As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Certified Nursing Assistant - Assisted Living in the United States is $36,437 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $18.
However, a Certified Nursing Assistant - Assisted Living's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
Certified Nursing Assistant - Assisted Living Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $38,834 | $3,236 | $747 | $19 |
| Average | $36,437 | $3,036 | $701 | $18 |
| 25th Percentile | $34,160 | $2,847 | $657 | $16 |
A Certified Nursing Assistant - Assisted Living'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 Certified Nursing Assistant - Assisted Living'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:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Certified Nursing Assistant - Assisted Living | $35,689 |
| Intermediate Level Certified Nursing Assistant - Assisted Living | $35,757 |
| Senior Level Certified Nursing Assistant - Assisted Living | $36,616 |
| Specialist Level Certified Nursing Assistant - Assisted Living | $37,618 |
| Expert Level Certified Nursing Assistant - Assisted Living | $37,689 |
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Commitment | 3.61% |
| Acute Care | 3.54% |
| Oral Hygiene | 2.12% |
Mastering certain specialized skills can lead to a significant increase in pay. Here are examples of skills and the potential impact they can have on a Certified Nursing Assistant - Assisted Living's salary.
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
| Consulting | $59,028 | |
| Partnering | $55,020 | |
| Dedication | $48,097 |
Certified Nursing Assistant - Assisted Living salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $38,649. While startup companies pay approximate $32,935.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $32,935 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $34,767 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $37,386 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $38,649 |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Certified Nursing Assistant - Assisted Living enter the field with a Bachelor's Degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for an Certified Nursing Assistant - Assisted Living with a Bachelor's Degree is between $35,500 and $37,454.
| Typical Education for Certified Nursing Assistant - Assisted Living | |
|---|---|
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
| No Diploma | 3.1% |
| High School | 81.6% |
| Associates | 9.2% |
| Bachelors | 5.0% |
| Masters | 0.8% |
| Doctorate | 0.2% |
Understanding how a Certified Nursing Assistant - Assisted Living'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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $38,834 | $3,236 | $747 | $19 |
| Average | $36,437 | $3,036 | $701 | $18 |
| 25th Percentile | $34,160 | $2,847 | $657 | $16 |
For a Certified Nursing Assistant - Assisted Living, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Resident Medication Assistant role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $41,309 - a projected growth of 13% over your current level.
Salaries for a Certified Nursing Assistant - Assisted Living can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $40,034 in 2023 to around $39,760 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Certified Nursing Assistant - Assisted Living salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 | View More |
| 2023 | $40,034 |
| 2024 | $40,465 |
| 2025 | $39,760 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
Analyze the market and your qualifications to negotiate your salary with confidence.
Search thousands of open positions to find your next opportunity.
Individualize employee pay based on unique job requirements and personal qualifications.
Get the latest market price for benchmark jobs and jobs in your industry.
A Certified Nursing Assistant - Assisted Living's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, a Certified Nursing Assistant - Assisted Living earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Certified Nursing Assistant - Assisted Living is $45,958.
The highest pay for Certified Nursing Assistant - Assisted Living is $41,016.
The lowest pay for Certified Nursing Assistant - Assisted Living is $32,087.
Performs various direct patient care activities in a long-term care environment under the supervision of a Registered Nurse. Assists patients in dressing, undressing, bathing, eating, walking, and other activities. Provides support and companionship to patients. Collects non-invasive body fluid specimens and gathers vital signs. Helps patients take medications. Aids physicians and nursing staff members with procedures if needed. Maintains documents and records related to patient care. Follows all relevant safety guidelines and regulations. Requires a high school diploma. Requires Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA). Requires State License. Typically reports to a registered nurse or manager. Years of experience may be unspecified. Certification and/or licensing in the position's specialty is the main requirement.
The Healthcare industry offers the highest average compensation for Certified Nursing Assistant - Assisted Living roles, with salaries approximately 25% above the market median.
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.)
With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.
Salary.com's CompAnalyst platform offers: