Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Salary
Estimated Pay by Experience Level
Salary by State
Median annual| State | Median / yr | Relative pay |
|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $51,547 | |
| Washington | $47,068 | |
| California | $46,059 | |
| New York | $45,678 | |
| New Jersey | $44,508 | |
| Massachusetts | $43,722 | |
| Colorado | $43,150 | |
| Connecticut | $42,591 | |
| National Median | $38,200 |
How to Become a Certified Nursing Assistant
Certified nursing assistants provide basic care and help patients with daily activities in hospitals and long-term care facilities.
Meet the education requirement
Most certified nursing assistants enter the field with postsecondary certificate. Programs are offered by community colleges, trade schools, and universities.
Complete an accredited training program
Hands-on coursework and clinical or field experience prepare you for the work and for certification exams.
Earn the State CNA certification
Most employers expect this credential — and in many states it's required to practice. Entry pay starts near $25,212 and rises toward $55,772 with experience.
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) salary: common questions
How much does a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) make an hour?
The median hourly wage for certified nursing assistants is $18.37, which works out to about $38,200 per year for full-time work.
Which state pays certified nursing assistants the most?
District of Columbia has the highest median pay for certified nursing assistants at $51,547 per year — 35% above the national median of $38,200.
What is the salary range for certified nursing assistants?
Most certified nursing assistants earn between $25,212 and $55,772 per year. The middle 50% earn $30,942 to $47,368, with a median of $38,200.
Is becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) a good career?
Employment is projected to grow 4% (as fast as average), and the role typically requires postsecondary certificate. With a median wage of $38,200 per year, it pays well above the U.S. median for all occupations.