You may be considering becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) or just want to learn more about this profession. Whatever the case may be, below are some information that may be useful about CNA Salary.
How much does a CNA make?
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) is a high-demand career that can provide a stable and versatile role for people who choose to work in the healthcare sector.
CNAs earn an average hourly rate of $14.82 and a median annual CNA salary of $30,850, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data as of May 2020. The median salary is the amount wherein half of the CNA earns more than that and the other half earns less. The lowest 10% of CNAs earn less than $22,750 and the highest 10% earn more than $44,500.
The CNA salary can be influenced by several factors. Since the cost of living in the South is usually lower, the average per hour is lower. The cost of food, lodging, and transportation is significantly lower than in the northern part of the country. The hourly pay is also increased by the experience and seniority in the industry. Working on a night shift increases the hourly rate as well. It may also depend on the education and training that you took. Hospitals and nursing homes often provide advanced training for CNAs to progress their level.
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Average CNA salary by State
According to the State Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics of the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) as of May 2020, the average annual CNA salary in various states ranged from $22,350 to $42,500. With an average annual wage of $42,500, Alaska has the highest average pay for CNAs, followed by New York City with an average annual wage of $40,620.
State |
Average Hourly Wage |
Average Annual Wage |
Alabama |
$12.31 |
$25,600 |
Alaska |
$20.43 |
$42,500 |
Arizona |
$16.17 |
$33,630 |
Arkansas |
$12.76 |
$26,550 |
California |
$18.89 |
$39,280 |
Colorado |
$16.57 |
$34,470 |
Connecticut |
$17.02 |
$35,400 |
Delaware |
$15.86 |
$32,980 |
District of Columbia |
$17.78 |
$36,980 |
Florida |
$13.78 |
$28,660 |
Georgia |
$14.88 |
$30,950 |
Guam |
$14.02 |
$29,160 |
Hawaii |
$18.58 |
$38,650 |
Idaho |
$14.12 |
$29,370 |
Illinois |
$14.98 |
$31,160 |
Indiana |
$14.24 |
$29,610 |
Iowa |
$15.13 |
$31,480 |
Kansas |
$13.71 |
$28,510 |
Kentucky |
$13.45 |
$27,980 |
Louisiana |
$11.68 |
$24,300 |
Maine |
$15.71 |
$32,670 |
Maryland |
$16.27 |
$33,840 |
Massachusetts |
$17.86 |
$37,160 |
Michigan |
$15.40 |
$32,030 |
Minnesota |
$17.33 |
$36,040 |
Mississippi |
$11.73 |
$24,400 |
Missouri |
$13.33 |
$27,720 |
Montana |
$15.25 |
$31,720 |
Nebraska |
$14.79 |
$30,770 |
Nevada |
$16.48 |
$34,280 |
New Hampshire |
$16.61 |
$34,550 |
New Jersey |
$15.88 |
$33,030 |
New Mexico |
$14.56 |
$30,290 |
New York |
$19.53 |
$40,620 |
North Carolina |
$13.37 |
$27,800 |
North Dakota |
$17.07 |
$35,510 |
Ohio |
$14.28 |
$29,710 |
Oklahoma |
$13.09 |
$27,220 |
Oregon |
$17.83 |
$37,100 |
Pennsylvania |
$15.65 |
$32,560 |
Puerto Rico |
$10.75 |
$22,350 |
Rhode Island |
$16.48 |
$34,280 |
South Carolina |
$13.35 |
$27,760 |
South Dakota |
$13.88 |
$28,870 |
Tennessee |
$13.43 |
$27,940 |
Texas |
$13.97 |
$29,050 |
Utah |
$14.54 |
$30,240 |
Vermont |
$16.08 |
$33,450 |
Virgin Islands |
$18.31 |
$38,080 |
Virginia |
$14.18 |
$29,490 |
Washington |
$17.46 |
$36,310 |
Washington DC |
$17.78 |
$36,980 |
West Virginia |
$13.56 |
$28,200 |
Wisconsin |
$15.66 |
$32,560 |
Wyoming |
$15.94 |
$33,160 |
What benefits are offered to CNAs
Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) are eligible for a variety of benefits, depending on their employer and whether they work part-time or full-time. The benefits that are provided to CNAs can also be affected by their location. Among the benefits are:
- Insurance
Employers usually provide health insurance to CNAs, particularly to full-time ones. This varies depending on the capability of the employer which may include medical, dental, accidental, or disability insurance.
- Tuition assistance
This program provides employees, usually full-time CNAs, with reimbursement of some or all of their educational expenses. This is particularly useful if the CNA wants to continue their education in the medical sector.
- Paid leave
Paid leave allows workers to take days off while still being paid. This is normally calculated based on the number of years you’ve worked for the company.
- Retirement plan
A company may offer a tax-advantaged retirement package to CNAs, which allows them to put aside a percentage of their earnings and save it for retirement. Following that, the company would match the employee’s contribution.
- Referral bonus
This is usually given when an employee refers a recruit to the employer. The person who referred the recruit gets bonuses or another type of bonus if the new hire remains with the company for a specified period.
Highest-Paying skills for CNAs
Apart from the practical skills required to become a CNA, the additional skills you can provide, as well as the job task, have a huge effect on the hourly pay. The highest paying skills for CNAs include:
- Intensive Care Unit (ICU) Skills
ICUs are for patients who are in critical condition and need continuous supervision. This is a fast-paced environment in which CNAs must provide constant monitoring and care to ensure that the patients’ conditions remain stable.
- Operating Room (OR) Skills
CNAs with OR skills assist in prepping patients for surgery, setting up equipment, and preparation of the operating room.
- Telemetry Skills
The recording of vital signs of patients with acute diagnoses using different medical devices is referred to as telemetry. CNAs that can use medical equipment and read its output are compensated further.
- Emergency Room (ER) Skills
The ER is a fast-paced hectic setting depending on the number of patients each day. CNAs who work in the emergency room will make more money, but they must be able to work under pressure. They’ll almost certainly be taking vital signs, drawing blood for examinations, and arranging the ER beds for new patients.
Read more >>> 25 CNA Skills You Need To Know
Where can I find CNA jobs?
From 2019 to 2029, the job rate for CNAs is expected to rise by 8%. This is because the baby-boomer generation is aging, necessitating more healthcare assistance. Older individuals are more likely to have various chronic disorders, such as dementia, which need CNAs to care for patients with this condition.
You may find CNA jobs in the following top industry including the average annual income as of May 2020:
- Government
Being a CNA under the government offers an annual average salary of $37,240.
- Hospitals (state, local, and private)
For state, local, and private hospitals, the average annual wage for CNAs is $32,160.
- Nursing care facilities
When you opt for a skilled nursing facility, the average annual salary reaches $30,120.
- Continuing care retirement communities and assisted living facilities for the elderly
Working for retirement communities as a CNA may give you an average of $30,020 annual income.
- Home healthcare services
As for the home healthcare services, the annual average wage is $29,210.
Most nursing assistants are working full-time but some opt to work part-time. Since healthcare is required at all times, working as a CNA can require you to work during the day, at night, on weekends, and even on holidays.
Hope the above information helps you more understand about CNA salary as well as choose a suitable position for your ability. If you have any questions or recommendations, please reach out to us at [email protected]!
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