Average GNA Salary in 2026

Geriatric Nursing Assistants earn between $15 and $22 per hour in most markets, translating to roughly $31,000–$45,760 annually for full-time positions. The national median for nursing assistants broadly (BLS SOC 31-1131) is approximately $36,220/year as of 2026 data, and GNAs with state-specific certification tend to land at the upper half of that range due to the additional credentialing requirement.

GNA salary benchmarks (2026 estimates):

• Entry-level (0–1 year): $15–$17/hour (~$31,200–$35,360/year)
• Mid-level (2–4 years): $17–$20/hour (~$35,360–$41,600/year)
• Experienced (5+ years): $20–$24/hour (~$41,600–$49,920/year)
• Supervisor / Lead GNA: $22–$27/hour (~$45,760–$56,160/year)

Shift differentials (evening, overnight, weekend) typically add $1–$3/hour to base pay. Many long-term care facilities also offer sign-on bonuses of $500–$2,000 due to persistent staffing shortages in geriatric care.

GNA Salary by State

Because GNA certification is a Maryland-specific credential (other states use CNA or have different advanced aide designations), most of the salary data below reflects the broader nursing assistant market by state. Maryland's GNA requirement applies to long-term care facilities in that state specifically. GNAs working in Maryland earn a premium over standard CNAs because the certification is mandatory for those facilities.

Estimated nursing assistant / GNA-equivalent salary by state (2026):

• Alaska: $23–$26/hour (highest cost of living adjustment)
• Connecticut: $21–$25/hour (strong union presence, high Medicaid reimbursement)
• New York: $20–$24/hour (NYC metro significantly above state average)
• California: $20–$24/hour (minimum wage $16+, many facilities above $20)
• Washington: $20–$23/hour (strong labor market)
• Massachusetts: $19–$23/hour
• Maryland: $18–$22/hour (GNA certification required, slight premium over CNA)
• Oregon: $19–$22/hour
• New Jersey: $18–$22/hour
• Minnesota: $18–$21/hour
• Texas: $15–$18/hour (no state minimum wage above federal)
• Mississippi: $13–$16/hour (lowest in nation)
• Alabama: $13–$16/hour

Urban vs. rural differences within states can be as large as $3–$5/hour. Facilities in rural areas often offer housing allowances or other non-cash benefits to attract staff.

How Experience Affects GNA Salary

Experience is the single largest driver of GNA pay increases within a facility. Most long-term care employers use step increases tied to years of service.

Typical salary progression for GNAs:

• Year 1 (probationary): Base rate, typically $15–$17/hour. Focus on building patient care skills and learning facility routines.
• Years 2–3: First step increase. Many facilities offer $0.50–$1.00/hour annual raises. Rate: $17–$19/hour.
• Years 4–5: Second step increase plus possible specialty assignment (memory care, rehab unit). Rate: $19–$21/hour.
• 5+ years: Experienced GNAs who take on mentoring, charge responsibilities, or specialized unit assignments can reach $22–$25/hour. Some pursue LPN or RN licensure using tuition assistance.

Certifications that increase GNA pay:

• CPR/BLS certification: Required by most employers; completing it often unlocks base hire rate
• Dementia care specialization: $0.50–$1.50/hour premium at memory care facilities
• Feeding assistant certification: Small add-on but increases shift versatility
• Med tech (medication technician): Significant boost — $2–$4/hour above base GNA rate in states that allow it

GNA Salary vs CNA Salary

GNA and CNA salaries are very close because GNA is essentially an enhanced CNA for the Maryland long-term care context. The GNA certification adds geriatric-specific competencies on top of CNA training but does not represent a separate career track.

Key salary differences:

• In Maryland long-term care facilities: GNA certification is required, so all CNAs in those facilities must be GNA-certified. The GNA credential does not pay more than other CNAs in the same facility because it's the baseline.
• In states with optional advanced aide certifications: Facilities that reward extra certifications may pay $0.50–$1.50/hour more for the additional competency credential.
• GNAs who can work both acute care and long-term care by holding both CNA and GNA credentials have more scheduling flexibility and higher effective hourly earnings through shift selection.