As of May 01, 2026, the average salary for a CNA in the United States is $34,730 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $17.
However, a CNA's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A CNA's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a CNA's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| CNA | 0-0 years | $34,724 |
| Nursing Assistant | 0-1 years | $34,998 |
| Patient Care Associate | 1-3 years | $38,779 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract CNAs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Commitment | 3.53% |
| Long Term Care | 4.69% |
| Home Care | 2.18% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Dialysis
|
$39,592 |
14%
|
|
Attention to Detail
|
$36,814 |
6%
|
|
Initiative
|
$36,467 |
5%
|
|
Collaboration
|
$36,467 |
5%
|
|
Cardiac
|
$36,119 |
4%
|
|
Organizational Skills
|
$36,119 |
4%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many CNAs enter the field with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a CNA with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $34,883 and $36,655).
CNA Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 1.7% |
| High School | 78.7% |
| Associates | 11.4% |
| Bachelors | 7.6% |
| Masters | 0.6% |
| Doctorate | 0.0% |
Understanding how a CNA's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on May 01, 2026For a CNA, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Nursing Assistant role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $35,000 - a projected growth of 1% over your current level.
Salaries for a CNA can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary increased from $50,167 in 2023 to around $50,792 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of CNA salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $50,167 |
| 2024 | $50,963 |
| 2025 | $50,792 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current CNA job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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The highest-paying state for Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) is the District of Columbia, offering an average hourly wage of $23.01. In comparison, the salary range for CNAs typically falls between a minimum of $33,770, a mid-range of $37,040, and a maximum of $40,960 annually. Other states like Alaska, California, Oregon, and Washington also offer competitive salaries.
CNAs do not make six figures. Based on salary data, the minimum salary is $33,770, the mid-salary is $37,040, and the maximum salary is $40,960. While experience and education can influence earnings, CNAs typically earn well below six figures, with the highest salaries still falling short of that mark.
A full-time CNA typically works around 36 hours a week. In California, my hospital offers overtime opportunities and requires a minimum of three 12-hour shifts. The salary range for a CNA is approximately $33,770 to $40,960, with a mid-salary of about $37,040, reflecting the demanding nature of the job.
To increase your pay as a CNA, consider earning specialty certifications, demonstrating your skills, and seeking employment with higher-paying facilities. The salary range for CNAs typically falls between $33,770 and $40,960, with a median salary around $37,040. Focusing on these strategies can help you achieve a more comfortable income.
In Texas, Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) earn between $16.22 and $19.66 per hour, with a median hourly wage of $17.83. This reflects a range from a minimum salary of $33,770 to a maximum of $40,960 annually. This is notably lower than the national average of $20.90 per hour.
A CNA license is definitely worth it, especially given the soaring demand for CNAs, which is projected to grow by 18% by 2024. This high demand translates to job security and a competitive salary range, with entry-level positions starting around $33,770, and experienced CNAs earning up to $40,960. With certification, you can quickly find a job in various locations.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
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