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.
New CNA graduates typically start at $14–$17/hr ($29,000–$35,000/yr). First positions are most commonly in skilled nursing facilities or assisted living. Focus on building clinical skills, attendance record, and relationships with charge nurses.
After one year most employers provide a $0.75–$1.50/hr raise. Annual earnings reach $32,000–$38,000. You are now eligible for more desirable shifts, specialty floors, and staffing agency registration. Many CNAs move to hospital settings at this point.
With three years of experience, CNAs earn $18–$22/hr ($37,000–$45,000/yr). Specialty certifications (Medication Aide, dialysis, wound care) become accessible and add $1–$3/hr. Agency and per diem work opens up at premium rates.
Senior CNAs with 5+ years earn $20–$26/hr ($42,000–$54,000/yr). Leadership roles like CNA charge or preceptor become available. Travel CNA contracts offer $25–$40/hr with housing stipends. Some facilities offer retention bonuses at the 5-year mark.
CNAs in specialty settings (ICU stepdown, dialysis, operating room, hospice) earn $22–$28/hr ($46,000–$58,000/yr). Specialized experience is in high demand and portable across states. This is the ceiling without pursuing LPN/RN education.
CNAs who complete LPN or RN bridge programs see income jump to $48,000–$85,000/yr. Many employers offer tuition reimbursement ($3,000–$5,250/yr) while you continue working as a CNA. Your CNA experience gives you a clinical advantage over students without healthcare backgrounds.
Shift differentials are additional hourly pay above your base rate for working less desirable hours. They represent one of the fastest ways to increase your CNA income without changing jobs or getting additional certifications.
A CNA earning $18/hr base who works night shifts with a $3/hr differential earns $21/hr. Over a full year of night shifts, that adds roughly $6,240 to annual income. Some facilities offer a "Baylor plan" — work only weekends (Saturday and Sunday 12-hour shifts) and get paid for 36–40 hours, effectively earning weekend premium for fewer total hours worked.
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