How much does a CNA make per hour in 2026?

The median CNA hourly wage in 2026 is $18.37 per hour according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Entry-level CNAs earn $13–$17/hr, mid-career CNAs earn $17–$22/hr, and experienced CNAs in high-paying states or hospital settings earn $22–$28/hr. Travel CNAs can earn $25–$40/hr with housing stipends included.

What is the average annual CNA salary?

The national median annual CNA salary is $38,200. The range spans from approximately $28,540 at the 10th percentile to $48,780 at the 90th percentile. Location is the biggest factor — CNAs in Alaska earn a mean of $44,420/yr while those in Mississippi average around $28,960/yr. Hospital CNAs consistently earn 15–25% more than nursing home CNAs.

Which state pays CNAs the most?

Alaska pays CNAs the most with a mean annual wage of $44,420 ($21.36/hr). California ranks second at $42,040/yr, followed by New York at $42,870/yr, Washington at $40,870/yr, and Massachusetts at $40,560/yr. These states combine high demand, strong unions, and elevated cost of living to produce the highest CNA wages in the country.

Do CNA salaries vary by work setting?

Yes, work setting is one of the biggest factors in CNA pay. Hospital CNAs earn the most in traditional settings at $41,500–$46,200/yr. Staffing agency CNAs earn $40,000–$48,000/yr with more flexibility. Nursing home CNAs earn $34,800–$39,500/yr. Home health CNAs earn $32,200–$37,800/yr. Travel CNAs earn the overall highest at $52,000–$78,000/yr including stipends.

How can I increase my CNA salary?

The most effective ways to increase CNA pay include: switching to a hospital setting (15–25% pay increase), working night or weekend shifts for $2–$4/hr differentials, pursuing specialty certifications (Medication Aide, dialysis, wound care), registering with staffing agencies for premium per diem rates, considering travel CNA contracts, and negotiating raises based on tenure and performance. Joining a unionized facility adds $2–$4/hr on average.

What are CNA shift differentials?

Shift differentials are extra hourly pay for working evenings, nights, or weekends. Evening shifts (3–11 PM) typically add $1.00–$2.50/hr. Night shifts (11 PM–7 AM) add $2.00–$4.00/hr. Weekend differentials add another $1.50–$3.00/hr. Holiday pay is usually 1.5x–2x base rate. A CNA earning $18/hr base who works nights with a $3 differential earns approximately $6,240 more per year.

Is CNA a good paying job?

CNA pay is moderate for the education and training required — most programs take 4–12 weeks. The median salary of $38,200/yr provides a livable wage in many markets, and experienced or specialized CNAs can earn $45,000–$58,000/yr. Travel CNAs earn $52,000–$78,000/yr. CNA work also serves as a launchpad to higher-paying careers: LPNs earn $48,000–$62,000/yr and RNs earn $65,000–$95,000/yr, with bridge programs available for CNAs.

How much do travel CNAs make?

Travel CNAs earn $52,000–$78,000 per year, making them the highest-paid CNAs in the profession. Hourly rates range from $25–$40/hr depending on location, facility need, and contract terms. Most travel CNA contracts are 8–13 weeks and include housing stipends ($1,000–$2,500/month), travel reimbursement, health insurance, and completion bonuses. Assignments in high-demand states like California and New York pay at the top of this range.

CNA Salary

CNA salary averages $38,200/yr ($18.37/hr) in 2026. See pay by state, work setting, shift differentials, and how to increase your CNA income.

CNA - Certified Nursing Assistant By Dr. Sarah MitchellApr 16, 20269 min read

CNA Salary Overview: 2026 National Data

💵$38,200Median annual CNA salary

⏰$18.37/hrMedian hourly CNA wage

📊$28,540–$48,780Annual salary range (10th–90th percentile)

🏆$48,780+Top 10% CNA earnings

📈4%Projected growth rate (2022–2032)

👩‍⚕1.56MTotal CNAs employed nationwide

CNA Salary Overview: 2026 National Data - CNA - Certified Nursing Assistant certification study resource

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for nursing assistants was $38,200 in May 2024, 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.

CNA Salary by Work Setting (2026)

🏥$41,500–$46,200/yrHospital CNAHighest-paying traditional setting. Acute care, surgical floors, and ICU step-down units. Often includes full benefits, tuition reimbursement, and union representation.

🏠$34,800–$39,500/yrNursing Home / SNFThe largest employer of CNAs nationwide. Skilled nursing facilities offer steady schedules and consistent hours. Pay varies by facility ownership (for-profit vs nonprofit).

🏡$32,200–$37,800/yrHome Health CNAOne-on-one patient care in private residences. Flexible scheduling but may require driving between clients. Some agencies pay mileage reimbursement on top of hourly rate.

📋$40,000–$48,000/yrStaffing Agency CNAHigher hourly rates ($19–$26/hr) with flexibility to choose shifts and facilities. Trade-off: fewer benefits, variable hours, and no guaranteed schedule week to week.

✈$52,000–$78,000/yrTravel CNAHighest CNA pay available. 8–13 week contracts with housing stipends, travel reimbursement, and premium hourly rates. Requires multi-state licensure and adaptability.

👤$38,000–$55,000/yrPrivate Duty CNADirect hire by families for in-home care. Rates negotiated privately, often $18–$30/hr depending on acuity, hours, and location. No agency middleman taking a cut.

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CNA Salary by State and Region (2026)

West Coast & Mountain States

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.

CNA Salary by Work Setting (2026) - CNA - Certified Nursing Assistant certification study resource

Factors That Affect CNA Pay

Experience Level

Entry Level (0–1 yr): $14–$17/hr — New graduates start at the low end of the scale
Mid-Career (1–5 yr): $17–$21/hr — Consistent raises as competencies grow
Experienced (5+ yr): $20–$25/hr — Senior CNAs earn premium rates, especially in specialized units

Work Setting

Hospitals: Pay 15–25% more than nursing homes on average
Travel/Agency: Highest hourly rates but fewer guaranteed hours and benefits
Home Health: Moderate pay with schedule flexibility and one-on-one care

Shift Type

Day Shift: Base rate — most competitive for openings
Evening Shift: +$1.00–$2.50/hr differential above base pay
Night/Weekend: +$2.00–$4.00/hr differential — can add $4,000–$8,000/yr

Geographic Location

High-Pay States: AK, CA, NY, WA, MA — median $40,000–$44,000/yr
Mid-Pay States: CO, MN, CT, NJ, OR — median $36,000–$40,000/yr
Low-Pay States: AL, MS, AR, LA — median $28,000–$31,000/yr

Specialization

Med-Surg / ICU: Hospital specialty floors pay $2–$5/hr above standard CNA rates
Dialysis CNA: Specialized certification adds $1–$3/hr — DaVita, Fresenius top employers
Hospice/Palliative: Emotionally demanding but typically pays above average with smaller patient loads

Certifications & Education

BLS/CPR: Required by most employers — not a pay bump but a hiring requirement
Medication Aide: Adds $1–$3/hr in states that allow CNAs to administer medications
CNA II / Advanced: Some states offer a higher CNA tier with expanded scope and higher pay

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CNA Salary Growth Over Your Career

🎓

0–12 months

Entry Level — Just Certified

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.

📈

12–24 months

1 Year — First Raise

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.

⭐

2–3 years

3 Years — Experienced CNA

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.

🏆

4–5 years

5 Years — Senior CNA

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.

🔬

5–7 years

Specialized — Premium Pay

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.

🚀

5–10 years

Advanced — Bridge to LPN/RN

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.

How to Increase Your CNA Salary - CNA - Certified Nursing Assistant certification study resource

Highest Paying vs Lowest Paying CNA Jobs

✅Highest Paying CNA Positions

+Travel CNA — $25–$40/hr plus housing stipends and travel reimbursement
+Hospital ICU/Surgical CNA — $21–$28/hr with full benefits and union protection
+Private Duty CNA (high-acuity) — $22–$30/hr negotiated directly with families
+Staffing Agency CNA (metro areas) — $20–$26/hr with shift flexibility
+Dialysis CNA — $19–$24/hr with DaVita or Fresenius in metro markets
+Government/VA Hospital CNA — $19–$23/hr with federal benefits package

❌Lowest Paying CNA Positions

−Rural nursing home CNA — $12–$15/hr in low-wage Southern and Midwestern states
−Assisted living CNA (non-certified facility) — $13–$16/hr with limited benefits
−Home health aide (entry level) — $13–$15/hr through low-paying agencies
−Small group home CNA — $12–$16/hr with minimal raise structure
−Per diem without agency — $14–$17/hr sporadic shifts with no benefits
−For-profit nursing home chain (rural) — $13–$16/hr with high patient ratios

CNA Shift Differentials Explained

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.

Evening shift (3 PM–11 PM): Typically adds $1.00–$2.50/hr above your base rate
Night shift (11 PM–7 AM): Adds $2.00–$4.00/hr — the highest standard differential
Weekend differential: Additional $1.50–$3.00/hr on top of your shift differential
Holiday pay: Most facilities pay 1.5x–2x your base rate on recognized holidays

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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CNA Career and Salary Resources

Explore our complete library of CNA guides to boost your career and earnings:

Free CNA Practice Test — Pass your certification exam on the first try with hundreds of practice questions.
CNA Wages and Pay Guide — Detailed wage data and pay rate comparisons across settings and states.
Certified Nursing Assistant Salary Overview — Additional salary data and compensation analysis for CNAs.
CNA Career Paths and Specializations — Discover which specializations offer the highest pay premiums.
Top CNA Career Specializations — Focused guide to specialty certifications that increase your salary.
Hospital CNA Jobs — How to land the highest-paying CNA positions in hospital settings.
CNA Agency Jobs Near Me — Find staffing agency positions with premium hourly rates.
Can a CNA Be a Travel Nurse? — Travel CNA assignments, requirements, and earning potential.
Travel CNA Career Guide — Complete guide to travel CNA contracts, housing stipends, and multi-state licensing.
Private Duty CNA — Negotiate your own pay rate with private duty positions.
CNA Jobs Near Me — Find local CNA jobs and compare pay by facility type.
CNA to RN Bridge Programs — Advance your career from CNA to RN for 2–5x salary increase.
CNA to LPN Programs — Bridge programs that help CNAs become Licensed Practical Nurses.
CNA Careers — Job opportunities, specializations, and growth paths for CNAs in 2026.
Working as a CNA — What daily life looks like, shift structures, and workplace expectations.
CNA Requirements — State-by-state requirements for becoming a certified nursing assistant.

CNA Salary Questions and Answers

📄CNA Practice Test Questions and Answers PDF

About the Author

Dr. Sarah MitchellRN, MSN, PhD

Registered Nurse & Healthcare Educator

Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing

Dr. Sarah Mitchell is a board-certified registered nurse with over 15 years of clinical and academic experience. She completed her PhD in Nursing Science at Johns Hopkins University and has taught NCLEX preparation and clinical skills courses for nursing students across the United States. Her research focuses on evidence-based exam preparation strategies for healthcare certification candidates.