[hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Becoming a [hen-ui-link href=”/cna/”]certified nursing assistant[/hen-ui-link] (CNA) is one of the quickest ways to enter the healthcare field. Certification programs last anywhere from 4-12 weeks. While not the highest-paying healthcare role, the ability to enter the field so quickly allows CNAs to gain valuable experience.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Should they choose to pursue advanced nursing roles, CNAs can use their experience to set them apart from nurses who are just starting out in the field.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Explore CNA salary expectations, along with ways they can increase their pay throughout their careers in this guide.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-flex gap=”xl” align=”left” direction=”column”][hen-ui-flex gap=”xs” align=”left” direction=”column”][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Popular Online Nursing Programs[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ color=”subtext”]Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”belowTheFold” /][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Average Salary for CNAs[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), CNAs earn a median salary of $35,760, which amounts to $17.19 per hour. The lowest 10% make about $28,030, with the top 10% earning $45,940. CNA salaries depend on many factors, like education, certification, and experience.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Pay can also vary depending on geographic location and/or practice setting. The BLS reports that CNAs in Alaska, D.C., California, New York, and Oregon earn the highest salaries in the field.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Those who work for the government, at hospitals, or in nursing care facilities also benefit from higher-than-average yearly salaries.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-grid columns-md=”2″ gap=”md”] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray” border=”stroke” rounded=”lg” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-cap font-bold uppercase mb-2″]Average Annual Salary[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-2xl text-primary-800 font-heading font-bold mt-0″]$34,150[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray” border=”stroke” rounded=”lg” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-cap font-bold uppercase mb-2″]Average Hourly Wage[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-2xl text-primary-800 font-heading font-bold mt-0″]$15.07[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][/hen-ui-grid][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-sm”]Source: [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Certified_Nurse_Assistant_(CNA)/Hourly_Rate” target=”_blank”]Payscale[/hen-ui-link], September 2023[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]The Highest-Paying States for CNAs[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The highest-paying states for CNAs are mainly located either on the East or West Coast of the United States. The high cost of living in these states directly contributes to higher salaries.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]According to the[hen-ui-link href=”https://meric.mo.gov/data/cost-living-data-series” target=”_blank”]Missouri Economic Research and Information Center[/hen-ui-link], one of the most expensive areas to live in is Washington D.C. Other States with high cost of living indices included Alaska, California, Hawaii, New York, and Oregon. The higher salary for CNAs corresponds with the high cost of living in these regions.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The states with the highest annual pay for CNAs are:[/hen-ui-text]
[hen-ui-table] [hen-ui-table-caption]Highest-Paying States for Certified Nursing Assistants in 2022[/hen-ui-table-caption] [hen-ui-table-header] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]State[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Average Salary[/hen-ui-table-head] [/hen-ui-table-row] [/hen-ui-table-header] [hen-ui-table-body] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”State”]Alaska[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Average Salary”]$44,420[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”State”]District of Columbia[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Average Salary”]$43,820[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”State”]California[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Average Salary”]$43,570[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”State”]New York[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Average Salary”]$43,450[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”State”]Oregon[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Average Salary”]$42,960[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [/hen-ui-table-body][/hen-ui-table]
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
[hen-ui-table] [hen-ui-table-caption]Highest-Paying Metropolitan Areas for Certified Nursing Assistants in 2022[/hen-ui-table-caption] [hen-ui-table-header] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Metropolitan Area[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Average Salary[/hen-ui-table-head] [/hen-ui-table-row] [/hen-ui-table-header] [hen-ui-table-body] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Metropolitan Area”]San Francisco — Oakland — Hayward, CA[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Average Salary”]$52,280[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Metropolitan Area”]San Jose — Sunnyvale — Santa Clara, CA[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Average Salary”]$51,600[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Metropolitan Area”]Minneapolis — St. Paul – Bloomington, MN-WI[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Average Salary”]$46,520[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Metropolitan Area”]Salem, OR[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Average Salary”]$44,900[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Metropolitan Area”]New York — Newark — Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Average Salary”]$44,720[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [/hen-ui-table-body][/hen-ui-table]
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
[hen-ui-table] [hen-ui-table-caption]Highest-Paying Workplaces for Certified Nursing Assistants in 2022[/hen-ui-table-caption] [hen-ui-table-header] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Workplace Setting[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Average Salary[/hen-ui-table-head] [/hen-ui-table-row] [/hen-ui-table-header] [hen-ui-table-body] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Workplace Setting”]Junior Colleges[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Average Salary”]$69,150[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Workplace Setting”]Offices of Dentists[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Average Salary”]$55,870[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Workplace Setting”]Technical and Trade Schools[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Average Salary”]$50,270[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Workplace Setting”]Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Average Salary”]$49,820[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Workplace Setting”]Scientific Research and Development Services[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Average Salary”]$48,020[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [/hen-ui-table-body][/hen-ui-table]
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
[hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]What Kind of Salary Growth Can CNAs Expect?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]CNA compensation varies due to several factors. Although a college degree is not required, CNAs can increase their salary by earning an associate, bachelor’s, or master’s degree. They can also expect salary growth by pursuing certification or changing practice settings or clinical focus.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]CNAs also earn a higher salary as they spend more time in the field. Gaining experience as a CNA is a simple way to increase average yearly pay.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]>1 Year Experience: [/hen-ui-text]$29,720[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]1-4 Years Experience: [/hen-ui-text]$30,870[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]5-9 Years Experience: [/hen-ui-text]$35,390[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]10-19 Years Experience: [/hen-ui-text]$36,170[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]20+ Years Experience: [/hen-ui-text]$36,490[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-sm”]Source: [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Certified_Nurse_Assistant_(CNA)/Hourly_Rate” target=”_blank”]Payscale[/hen-ui-link] (September 2023)[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]How Do CNA Salaries Compare to Other Nurses or Specialties?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Because of the increased education, training, and licensing requirements, registered nurses (RNs) and nurse practitioners (NPs) earn a higher salary than CNAs. The BLS reports thatRNs earn a median salary of $81, 220 per year, while NPs earn about $125,900.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Certain specialties also reflect how a CNA’s salary compares to RNs and NPs. RNs who focus on[hen-ui-link href=”https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Certification=AIDS_Certified_Registered_Nurse_(ACRN)/Salary” target=”_blank”]HIV/AIDS[/hen-ui-link], informatics nursing, or legal consulting earn $97,000, [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Nursing_Informatics_Specialist/Salary” target=”_blank”]$88,630[/hen-ui-link], and [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Legal_Nurse_Consultant/Hourly_Rate” target=”_blank”]$88,050[/hen-ui-link], respectively, as per Payscale data in September 2023.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Advanced practice nurses who specialize in anesthetics or midwifery can expect to earn $203,090 and $120,880, respectively.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]5 Ways to Increase Pay As a CNA[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]CNAs can pursue several pathways to increase their pay. To increase earning potential and employment opportunities, consider the following options:[/hen-ui-text]
[hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]1. Pursuing Certifications[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]There are several certification options available to CNAs. Specialization shows dedication to the field while providing an in-depth understanding of a certain subject area. This often results in higher earning potential.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]CNA II and III[/hen-ui-text]: Not all states offer CNA II or CNA III programs. Those that do provide additional training that increases knowledge, training, and pay. A CNA II can provide certain patient care services under the supervision of an RN. A CNA III can be trained to run certain diagnostic tests and focus on areas such as phlebotomy or acute care.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Medication Aide Certification[/hen-ui-text]: The National Council of State Boards of Nursing offers the [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.ncsbn.org/exams/nnaap-and-mace/mace-exam.page”]Medication Aide Certification Exam[/hen-ui-link]. CNAs who pass the exam are certified to give medications to patients in certain settings. Only a little more than half the states recognize this certification and some categories of medication are restricted.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Certified Hospice and Palliative Nursing Assistance[/hen-ui-text]: The [hen-ui-link href=”https://advancingexpertcare.org/certification”]Hospice and Palliative Nursing Association[/hen-ui-link] offers an exam for CNAs interested in hospice and palliative care. CNAs may have opportunities for better-paying positions with this certification.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Patient Care Technician[/hen-ui-text]: The [hen-ui-link href=”https://apa2.com/”]American Phlebotomy Association[/hen-ui-link] offers a patient care technician program, which certifies CNAs to perform tasks such as electrocardiogram administration and blood collection.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]2. Increase Your Education Level or Earn Your BSN/MSN[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Although CNAs are not required to have a degree, pursuing an [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/adn/”]associate degree in nursing[/hen-ui-link] (ADN), [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/bsn/”]bachelor of science in nursing[/hen-ui-link] (BSN), or [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/msn/”]master of science in nursing[/hen-ui-link] (MSN) can increase their earning potential.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Completion of an ADN or a BSN degree and passing the [hen-ui-link href=”/resources//nclex/guide/”]National Council Licensure Examination[/hen-ui-link] (NCLEX) makes CNAs eligible to become licensed RNs, a role that pays a median of $81,220 annually. RNs who [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/nurse-practitioner/np-programs/”]complete an MSN-NP program[/hen-ui-link] can significantly influence their pay, earning a median of $125,900 per year, with specializations that exceed the average.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]3. Gain Experience in Administrative Roles[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]According to Payscale in September 2023, CNAs with office administration skills earn [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Certified_Nurse_Assistant_(CNA)/Hourly_Rate/b94c79e9/Office-Administration” target=”_blank”]$15.60 per hour[/hen-ui-link], which is slightly more than nonadministrative CNAs. CNA work often provides a foundation for taking on more administrative roles in various specialties. Options include [hen-ui-link href=”/healthcare/medical-billing-and-coding/how-to-become/” target=”_blank”]becoming a medical biller[/hen-ui-link] or a certified medical assistant (CMA).[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Because of their experience with medical terminology and health conditions, CNAs can transition into the role of a medical billing professional by completing a 4-6 week program and passing a certification exam. The BLS reports that this position has a median pay of $47,180 per year.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]CNAs can become CMAs by completing a 10-month program and passing a certification exam. After earning their certification, they can work in administration in clinical settings. Shifting to this more administrative role can result in a $4,000 increase in pay, with CMAs earning $38,370 annually.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]4. Work Higher-Paying Shifts[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]To attract CNAs to work less popular shifts, many employers pay shift differentials in addition to their hourly pay. Those who work late nights, weekends, and holidays may be rewarded with an increased hourly rate. Those who work overtime also benefit from additional compensation. The amount and shift time varies from one employer to the next.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]5. Change Practice Setting or Become a Registered Nurse[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Switching to a practice setting that is in more demand can help CNAs increase their salary. According to the BLS, junior colleges ($69,150), dentist offices ($55,870), and technical and trade schools ($50,270) are some of the highest-paid roles available to CNAs.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]CNAs can also [hen-ui-link href=”/registered-nursing/how-to-become-a-rn//” target=”_blank”]become registered nurses[/hen-ui-link]. They would have to earn an ADN or a BSN. The additional education can translate to a significant increase in pay, with travel nurses earning an average yearly salary of $82,470, [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Travel_Nurse_(RN)/Hourly_Rate” target=”_blank”]according to Payscale[/hen-ui-link] in September 2023.[/hen-ui-text]
[hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Frequently Asked Questions About CNA Salaries[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What is the most a CNA can make in an hour?” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]According to the BLS, CNAs can make $22.09 an hour, but only the top 10% of CNAs are reported as earning this hourly wage.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Can you live off of a CNA salary?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The best way to live off of a CNA salary is to take advantage of all of the variables that can increase pay. By getting certification, pursuing a college degree, or searching for a setting that offers higher pay, it is possible to make a comfortable living.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What is the highest-paying state for CNA?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Alaska is the highest-paying state for CNAs, earning $44,420 per year. Because the state has one of the highest costs of living in the country, employers need to provide a higher-than-average salary.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Who gets paid more between CNAs and HHAs?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The BLS reports that the median salary for home health aides (HHAs) is $30,180, which is lower than the salary for a CNA. However, they also project a 22% increase in employment over the next decade, while CNAs can expect a 4% increase.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item][/hen-ui-accordion]
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