As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Nursing Assistant in the United States is $35,000 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $17.
However, a Nursing Assistant's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Nursing Assistant'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 Nursing Assistant'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 | $34,701 |
| Nursing Assistant | 0-1 years | $34,987 |
| 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 Nursing Assistants. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Commitment | 3.33% |
| Long Term Care | 4.24% |
| Geriatrics | 2.77% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Organizational Skills
|
$37,800 |
8%
|
|
Innovation
|
$37,100 |
6%
|
|
Coordination
|
$37,100 |
6%
|
|
Integrity
|
$37,100 |
6%
|
|
Initiative
|
$36,750 |
5%
|
|
Cardiac
|
$36,750 |
5%
|
Nursing Assistant salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $37,319. While startup companies pay approximate $31,749.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $31,749 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $33,531 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $36,084 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $37,319 |
For Nursing Assistant roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 50% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Healthcare, offers compensation 25% above the average. Conversely, Nursing Assistant positions in Business Services typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Nursing Assistant as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Healthcare | $43,750 | $21.0 | 25% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Nursing Assistants 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 Nursing Assistant with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $32,085 and $33,900).
Nursing Assistant Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 3.1% |
| High School | 68.5% |
| Associates | 14.6% |
| Bachelors | 12.9% |
| Masters | 1.0% |
| Doctorate | 0.0% |
Understanding how a Nursing Assistant'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 August 01, 2026For a Nursing Assistant, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Patient Care Associate role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $38,800 - a projected growth of 11% over your current level.
Salaries for a Nursing Assistant can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $39,744 in 2023 to around $39,570 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Nursing Assistant salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $39,744 |
| 2024 | $40,031 |
| 2025 | $39,570 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Healthcare industry offers the highest average compensation for Nursing Assistant roles, with salaries approximately 25% above the market median.
In the USA, the salary for a Nursing Assistant ranges from a minimum of $30,900 to a maximum of $39,100 annually. The average salary is approximately $34,400 per year. This translates to a monthly pay of about $2,575, with top earners making around $3,258 monthly.
Switzerland and Luxembourg are among the highest-paying countries for nursing assistants, with salaries significantly above the average. In the United States, nursing assistants earn between $30,900 and $39,100, with a mid-salary of $34,400, making it one of the top-paying countries for this profession. Other notable countries include Denmark, Australia, and Canada.
A nursing assistant provides essential support to patients and healthcare staff. Their duties include assisting with daily activities, monitoring patient health, and ensuring a safe environment. The salary for nursing assistants typically ranges from $30,900 to $39,100, with a median salary of around $34,400, reflecting their vital role in patient care.
Becoming a Nursing Assistant (CNA) does not require a bachelor's or master's degree. In fact, there is no specific degree requirement; all you need is a high school diploma or its equivalent. CNAs can expect to earn a salary ranging from $30,900 to $39,100, with a median salary of about $34,400.
A Nurse Aide in the USA typically earns between $30,900 and $39,100 annually, with a median salary around $34,400. These figures reflect the range of salaries based on various factors such as experience and location, providing a clear picture of the compensation for this role.
The highest paid nursing assistant can earn up to $39,100 annually. Salaries for nursing assistants typically range from a minimum of $30,900 to a mid-level of $34,400, reflecting variations based on experience, location, and specific job responsibilities.
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