Certified Nursing Assistant Salary Guide

Certified nursing assistants (CNAs) on staff made an average of $17.18 per hour, according to Vivian Health's salary data on April 29, 2023. However, your actual income can vary by facility, location and experience. During this period, hourly wages ranged between $12 and $24.

A CNA career offers stability and plenty of job opportunities. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts a 5% growth rate for nursing assistant jobs between 2021 and 2031. If this estimate holds true, the industry should add about 62,700 jobs. The BLS expects to see 220,200 open positions for nursing assistants and orderlies every year during this 10-year span.

A variety of healthcare facilities hire CNAs to assist the nursing staff. The following list of employers employ the most CNAs, according to May 2022 data from the BLS:

• Skilled Nursing Facilities: 447,940

• General Medical and Surgical Hospitals: 396,060 

• Assisted Living Facilities and Continuing Care Retirement Communities: 140,910 

• Home Health Care Services: 81,640 

• Employment Services: 52,310

While healthcare facilities hire more CNAs than other businesses, they're not the highest-paying employers. According to May 2022 BLS data, CNAs working at junior colleges make the highest hourly wage at $33.25, followed by nursing assistants in dental offices at $26.86. Other high-paying employers include technical and trade schools at $24.17, colleges and universities at $23.95 and scientific research and development services at $23.09 per hour. While these employers pay more, they employ far fewer CNAs than medical facilities.

CNAs make much less money than nursing positions requiring more education. According to Vivian Health's salary data on April 29, 2023, staff LPN salaries averaged $28.62 per hour, more than $11 more per hour than CNAs. On this same date, staff RN positions paid an average of $40.49 per hour, more than double a CNA salary and nearly $12 more per hour than LPNs.

A nursing assistant position can be a stepping stone to more responsibility and better pay. The following are some possible pathways to explore for enhancing your credentials:

• Oregon and North Carolina have two levels of CNA credentials. Nursing assistants
  start as a CNA 1 and can assume additional duties by training to become a CNA 2.

• Certified medication aides can distribute medication to patients in hospitals and care facilities. The NCSBN administers the national Medication Aide Certification Examination.

• CNAs who provide comfort and care to terminally ill patients can work toward a

  Certified Hospice and Palliative Nursing Assistant credential. Certification is through the Hospice and Palliative Credentialing Center.

• If you’re interested in the special requirements of patients with dementia, consider earning a Certified Alzheimer Caregiver certification through the National Certification Board for Alzheimer & Aging Care.

• Patient care technicians (PCTs) can perform phlebotomy procedures and obtain EKG
  readings. You can pursue a joint CNA/PCT program or get your CNA credential first. The National Healthcareer Association administers the Certified Patient Care Technician/Assistant exam.