How Much Does a Certified Nursing Assistant make?

Certified Nursing Assistant made a median salary around $35,043 in March, 2025. The best-paid 25 percent made $38,773 probably that year, while the lowest-paid 25 percent made around $31,973. Salary ranges can vary widely depending on many important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, the number of years you have spent in your profession. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.
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Best-Paying Cities for Certified Nursing Assistant

The metropolitan areas that pay the highest salary in the Certified Nursing Assistant profession are Rexford , Saint Regis , Saltese , Stryker , Superior .
Rexford, MT $37,969
Saint Regis, MT $37,969
Saltese, MT $37,969
Stryker, MT $37,969
Superior, MT $37,969

Best-Paying States for Certified Nursing Assistant

The states and districts that pay Certified Nursing Assistant the highest salary are District of Columbia (around $41,759) , California (around $41,383) , New Jersey (around $41,121) , Alaska (around $40,858) , and Massachusetts (around $40,821) .
District of Columbia $41,759
California $41,383
New Jersey $41,121
Alaska $40,858
Massachusetts $40,821

What is the Career Path of Certified Nursing Assistant?

A career path is a sequence of jobs that leads to your short- and long-term career goals. Some follow a linear career path within one field, while others change fields periodically to achieve career or personal goals.

For Certified Nursing Assistant, the upper level is Nursing Assistant - Non-certified , and then progresses to Patient Care Technician (PCT)

Frequently Asked Questions for Certified Nursing Assistant

Q: What is the salary range of Certified Nursing Assistant in Montana?
A: In 2025 , the lowest-paid Certified Nursing Assistant in Montana earned an average annual salary of $31,973 , while the highest-paid made $38,773.
Q: What is the salary for a Certified Nursing Assistant in California?
A: Certified Nursing Assistant employed in California earned an average salary of $41,383 in 2025.

Average Certified Nursing Assistant Pay vs. Other Jobs

Certified Nursing Assistant earned an average salary of $35,043 in 2025. Other jobs related to Certified Nursing Assistant earned the following average salary in March, 2025. Certified Nursing Assistant - Assisted Living made $35,720 , Nursing Assistant - Non-certified made $32,236 , Certified Nursing Assistant-Pediatric and Certified Nursing Assistant PRN made $72,441 and $35,043 respectively .

Relevant Jobs of Certified Nursing Assistant

Certified Nursing Assistant - Assisted Living 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. Being a Certified Nursing Assistant - Assisted Living provides support and companionship to patients. Collects non-invasive body fluid specimens and gathers vital signs. Additionally, Certified Nursing Assistant - Assisted Living 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. Certified Nursing Assistant - Assisted Living's years of experience requirement may be unspecified. Certification and/or licensing in the position's specialty is the main requirement.
Nursing Assistant - Non-certified - Average Salary $32,236
Nursing Assistant - Non-certified assists nursing team with a variety of patient care activities and related services necessary in caring for the personal needs, comfort, and safety of patients. Assists patients in dressing, undressing, bathing, eating, walking, and other activities. Being a Nursing Assistant - Non-certified ensures patients' well-being and comfort. Changes bed linens and assists with patient transportation to tests and procedures. Additionally, Nursing Assistant - Non-certified may serve and collect food trays and provide patients with between-meal nourishment. May record temperature or vital signs under the direction of a nurse. Requires a high school diploma. Typically reports to a registered nurse or supervisor. The Nursing Assistant - Non-certified works under the close direction of senior personnel in the functional area. Possesses a moderate understanding of general aspects of the job. May require 0-1 year of general work experience.
Certified Nursing Assistant-Pediatric - Average Salary $72,441
There is currently no job description for Certified Nursing Assistant-Pediatric, be the first to submit the job responsibilities for Certified Nursing Assistant-Pediatric.
Certified Nursing Assistant PRN - Average Salary $35,043
There is currently no job description for Certified Nursing Assistant PRN, be the first to submit the job responsibilities for Certified Nursing Assistant PRN.
Certified Nursing Assistant - Home Care Hospice performs various direct patient care activities for terminally ill patients in a hospice environment under the supervision of a Registered Nurse. Assists patients in dressing, undressing, bathing, eating, walking, and other activities. Being a Certified Nursing Assistant - Home Care Hospice ensures patients' safety, well-being, and comfort. Collects non-invasive body fluid specimens and gathers vital signs. Additionally, Certified Nursing Assistant - Home Care Hospice 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. Certified Nursing Assistant - Home Care Hospice's years of experience requirement may be unspecified. Certification and/or licensing in the position's specialty is the main requirement.