities. Other cities like Vallejo, CA, and Santa Rosa, CA, also provide attractive salaries for Certified Nursing Assistants. Vallejo offers $58,026, while Santa Rosa offers $57,754. These cities present a good balance of cost of living and salary, making them attractive for professionals seeking stability and growth.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Certified Nursing Assistant jobs, highlighting San Jose, CA with the highest at $65,390 and Washington, DC with the lowest at $49,119.
  1. 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.
    Find Certified Nursing Assistant jobs in San Jose, CA


  2. 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.
    Find Certified Nursing Assistant jobs in San Francisco, CA


  3. 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.
    Find Certified Nursing Assistant jobs in Vallejo, CA


  4. 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.
    Find Certified Nursing Assistant jobs in Santa Rosa, CA


  5. 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.
    Find Certified Nursing Assistant jobs in Salinas, CA


  6. 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.
    Find Certified Nursing Assistant jobs in Seattle, WA


  7. 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.
    Find Certified Nursing Assistant jobs in Riverside, CA


  8. 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.
    Find Certified Nursing Assistant jobs in Visalia, CA


  9. 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.
    Find Certified Nursing Assistant jobs in Sacramento, CA


  10. 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.
    Find Certified Nursing Assistant jobs in Washington, DC

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

Stanford Medicine Children's Health offers the highest average salary for Certified Nursing Assistants at $106,204. This company provides excellent benefits and a supportive work environment. Caldera Care follows closely with an average salary of $86,778, making it another top choice for job seekers. Stanford Health Care, John Muir Health, and Niagara County Community College also offer competitive salaries for Certified Nursing Assistants. These companies value their staff and provide opportunities for career growth.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Certified Nursing Assistant jobs, highlighting Stanford Medicine Children's Health with the highest at $106,204 and Hospital for Special Surgery with the lowest at $62,304.
  1. 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.


  2. 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.


  3. 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.


  4. 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.


  5. 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.


  6. 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.


  7. 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.


  8. 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.


  9. 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.


  10. 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:

  1. Specialize in high-demand areas of care.
  2. Obtain additional certifications.
  3. Work in high-demand locations.
  4. Pursue continuing education and advanced skills.
  5. Network with other healthcare professionals.

Currently 13,209 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.
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Certified Nursing Assistant
13,209 Job Openings