The median Certified Nursing Assistant salary in the United States is $38,200 per year ($18.37/hour) according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. CNA pay varies widely by state, work setting, experience level, and shift type. This guide breaks down exactly what CNAs earn in 2026 and how to maximize your income.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for nursing assistants was $38,200 in May 2026, with the middle 50% earning between $31,470 and $43,760. CNA salaries have risen approximately 18% over the past five years, outpacing inflation for most healthcare support occupations. With over 1.56 million CNAs employed across the country and more than 216,000 job openings projected annually through 2032, understanding CNA pay is essential for anyone entering or advancing in this career.
CNA compensation depends heavily on where you work, what setting you choose, what shift you take, and how much experience you bring. A CNA in Alaska or California can earn 50–70% more than one in Alabama or Mississippi doing the same work. Hospital CNAs consistently outearn those in nursing homes, and night and weekend shifts add $1–$4/hour through shift differentials. This guide covers every angle of CNA salary data so you can make informed career and financial decisions.
Alaska leads all states with a mean CNA wage of $44,420/yr ($21.36/hr), driven by remote facility premiums and a high cost of living. California follows closely at $42,040/yr ($20.21/hr), with Bay Area and Los Angeles metro facilities paying $22–$28/hr. Washington CNAs earn $40,870/yr ($19.65/hr), particularly strong in the Seattle-Tacoma corridor. Oregon averages $38,900/yr ($18.70/hr). Hawaii pays $40,030/yr ($19.25/hr) but has the highest cost of living in the region. Colorado and Nevada round out the West at $36,500–$38,200/yr. The West Coast offers the strongest CNA union protections, which directly boost wages and benefits.
Minnesota leads the Midwest at $39,520/yr ($19.00/hr), supported by strong healthcare systems like Mayo Clinic and Allina Health. North Dakota pays $38,410/yr ($18.47/hr), boosted by worker shortages in rural facilities. Illinois CNAs earn $36,800/yr ($17.69/hr), with Chicago-area hospitals at the high end. Ohio averages $35,500/yr ($17.07/hr) with the Cleveland Clinic system being a major employer. Michigan and Wisconsin fall in the $34,000–$36,000/yr range. Iowa, Kansas, and Nebraska average $32,000–$34,500/yr. The Midwest offers lower cost of living, making effective CNA purchasing power competitive with coastal states.
Texas averages $33,190/yr ($15.96/hr) with major metro areas (Houston, Dallas, Austin) paying $17–$20/hr. Florida CNAs earn $34,200/yr ($16.44/hr), with South Florida and Tampa paying above the state average. Virginia averages $34,870/yr ($16.76/hr), with Northern Virginia near D.C. paying premium rates. North Carolina and Georgia fall in the $31,000–$33,500/yr range. Louisiana averages $30,800/yr and Mississippi at $28,960/yr are among the lowest-paying states. Alabama and Arkansas average $28,500–$29,500/yr. Despite lower nominal wages, the South's cost of living means CNAs retain more of their earnings in many markets.
New York leads the Northeast at $42,870/yr ($20.61/hr), with NYC-area facilities paying $23–$28/hr and strong union representation. Massachusetts pays $40,560/yr ($19.50/hr) with Boston-area hospitals at the top end. Connecticut averages $39,800/yr ($19.13/hr). New Jersey CNAs earn $38,200/yr ($18.37/hr), with higher pay in northern NJ near NYC. Pennsylvania averages $36,400/yr ($17.50/hr), with Philadelphia and Pittsburgh metro paying above the state average. Vermont and Maine average $35,000–$37,000/yr. The Northeast generally offers the second-highest CNA wages after the West Coast, paired with strong labor protections and benefit requirements.
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