As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Certified Nursing Assistant in the United States is $34,701 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:
Certified Nursing Assistant Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $36,431 | $3,036 | $701 | $18 |
| Average | $34,701 | $2,892 | $667 | $17 |
| 25th Percentile | $31,120 | $2,593 | $598 | $15 |
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 | $34,701 |
| Nursing Assistant - Non-certified | 0-1 years | $34,987 |
| Patient Care Technician (PCT) | 1-3 years | $38,779 |
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Commitment | 3.53% |
| Long Term Care | 4.69% |
| Home Care | 2.18% |
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's salary.
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
| Dialysis | $39,559 | |
| Attention to Detail | $36,783 | |
| Initiative | $36,436 |
Certified Nursing Assistant salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $37,000. While startup companies pay approximate $31,477.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $31,477 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $33,245 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $35,776 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $37,000 |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Certified Nursing Assistant 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 with a Bachelor's Degree is between $35,451 and $37,339.
| Typical Education for Certified Nursing Assistant | |
|---|---|
| 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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $36,431 | $3,036 | $701 | $18 |
| Average | $34,701 | $2,892 | $667 | $17 |
| 25th Percentile | $31,120 | $2,593 | $598 | $15 |
Next Role
Advancement
For 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 $34,987 - a projected growth of 1% over your current level.
Salaries for a Certified Nursing Assistant 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 Certified Nursing Assistant salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 | View More |
| 2023 | $50,167 |
| 2024 | $50,963 |
| 2025 | $50,792 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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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 $43,768.
The highest pay for Certified Nursing Assistant is $38,006.
The lowest pay for Certified Nursing Assistant is $27,860.
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.
The Healthcare industry offers the highest average compensation for Certified Nursing Assistant roles, with salaries approximately 40% above the market median.
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