upper level job

How much does a CNA make?

As of April 01, 2025, the average annual salary for a CNA in the United States is $34,620. Salary.com reports that pay typically ranges from $32,740 to $37,920, with most professionals earning between $31,028 and $40,924.

CNA Salaries by Percentile
Annual
Salary
Monthly
Pay
Weekly
Pay
Hourly
Wage
75th Percentile $37,920 $3,160 $729 $18
Average $34,620 $2,885 $666 $17
25th Percentile $32,740 $2,728 $630 $16

Average Salary

25% $32,740 10% $31,028 90% $40,924 75% $37,920 $34,620 50%(Median)
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How much does a CNA make by hour, week, month, and year?

Salary.com provides you with accurate and diversified CNA salary data based on specialized databases to help you get a fairer salary. The average annual pay for a CNA is about $34,620 a year, this translates to an approximate hourly rate of $17, a monthly salary of about $2,885, and a weekly pay of around $666 . Click the switch button below to see more details about CNA hourly pay, weekly pay, monthly pay, and so on.

Last Updated on April 01, 2025

How Does Experience Level Affect a CNA's Salary?

An entry-level CNA with less than 1 year of experience earns about $34,003. With 1-2 years of experience, the average salary increases to $34,059. For 2-4 years of experience, the pay typically rises to $34,866. Senior-level professionals with 5-8 years of experience earn around $36,245, and those with over 8 years of experience can expect an average of $36,344.

Levels Salary
Entry Level CNA $34,003
Intermediate Level CNA $34,059
Senior Level CNA $34,866
Specialist Level CNA $36,245
Expert Level CNA $36,344
$34,003 0 yr
$34,059 < 2 yrs
$34,866 2-4 yrs
$36,245 5-8 yrs
$36,344 > 8 yrs
Last Updated on April 01, 2025
Entry Level 2%
Mid Level 2%
Senior Level 1%
Top Level 5%
Experienced 5%
View as graph
Last Updated on April 01, 2025

How much does salary of CNA vary from city to city?

Salaries in the United States can vary greatly between cities due to factors like cost of living, local economies, and industry presence.

For example, as of April 01, 2025:
  • In San Francisco, CA, the average yearly salary for a CNA is $43,230.
  • In New York, NY, the average annual salary is $40,120.
  • In Boston, MA, a CNA earns $38,610 per year.

What is the salary trend of CNA?

As of April 01, 2025, our research reveals a significant shift in CNA compensation over the past six years. For example, the median salary increased from $50,167 in 2023 to approximately $50,963 in 2024. (For a detailed analysis of CNA salary trends, click here.)

Key factors like location, experience, industry demand, and economic growth significantly influence salary variations, making them important to consider.

Average Annual Salary of CNA Over Time

2020
$???
2021
$???
2022
$???
$50,167
2023
$50,963
2024
$50,792
2025
2026
$???
Last Updated on April 01, 2025
2020
$???
2021
$???
2022
$???
2023
$50,167
2024
$50,963
2025
$50,792
2026
$???
Last Updated on April 01, 2025

CNA Salary by Year

Year Average Annual Salary
2020 View More
2021 View More
2022 View More
2023 $50,167
2024 $50,963
2025 $50,792
2026 View More
Last Updated on April 01, 2025

Job Openings of CNA

Salary.com job board provides millions of CNA information for you to search for. Click on search button below to see CNA job openings or enter a new job title here.

Based on HR-reported data: a national average with a geographic differential
Base Salary 67.4%
Bonuses 0.0%
Social Security 5.2%
401k/403b 3.2%
Disability 0.5%
Healthcare 11.8%
Pension 3.7%
Time Off 8.3%
Core Compensation
Core Compensation Median % of Total
Base Salary $34,620 67.4%
Bonus $0 0.0%
Value of Benefits
Core Compensation Median % of Total
Social Security $2,648 5.2%
401K/403B $1,627 3.2%
Disability $277 0.5%
Healthcare $6,056 11.8%
Pension $1,904 3.7%
Time Off $4,261 8.3%
Total Compensation $51,393 100%
Core Compensation is based on averages for this job and does not reflect personal factors used to determine your projected salary range.
Value of Benefits indicates the employer's expected contribution and paid time off.
Last Updated on April 01, 2025

What are the salaries of a CNA with different levels of education?

Salaries for CNA with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate

According to our 100% employer reported salary sources the median salary for a CNA with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is $34,883 - $36,655. Please try our salary wizard to explore how other factors like location, Years of experience and number of direct reports can impact your base pay and bonus.

CNA Salaries by Degree Level

Last Updated on April 01, 2025
Typical Education for CNA
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 1.7%
High School 78.7%
Associates 11.4%
Bachelors 7.6%
Masters 0.6%
Typical Education for CNA
No Diploma 1.7%
High School 78.7%
Associates 11.4%
Bachelors 7.6%
Masters 0.6%
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CNA Salaries by Degree Level

Last Updated on April 01, 2025

What Am I Worth?

FAQ about CNA

1. Which state pays the most for CNA?

The highest-paying state for Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) is the District of Columbia, offering an average hourly wage of $23.01. In comparison, the salary range for CNAs typically falls between a minimum of $33,770, a mid-range of $37,040, and a maximum of $40,960 annually. Other states like Alaska, California, Oregon, and Washington also offer competitive salaries.

2. Can CNA make 6 figures?

CNAs do not make six figures. Based on salary data, the minimum salary is $33,770, the mid-salary is $37,040, and the maximum salary is $40,960. While experience and education can influence earnings, CNAs typically earn well below six figures, with the highest salaries still falling short of that mark.

3. How many hours does a CNA work?

A full-time CNA typically works around 36 hours a week. In California, my hospital offers overtime opportunities and requires a minimum of three 12-hour shifts. The salary range for a CNA is approximately $33,770 to $40,960, with a mid-salary of about $37,040, reflecting the demanding nature of the job.

4. How can I get paid more as a CNA?

To increase your pay as a CNA, consider earning specialty certifications, demonstrating your skills, and seeking employment with higher-paying facilities. The salary range for CNAs typically falls between $33,770 and $40,960, with a median salary around $37,040. Focusing on these strategies can help you achieve a more comfortable income.

5. How much does a CNA make in Texas per hour?

In Texas, Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) earn between $16.22 and $19.66 per hour, with a median hourly wage of $17.83. This reflects a range from a minimum salary of $33,770 to a maximum of $40,960 annually. This is notably lower than the national average of $20.90 per hour.

6. Is a CNA license worth it?

A CNA license is definitely worth it, especially given the soaring demand for CNAs, which is projected to grow by 18% by 2024. This high demand translates to job security and a competitive salary range, with entry-level positions starting around $33,770, and experienced CNAs earning up to $40,960. With certification, you can quickly find a job in various locations.

About Our Data

Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.

We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)

With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.

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The average salary for a CNA is $34,620 per year in the United States, updated at April 01, 2025.
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