Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) in the US earn an average of $42,700 per year (BLS, May 2025) — making it one of the fastest and most affordable entry points into healthcare.
While CNA salaries are modest by healthcare standards, the role serves as a crucial stepping stone to higher-paying nursing careers (registered nurses earn a median of $97,550, BLS May 2025). Many nursing students work as CNAs while completing their degrees.
This guide covers CNA pay by state, setting, and experience, plus realistic paths to higher income within and beyond the CNA role.
Pay at a Glance (BLS Data)
Bureau of Labor Statistics wage estimates for nursing assistants, across all industries:
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $33,940 | $16.32 |
| 25th | $37,260 | $17.91 |
| 50th (median) | $42,260 | $20.32 |
| 75th | $47,220 | $22.70 |
| 90th | $51,980 | $24.99 |
| Average (mean) | $42,700 | $20.53 |
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, for Nursing Assistants (all industries). Hourly figures are annual wages divided by 2,080 hours. “Not published” means BLS withheld the estimate, usually because wages are above its top reporting limit.
What CNAs Actually Do
Before examining compensation, understand what the role involves:
| Function | Time Allocation | Key Activities |
|---|---|---|
| Personal care | 40-50% | Bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting |
| Mobility assistance | 20-25% | Transferring, positioning, ambulation |
| Vital signs/monitoring | 10-15% | Temperature, pulse, blood pressure, intake/output |
| Documentation | 10-15% | Charting, reporting to nurses |
| Feeding assistance | 5-10% | Meal setup, feeding, hydration |
| Communication | 5-10% | Patient interaction, family updates |
Physical demands:
| Activity | Frequency | Physical Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Lifting/transferring patients | Constant | High (back strain risk) |
| Standing/walking | All shift | Moderate (foot/leg fatigue) |
| Bending/stooping | Frequent | Moderate (back/knee strain) |
| Exposure to bodily fluids | Daily | Infection risk |
| Emotional labor | Constant | Burnout risk |
Typical schedule:
| Setting | Typical Shift Length | Shifts Per Week | Weekend Work |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nursing home | 8-12 hours | 3-5 | Often required |
| Hospital | 8-12 hours | 3-4 | Rotating |
| Home health | 4-8 hours | 5+ days | Sometimes |
| Assisted living | 8 hours | 5 days | Rotating |
CNA Salary Overview
| Metric | Amount | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Average annual salary | $42,700 | BLS data, all CNAs |
| Median annual salary | $42,260 | Middle of range |
| Average hourly wage | $17.42 | Based on 2,080 hours |
| Entry-level salary | $28,000-$32,000 | First year |
| Experienced CNA | $38,000-$43,000 | 5+ years |
| Top 10% earn | $45,000+ | High-pay states, hospitals |
| Total employed | 1.4 million | Large occupation |
The pay reality: CNA wages have increased 15-20% since 2020 due to staffing shortages, but remain modest relative to the physical demands and emotional labor involved.
CNA Salary by State
Highest Paying States
| Rank | State | Avg Salary | Starting Salary | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Washington | $52,230 | $42,500 | $49,180 |
| 2 | Oregon | $52,160 | $43,210 | $49,830 |
| 3 | California | $50,190 | $40,110 | $47,630 |
| 4 | New Hampshire | $49,290 | $39,140 | $47,870 |
| 5 | Alaska | $48,920 | $39,450 | $46,370 |
| 6 | New York | $48,800 | $38,450 | $48,590 |
| 7 | District of Columbia | $47,930 | $38,900 | $47,700 |
| 8 | Massachusetts | $47,700 | $39,380 | $46,680 |
| 9 | Maine | $47,510 | $39,100 | $47,070 |
| 10 | Colorado | $47,400 | $38,690 | $47,380 |
| 11 | Vermont | $46,850 | $37,620 | $47,130 |
| 12 | New Jersey | $46,810 | $38,900 | $46,830 |
| 13 | Rhode Island | $46,360 | $39,220 | $46,440 |
| 14 | Minnesota | $46,030 | $38,010 | $46,680 |
| 15 | Hawaii | $45,710 | $36,000 | $45,350 |
| 16 | Connecticut | $45,440 | $38,660 | $44,790 |
| 17 | Illinois | $45,230 | $37,590 | $45,960 |
| 18 | Nevada | $44,900 | $36,940 | $45,490 |
| 19 | Arizona | $44,820 | $37,100 | $44,780 |
| 20 | Wisconsin | $44,600 | $37,900 | $45,130 |
| 21 | Pennsylvania | $43,960 | $37,760 | $44,590 |
| 22 | North Dakota | $43,330 | $35,130 | $45,820 |
| 23 | Maryland | $43,310 | $36,060 | $43,240 |
| 24 | Montana | $43,160 | $36,780 | $40,900 |
| 25 | Nebraska | $42,390 | $37,090 | $40,000 |
| 26 | Delaware | $42,290 | $36,530 | $42,030 |
| 27 | Virginia | $42,160 | $31,560 | $43,200 |
| 28 | Iowa | $41,490 | $35,620 | $39,350 |
| 29 | Michigan | $41,490 | $36,830 | $39,570 |
| 30 | Wyoming | $41,470 | $33,390 | $39,160 |
| 31 | New Mexico | $41,400 | $34,110 | $39,390 |
| 32 | Ohio | $40,520 | $35,060 | $39,010 |
| 33 | Utah | $40,450 | $34,870 | $39,840 |
| 34 | Indiana | $40,200 | $35,390 | $38,330 |
| 35 | Kansas | $39,730 | $32,180 | $38,010 |
| 36 | South Dakota | $39,510 | $31,110 | $38,800 |
| 37 | North Carolina | $39,280 | $30,260 | $38,460 |
| 38 | Kentucky | $39,170 | $30,390 | $38,370 |
| 39 | Florida | $39,160 | $34,350 | $37,510 |
| 40 | Idaho | $39,100 | $28,380 | $38,650 |
| 41 | Texas | $38,780 | $30,620 | $37,500 |
| 42 | Georgia | $38,760 | $30,300 | $37,680 |
| 43 | Missouri | $38,410 | $31,350 | $37,680 |
| 44 | Tennessee | $38,230 | $31,110 | $37,990 |
| 45 | West Virginia | $37,490 | $31,060 | $36,720 |
| 46 | South Carolina | $37,390 | $30,460 | $37,220 |
| 47 | Oklahoma | $35,920 | $29,630 | $35,930 |
| 48 | Arkansas | $33,970 | $28,840 | $34,430 |
| 49 | Alabama | $33,670 | $28,330 | $34,140 |
| 50 | Mississippi | $32,890 | $27,050 | $31,520 |
| 51 | Louisiana | $32,250 | $27,980 | $30,510 |
| — | National | $42,700 | $33,940 | $42,260 |
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS, 2025 estimates, fetched 2026-09-29. Figures cover Nursing Assistants (cross-industry). Some states are omitted where BLS did not publish a reliable estimate.
Lowest Paying States
For current pay in every state, see the BLS state table on this page.
The location trade-off: While California pays $43,570, after adjusting for cost of living, a Mississippi CNA earning $28,510 has roughly equivalent purchasing power.
CNA Salary by Work Setting
| Setting | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Hospital | Higher pay, benefits | Fast-paced, acute patients |
| Travel CNA | Highest pay, variety | Instability, relocation |
| Hospice | Meaningful work | Emotionally difficult |
| Correctional facility | Higher pay, benefits | Security concerns |
| Nursing home/SNF | Consistent schedules | Staffing issues |
| Assisted living | Easier patient load | Lower pay |
| Home health | Independence | Travel between homes |
Setting choice matters: Hospital CNAs earn $4,500-$7,000 more annually than nursing home CNAs for similar work.
CNA Salary by Experience
| Experience Level | Average Salary | Hourly Rate | What Changes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry level (< 1 year) | $30,000 | $14.42 | Learning skills |
| 1-3 years | $33,000 | $15.87 | Growing competence |
| 3-5 years | $36,000 | $17.31 | Full efficiency |
| 5-10 years | $39,000 | $18.75 | Expert, charge eligible |
| 10+ years | $42,000 | $20.19 | Maximum CNA ceiling |
| Lead/Charge CNA | $44,000 | $21.15 | Supervisory duties |
The experience ceiling: CNA wages plateau after 5-10 years. Unlike nursing, there’s limited salary growth without additional education.
CNA Salary by Shift
| Shift | Base Adjustment | Effective Hourly (at $17 base) |
|---|---|---|
| Day shift (7am-3pm) | Base pay | $17.00 |
| Evening shift (3pm-11pm) | +$0.50-$1.50/hr | $17.50-$18.50 |
| Night shift (11pm-7am) | +$1.00-$3.00/hr | $18.00-$20.00 |
| Weekend differential | +$1.00-$2.00/hr | $18.00-$19.00 |
| Holiday shift | +$3.00-$5.00/hr | $20.00-$22.00 |
Shift strategy for higher pay: A CNA willing to work permanent night shifts typically earns a shift differential on top of day-shift pay.
How to Become a CNA
| Step | Time Required | Cost | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| High school diploma/GED | Required | Free | Prerequisite for all programs |
| CNA training program | 4-12 weeks | $600-$2,000 | Classroom + clinical |
| Clinical hours | 16-100 hours | Included | Supervised patient care |
| State certification exam | 1 day | $100-$200 | Written + skills test |
| Background check | 1-2 weeks | $25-$75 | Required for employment |
| Total | 6-15 weeks | $725-$2,275 | Ready to work |
Training Options Compared
| Option | Duration | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Community college | 8-12 weeks | Affordable, quality | Waitlists common |
| Vocational school | 4-8 weeks | Fast, focused | Higher cost |
| Red Cross | 4-6 weeks | Reputable, flexible | Limited locations |
| Free employer-sponsored | 4-8 weeks | Free, job guaranteed | Work commitment required |
| Online + clinical | 6-10 weeks | Flexible theory | Must find clinical site |
Best path for most: Employer-sponsored training (often free) or community college programs offer the best value.
CNA Career Advancement
| Next Step | Additional Training | Salary Increase | Time Investment |
|---|---|---|---|
| CNA II/Advanced CNA | 6 months OJT | +$2,000-$4,000 | Quick advancement |
| Medication Aide | 2-6 weeks | +$3,000-$5,000 | Specialty certification |
| Home Health Aide specialty | 2-4 weeks | +$1,000-$3,000 | Flexibility |
| Medical Assistant | 9-12 months | +$3,000-$5,000 | Different setting |
| LPN/LVN | 1 year | +$15,000-$20,000 | Significant jump |
| Registered Nurse (RN) | 2-4 years | +$40,000-$60,000 | Major career change |
| Nurse Practitioner | 6-8 years total | +$80,000-$100,000 | Long-term path |
CNA to RN Path
The most common career progression for CNAs seeking higher income:
| Stage | Duration | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| CNA | 1-3 years | Certified Nursing Assistant | Gain experience |
| Pre-nursing | Part-time | CNA + college courses | Prerequisites |
| Nursing student | 2-4 years | CNA (part-time) + ADN/BSN | Reduced hours |
| New RN | Year 1 | Registered Nurse | 80-120% raise |
| Experienced RN | 3+ years | Registered Nurse | Continued growth |
The CNA advantage: Working as a CNA while in nursing school provides income, clinical skills, patient interaction experience, and strong references. Many hospitals offer tuition assistance to CNAs pursuing RN degrees.
CNA Salary After Taxes
| Gross Salary | Federal Income Tax | Social Security + Medicare | Take-Home Before State Tax | Monthly |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $30,000 | $1,420 | $2,295 | $26,285 | $2,190 |
| $42,700 | $2,944 | $3,267 | $36,489 | $3,041 |
| $40,000 | $2,620 | $3,060 | $34,320 | $2,860 |
| $45,000 | $3,220 | $3,442 | $38,338 | $3,195 |
2026 federal income tax for a single filer taking the standard deduction ($16,100), plus Social Security and Medicare. Not included: state and local income tax, retirement contributions and other pre-tax deductions. For your own situation, use the take-home pay calculator.
Tax reality: At the national average of $42,700, a CNA keeps about $36,500 a year, or $3,040 a month, after 2026 federal income tax and FICA and before any state tax — a tight budget in most markets without a second income or roommates.
CNA Job Outlook
| Metric | Data | Implication |
|---|---|---|
| Job growth (2025-2035) | 3% | vs. 3.5% for all occupations |
| Annual job openings | 200,000+ | High turnover, new positions |
| Current shortage | Significant | Strong job security |
| Aging population | Growing | Increased long-term demand |
| Average turnover rate | 50-90% annually | Many openings |
Why CNA Demand Remains High
| Factor | Impact | Outlook |
|---|---|---|
| Aging baby boomers | Very positive | 10,000 turn 65 daily |
| Nursing home census | Positive | Long-term care growing |
| Hospital staffing needs | Positive | CNAs essential for care |
| Home health growth | Very positive | Aging-in-place trend |
| High turnover | Creates openings | Easy to find jobs |
| Nursing shortage spillover | Positive | CNAs fill gaps |
Is Being a CNA Worth It?
The Pros of Being a CNA
| Advantage | Details | Who Benefits Most |
|---|---|---|
| Fast entry | 6-15 weeks to certification | Career changers, job seekers |
| Low cost | $700-$2,000 (often free) | Budget-conscious individuals |
| Meaningful work | Direct patient impact | Caregivers at heart |
| Job security | Persistent shortage | Those seeking stability |
| Stepping stone | Path to nursing | Healthcare aspirants |
| Flexible schedules | All shifts available | Students, parents |
| Immediate employment | Jobs everywhere | Those needing work fast |
| Healthcare exposure | Learn if nursing fits | Career explorers |
The Cons of Being a CNA
| Disadvantage | Details | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Low pay | $42,700 average | Financial constraints |
| Physical demands | Lifting, standing, bending | Body wear, injuries |
| Emotional toll | Death, difficult patients | Burnout, compassion fatigue |
| Understaffing | High patient ratios | Stressful working conditions |
| Limited growth | Ceiling without more education | Frustration for ambitious |
| Exposure risks | Infections, bodily fluids | Health concerns |
| Weekend/holiday work | Often required | Work-life balance |
| Undervalued | Despite critical role | Recognition lacking |
Who Should Become a CNA
| Good Fit | Why |
|---|---|
| Nursing school aspirants | Gain experience while studying |
| Natural caregivers | Rewarding patient interaction |
| Those needing quick employment | Fast training, immediate jobs |
| Career changers exploring healthcare | Low-cost entry |
| People with physical stamina | Role demands endurance |
| Night owls | Night shift premiums available |
| Those seeking meaningful work | Direct patient impact |
| Students needing flexible schedules | Varied shift options |
Who Should NOT Become a CNA
| Poor Fit | Why Not |
|---|---|
| Those seeking high income | Pay ceiling is low |
| People with back/mobility issues | Physical demands are high |
| Those uncomfortable with bodily functions | Core job duties |
| People avoiding emotional intensity | Death, difficult patients |
| Those wanting regular 9-5 schedule | Healthcare is 24/7 |
| Individuals easily overwhelmed | Fast-paced, understaffed |
| Those without path to advancement | Pay won’t improve much |
| People seeking low-stress work | Stressful environment |
Building Wealth as a CNA
Financial Reality at CNA Wages
| Expense (High-Cost Area) | Monthly | % of $2,442 Take-Home |
|---|---|---|
| Rent (roommate share) | $900 | 37% |
| Transportation | $350 | 14% |
| Food | $400 | 16% |
| Healthcare | $150 | 6% |
| Utilities/Phone | $150 | 6% |
| Other necessities | $250 | 10% |
| Remaining | $242 | 10% |
The tight math: At average CNA wages, wealth building is challenging without dual income, low-cost-of-living area, or significant overtime.
Strategies for CNA Financial Success
Do:
- Pursue employer tuition assistance for RN
- Take night/weekend shifts for differentials
- Consider travel CNA positions for higher pay
- Work in hospital settings when possible
- Live in lower-cost areas if mobile
- Use employer health benefitsDevelop side skills (phlebotomy, EKG)
Don’t:
- Stay at minimum-wage CNA positions
- Ignore career advancement paths
- Skip employer-sponsored education benefits
- Work excessive overtime to the point of burnout
- Neglect retirement savings entirely (even small amounts help)
10-Year Trajectory: CNA vs. CNA→RN Path
| Year | CNA Only | CNA → RN Path |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $32,000 | $32,000 (CNA) |
| Year 2 | $34,000 | $30,000 (CNA + school) |
| Year 3 | $36,000 | $28,000 (nursing student) |
| Year 4 | $37,000 | $65,000 (new RN) |
| Year 5 | $38,000 | $72,000 |
| Year 10 | $42,000 | $95,000 |
| 10-year total | $365,000 | $580,000 |
| Net worth at Year 10 | ~$20,000 | ~$150,000 |
The verdict: CNA as a career endpoint is financially challenging. CNA as a stepping stone to RN is excellent — the experience, exposure, and often free education benefits make it worthwhile.
The Bottom Line
CNAs earn $42,700 a year on average (BLS, May 2025), making it one of the lowest-paid healthcare roles while also being one of the most physically and emotionally demanding. However, CNA certification takes only 6-15 weeks and costs $700-$2,000 (often free through employers), making it an excellent entry point to healthcare.
Key takeaways:
- Pay varies significantly — $28,500 (Mississippi) to $45,770 (Alaska)
- Setting matters — Hospitals generally pay more than nursing homes
- Shifts add income — Night shift can add $2,000-$6,000 annually
- Limited growth without education — CNA pay plateaus at $42,000-$45,000
- Best as a stepping stone — CNA experience + employer tuition = RN career
- Jobs are abundant — High turnover and aging population create constant demand
- Physical demands are real — Back injuries and burnout are common
Is becoming a CNA worth it? As a long-term career, the financial math is difficult — $42,700 doesn’t support wealth building in most markets. As a stepping stone to RN (or LPN), CNA certification is excellent: low cost, fast training, immediate employment, direct patient experience, and often free education benefits that can lead to $80,000-$120,000+ nursing careers.
The best use of CNA certification is as a launching pad, not a destination.
Related Guides
- How much do nurses (RNs) make?
- How much do medical assistants make?
- $15 an hour is how much a year?
- US Income Percentile Calculator
Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics, nursing aide salary surveys, state nursing board data. Updated March 2026.
Related Salary Guides
See every profession in our salary by profession guides.
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. “Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024.” bls.gov/oes
- Social Security Administration. “Benefits and Eligibility Information.” ssa.gov/benefits
The content on Wealthvieu is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, tax, or investment advice. Consult a qualified professional before making financial decisions. Full disclaimer · Editorial policy