As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for a Certified Nursing Assistant in the United States is $34,753 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $17.
However, a Certified Nursing Assistant's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Certified 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 Certified 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Certified Nursing Assistant | 0-0 years | $34,753 |
| Nursing Assistant - Non-certified | 0-1 years | $35,011 |
| Patient Care Technician (PCT) | 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 Certified Nursing Assistants. 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
|
$39,618 |
14%
|
|
Attention to Detail
|
$36,838 |
6%
|
|
Initiative
|
$36,491 |
5%
|
|
Collaboration
|
$36,491 |
5%
|
|
Cardiac
|
$36,143 |
4%
|
|
Organizational Skills
|
$36,143 |
4%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Certified 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 Certified Nursing Assistant with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $35,160 and $37,049).
Certified Nursing Assistant 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 Certified 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 January 01, 2026For a Certified Nursing Assistant, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Nursing Assistant - Non-certified role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $35,011 - a projected growth of 1% over your current level.
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Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for Certified Nursing Assistant and their salaries, click below for more details.
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A Certified Nursing Assistant'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 earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Certified Nursing Assistant is $43,834.
The highest pay for Certified Nursing Assistant is $38,293.
The lowest pay for Certified Nursing Assistant is $28,103.
Performs various direct patient care activities under the supervision of a Registered Nurse. Assists patients in dressing, undressing, bathing, eating, walking, and other activities. Ensures patients' safety, well-being, and comfort. 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. Communicates with patients, their families, and other care providers. 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.
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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