The pay scale for a CNA salary differs from job to job depending on a variety of factors. These include your length of experience, location, additional training certifications, your work setting, and your work schedule. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for nursing assistants was $39,530 per year ($18.96 per hour) as of May 2024 — a significant increase from prior years driven by growing demand across the healthcare sector.
For first-time, entry-level certified nursing assistants, hourly pay typically ranges from $15 to $17.50 per hour depending on the state and work setting. As your experience grows, so does your earning potential, with seasoned CNAs in high-demand markets earning $23 to $29 per hour or more.
The lowest 10% of earners in this field make around $28,030 annually, while the top 10% earn upwards of $50,140 per year. Those working in hospitals and government healthcare facilities generally earn more than those in long-term care or home health settings.
CNA Salary by U.S. State
Highest Paying States for CNAs
Location continues to be one of the biggest factors in CNA pay. The highest paying states as of 2024-2025 are:
- Alaska — approximately $22.00/hour average
- California — $21.00–$26.00/hour, with some metro areas higher
- New York — $20.00–$24.00/hour depending on region
- Massachusetts — $20.00–$23.00/hour
- Washington — $20.00–$22.00/hour
The lower-paying states tend to be in the South and rural Midwest, where CNAs may earn closer to $14–$16 per hour. However, cost of living differences mean that take-home value can still be competitive in these regions.
CNA Salary by Experience Level
Experience plays a major role in your earnings as a certified nursing assistant. Here is a general breakdown of what you can expect at each stage of your career:
- Less than 1 year: $14.00–$16.00/hour ($29,000–$33,000 annually)
- 1–4 years: $16.00–$19.00/hour ($33,000–$39,000 annually)
- 5–9 years: $19.00–$23.00/hour ($39,000–$48,000 annually)
- 10+ years: $23.00–$29.00/hour ($48,000–$60,000+ annually)
Earning potential also increases significantly for CNAs who take on specialized roles in areas such as memory care, rehabilitation, or IV therapy, or who pursue additional certifications like medication aide (CMA) or geriatric nursing assistant (GNA).
Work Setting and Pay
Where you work as a CNA also significantly affects your salary. Hospital and government facility CNAs tend to earn the most, while home health and assisted living positions often start lower but offer flexibility.
- Hospitals: $20.00–$26.00/hour
- Government/VA facilities: $21.00–$27.00/hour
- Nursing care facilities: $17.00–$21.00/hour
- Home health agencies: $16.00–$20.00/hour
- Assisted living facilities: $15.00–$19.00/hour
Many CNA positions also offer overtime pay at time-and-a-half for hours worked beyond 40 per week, shift differentials for evening and night shifts, and full benefits packages including health insurance, paid time off, and retirement contributions at larger facilities.
Job Outlook for Nursing Assistants
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, approximately 211,800 job openings for nursing assistants are projected each year through 2034, driven largely by the need to replace workers who retire or transition to other occupations, as well as the growing healthcare needs of an aging U.S. population. With over 1.4 million nursing assistants currently employed nationwide, this remains one of the most in-demand entry-level healthcare positions in the country.
Starting as a CNA is one of the best ways to gain real hands-on healthcare experience. Many CNAs go on to become licensed practical nurses (LPNs), registered nurses (RNs), or physician assistants — careers that can earn $60,000 to over $120,000 per year. Visit our CNA classes page to find state-approved training programs near you.