A Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) is a healthcare professional that assists patients in a variety of medical settings. CNAs work under the direct supervision of a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), a Registered Nurse (RN), or other authoritative medical professionals.
Learn about the CNA salary in our guide below.
Summary: Find out how much a CNA makes below. To begin studying, take our CNA practice test.
How Much Does a CNA Make?
Most Certified Nursing Assistants are paid by the hour, not by a set weekly amount or annual salary.
As a result, one's salary is directly impacted by how often they work.
Mean Annual CNA Salary - $30,290, which translates to $14.56 per hour working full time. (Source)
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CNA Salary Levels
| Salary Level | Salary |
| Lowest 10% | $23,880 |
| Mean | $30,290 |
| Highest 10% | $46,470 |
As you can see in the table above, there is some room to grow and increase your salary. One great way to increase your salary is by studying and earning additional nursing credentials.
Your time spent as a CNA might be applicable towards the required clinical hours for other nursing credentials.
Most medical facilities are more than willing to accommodate CNAs who need flexibility in their work hours because they are studying for a degree or additional certification. If you want to begin studying for your CNA, take our free CNA practice test.
CNA Salary by Location
The location in which you work will have a major impact on your salary. This is no exception for CNA's. The table below outlines the 5 states in which CNA's are compensated the best.
| State | Annual Wage |
| Alaska | $43,080 per year |
| New York | $40,680 per year |
| California | $39,760 per year |
| District of Columbia | $39,390 per year |
| Oregon | $38,830 per year |
CNA Job Outlook
The Population Reference Bureau (PRB)’s Aging in the United States Report (2016) cautions that as the baby boomers (those born between 1946 and 1964) hit 65 years old, or older, this event will likely reshape the country’s elderly population requirements.
This report notes that the elderly population will grow to about 24% of the entire country's population, up from 15%.
The reality is the aging baby boomer generation has already begun to create a strong demand for the services a Certified Nursing Assistant offers.
This increased demand is revealed in the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ (BLS) job growth outlook by 5% through the year 2031. The CNA’s job growth rate is considered as fast as average when compared to other jobs.
The Bottom-Line: There is a need for individuals who wish to become a CNA. The aging population is driving this need.
CNA Salary v. Other Nursing Salaries
The following jobs are often considered by people looking for a career in healthcare.
| Profession | Salary |
| CNA | $30,290 |
| Pharmacy Tech | $36,740 |
| EMT | $36,930 |
| Medical Assistant | $37,190 |
| Phlebotomist | $37,380 |
| LPN | $48,070 |
| RN | $77,600 |
If you want to start preparing for your CNA, take our CNA test to study.
