If you are wondering how much a CNA makes annually, the answer depends on several variables, including where you work, the type of facility, years of experience, and shift schedule. CNA salary figures vary across the country and across different healthcare settings, which is why it is important to look at data from a reliable source before drawing conclusions.
All wage figures referenced throughout this article are sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program and the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, which publish annual wage estimates based on employer surveys across the country.
How much does a CNA make on average? CNA pay is not a fixed number and completing a CNA program does not guarantee any specific wage or outcome. Actual earnings depend on employer, geographic location, experience, and market conditions.
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What Is the Average CNA Salary?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for nursing assistants was $39,530 in May 2024, which works out to approximately $19.00 per hour based on full-time hours.* The median wage means that half of all nursing assistants earned more than this amount and half earned less. It is a national estimate and reflects a wide range of work settings, geographic locations, and experience levels.
CNA yearly salary figures are averages, not guarantees. According to the BLS, the lowest 10 percent of nursing assistants earned less than $31,390, while the highest 10 percent earned more than $50,140 in May 2024.* This range reflects the significant variation that exists across states, settings, and employers.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, salary estimates vary based on location, employer, and experience. Completing a CNA program does not guarantee any specific wage upon certification.
*Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Nursing Assistants and Orderlies, May 2024. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/nursing-assistants.htm
What Factors Affect CNA Pay?
Several factors influence CNA pay rate and CNA income beyond the national average.
Geographic Location
Where a CNA works is one of the most significant factors affecting wages. Urban areas and major metropolitan regions tend to offer higher wages than rural areas, largely due to higher operating costs for facilities and greater competition for qualified staff. State-level differences in minimum wage laws and healthcare funding also play a role. CNA pay in a large city in California may differ substantially from CNA pay in a rural area of the same state.
Years of Experience
Entry-level CNAs typically earn wages closer to the lower end of the reported range for their state or setting. As CNAs gain experience and demonstrate proficiency in patient care responsibilities, some employers adjust compensation accordingly, though this varies significantly by employer and facility type. Experience alone does not guarantee wage increases. Compensation decisions are made at the individual employer level.
Shift Differentials
Because hospitals and residential care facilities provide care around the clock, CNAs who work evening, overnight, weekend, or holiday shifts may receive shift differentials (additional pay added to the base hourly rate for those hours). Shift differential policies vary by employer and are not universal. Candidates interested in shift differential opportunities should confirm policies directly with prospective employers.
Specialized Settings and Additional Skills
CNAs who work in specialized care environments, such as memory care units, rehabilitation centers, or facilities serving patients with complex medical needs, may receive higher base wages in some settings. Additional credentials, such as CPR certification or specialized dementia care education, may also be valued by certain employers, though they do not guarantee higher pay.
Do CNAs Earn Different Wages in Different Healthcare Settings?
CNA salary figures can vary across different types of healthcare employers. The table below reflects general pay trends by workplace setting based on BLS industry data. These are general patterns, not guarantees.
| Workplace | General Wage Trend |
|---|---|
| Hospitals | Often above the national median |
| Skilled Nursing Facility | Generally near or below the national median |
| Rehabilitation Center | Varies by employer and location |
| Assisted Living | Generally moderate; varies by employer |
| Home Health | Varies widely by agency and location |
*Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Nursing Assistants and Orderlies, May 2024. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/nursing-assistants.htm
Hospitals tend to report wages above the national median for CNAs, which may reflect higher staffing demands, around-the-clock operations, and the intensity of care provided. Skilled nursing facilities employ the largest number of CNAs nationally but tend to offer wages closer to or below the national median. Home health wages vary significantly depending on whether the position is through an agency, a registry, or a direct-hire arrangement.
What Is the Typical Starting Wage for a CNA?
CNA starting salary figures are not published separately by the BLS, which reports median and mean wages across all experience levels. The BLS reported that the lowest 10 percent of nursing assistants nationally earned less than $31,390 in May 2024, though individual employer offers vary.*
Many people ask “how much does a CNA get paid when starting out?” The answer to this question also depends on the employer's base wage structure, whether shift differentials apply, and local market conditions. Completing a CNA program and earning certification does not guarantee any specific starting wage. Actual earnings depend on employer, geographic location, experience, and market conditions at the time of hire.
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*Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Nursing Assistants and Orderlies, May 2024. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/nursing-assistants.htm
Beyond Salary: What Other Benefits May CNAs Receive?
Wages are one component of overall compensation. Many employers offer additional benefits to CNA staff, though availability and specifics vary by employer. Common employer-provided benefits in the healthcare sector can include health, dental, and vision insurance coverage, retirement savings plan options such as a 401(k) or pension, paid time off including vacation days, sick leave, and holidays, shift differentials for evening, overnight, weekend, or holiday hours, continuing education support or tuition assistance for qualifying programs, and employee assistance programs and other workplace support resources.
Benefits vary significantly by employer, facility size, and work status. Part-time CNAs may have access to fewer or different benefits than full-time employees. Candidates should confirm benefits packages directly with prospective employers before accepting a position.
Is Working as a CNA Right for You?
Wages are one factor to consider, but the CNA role also has a distinct day-to-day profile that suits certain individuals well. People who find direct patient interaction meaningful, who are comfortable working in fast-paced healthcare environments, and who want to be part of a clinical team may find the role personally rewarding regardless of setting.
The work involves physical demands. Consider extended standing, bending, lifting, and assisting with patient mobility as consistent features of the role, as well as the ability to manage multiple patient care responsibilities simultaneously under nurse supervision.
Frequently Asked Questions
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According to the BLS, hospitals tend to report median wages for nursing assistants above the national median compared to other settings.* Geographic location also plays a significant role. States with higher costs of living and greater demand for healthcare workers often report higher mean wages. Wages vary by employer and no specific setting guarantees higher pay for all CNAs.
*Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Nursing Assistants and Orderlies, May 2024. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/nursing-assistants.htm
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Experience may influence earning potential depending on the employer and the responsibilities involved. Some employers offer wage reviews or adjustments for CNAs with demonstrated tenure and performance, though this varies by facility and is not guaranteed. Additional credentials or experience in specialized care settings may also be considered by some employers when determining compensation.
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Yes. According to BLS industry data, hospitals tend to report higher median wages for nursing assistants than nursing care facilities, which employ the largest share of CNAs nationally.* Rehabilitation centers, assisted living facilities, and home health agencies may offer different wage rates based on their staffing needs, patient care responsibilities, and location. Wage figures vary by employer and no specific setting guarantees any particular pay rate.
*Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Nursing Assistants and Orderlies, May 2024. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/nursing-assistants.htm
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Common employer-provided benefits can include health insurance, paid time off, retirement savings plans, shift differentials for evening and weekend hours, and continuing education or tuition assistance. Benefits vary by employer and employment status. Part-time staff may have access to different benefits than full-time employees. Always confirm benefit details directly with a prospective employer before accepting a position.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is provided for general informational purposes only. All wage and salary figures are sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program and Occupational Outlook Handbook, May 2024, and are provided for reference only. These are mean or median wage estimates and are not guarantees of individual earnings. Completing a CNA program does not guarantee any specific wage, outcome, or employment. Actual earnings depend on employer, geographic location, experience, work setting, and market conditions. Benefits vary by employer. Financial aid may be available to those who qualify; eligibility requirements vary and no financial aid is guaranteed.