Certified nursing assistants (CNAs) — formally classified by the Bureau of Labor Statistics as Nursing Assistants (SOC 31-1131) — provide direct patient care under the supervision of registered nurses and licensed practical nurses.
According to the BLS, nursing assistants earned a median annual wage of approximately $38,130 — about $18.33 per hour — as of the most recent OEWS data.
Employment is projected to grow about 4 percent through 2032, broadly in line with the national average, yet the enormous size of this occupation generates approximately 216,900 openings per year — one of the highest raw opening counts of any occupation tracked by BLS. CNAs work primarily in nursing care facilities, hospitals, home health agencies, and continuing care retirement communities.
Compensation varies based on the work setting, geographic location, shift schedule, and state-specific minimum wage and healthcare pay standards.
CNAs who advance their credentials to become licensed practical nurses (LPNs) or registered nurses (RNs) may access substantially higher wages.
For context on the nursing career ladder, compare the LPN salary and the registered nurse salary to understand the earning potential available through credential advancement.
CNA Salary Overview (2026)
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, nursing assistants (SOC 31-1131) earned a median annual wage of approximately $38,130 ($18.33/hr) based on the most recent OEWS data. The table below shows the full national wage distribution across percentile levels for this occupation.
| Percentile | Annual Salary | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|
| 10th | $29,000 | $13.94 |
| 25th | $32,500 | $15.63 |
| 50th (Median) | $38,130 | $18.33 |
| 75th | $44,000 | $21.15 |
| 90th | $52,000 | $25.00 |
These are national estimates from the BLS OEWS program. Hospital-based CNAs and those in high-cost states typically earn above the median, while those in nursing facilities in lower-wage regions may earn closer to the 25th percentile.
To see exactly how wages like $18 an hour translate to annual, monthly, and after-tax take-home, our guide on $18 an hour is how much a year breaks down every pay period. For other rates in the range above, browse our hourly wage conversion guide index.
CNA Pay by Experience Level
CNA wages tend to increase with years of experience and additional responsibilities, though the overall wage ceiling for the occupation is limited compared to advanced nursing roles.
The table below reflects typical annual salary ranges by career stage based on BLS data and industry benchmarks as of 2026.
| Experience Level | Typical Annual Range |
|---|---|
| Entry-Level (0–2 years) | $29,000 – $34,000 |
| Mid-Career (3–7 years) | $34,000 – $43,000 |
| Experienced (8+ years) | $43,000 – $52,000+ |
CNAs who take on charge aide or unit coordinator responsibilities, or who work in higher-acuity hospital or rehabilitation settings, may earn toward the upper end of these ranges.
Many experienced CNAs choose to pursue further education to become LPNs or RNs, which offers substantially higher earning potential.
CNA Salary by State and Region
Geographic location is among the most significant factors affecting CNA wages. State minimum wage laws, healthcare industry funding levels, and cost of living all contribute to substantial variation across markets, according to BLS OEWS data.
Top-Paying States
Based on BLS OEWS data, states that typically report the highest median wages for nursing assistants include Alaska, California, Hawaii, Washington, and Oregon.
Median wages in these states may range from $43,000 to $52,000, reflecting both higher costs of living and strong state minimum wage laws that raise the floor for healthcare workers.
California, in particular, has enacted healthcare worker minimum wage legislation that affects CNA compensation.
CNAs evaluating California positions should account for the cost of living in California, while those considering Oregon or Washington should review the cost of living in Washington State when comparing real purchasing power.
Regional Patterns
The West Coast and New England consistently offer the highest CNA wages.
The South and parts of the Midwest and Mountain West tend to report wages at or below the national median.
States without robust Medicaid reimbursement for nursing facilities may report lower CNA wages due to facility funding constraints.
Urban areas in any region typically pay higher wages than rural areas, reflecting higher living costs and greater competition for healthcare workers.
Factors That Affect CNA Pay
Several variables beyond geography and experience may influence CNA compensation meaningfully.
Work Setting
According to BLS industry data, hospital-based CNAs typically earn more than those working in nursing care facilities or home health agencies.
Hospitals generally pay higher hourly rates due to greater patient acuity, more complex care needs, and the need for CNAs with acute-care competencies.
Home health CNAs may earn variable wages depending on hours worked, travel time policies, and client mix.
Shift Differentials
Healthcare facilities operate around the clock, and CNAs who work evening, overnight, or weekend shifts typically receive shift differentials of $1 to $3 or more per hour above the base rate.
For full-time CNAs consistently working off-peak shifts, these differentials can add $3,000 to $6,000 annually above base wages.
State Certification Requirements
All states require CNAs to complete a state-approved training program and pass a competency evaluation (written and skills test) administered through the state's nurse aide registry.
Some states impose additional requirements or higher training hour minimums.
Maintaining an active listing on the state registry is required to continue working as a CNA in most settings, and failure to complete required continuing education may result in delisting.
Career Ladder Programs
Many healthcare employers offer tuition assistance or loan repayment programs that allow CNAs to pursue LPN or RN education while working.
Participating in these ladder programs can significantly increase long-term earnings.
LPNs earn a BLS median of approximately $59,730, and RNs earn approximately $81,220 — substantially above the CNA median.
CNAs exploring the LPN salary and registered nurse salary pages can compare earning potential at each stage of the nursing career ladder.
CNA Career Outlook
The BLS projects employment of nursing assistants to grow approximately 4 percent through 2032, generating roughly 216,900 openings per year — one of the highest annual opening counts across all occupations tracked by BLS. This large volume reflects both new job creation driven by the aging U.S. population's growing need for long-term care and personal assistance, as well as extremely high turnover and attrition rates in the occupation.
The long-term care sector — including nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and home health — is expected to remain a primary employer of CNAs.
Government initiatives to expand community-based care and home- and community-based services (HCBS) through Medicaid may shift some CNA employment from institutional to home-based settings over the coming decade.
CNAs willing to work in rural, underserved, or long-term care settings may find the strongest job availability, as these areas often face the most severe staffing shortages.
CNAs should apply salary negotiation strategies when changing employers, build an emergency fund in a high-yield savings account, and review emergency fund recommendations appropriate for a variable-hours healthcare income.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average CNA salary in 2026?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, nursing assistants (SOC 31-1131) earned a median annual wage of approximately $38,130 — about $18.33 per hour — based on the most recent OEWS data.
Wages vary by state, employer type, shift schedule, and years of experience.
For comparison across the nursing pay spectrum, see the medical assistant salary as a similarly positioned allied health role.
How do you become a CNA?
To become a CNA, candidates must complete a state-approved nursing assistant training program (typically 75 to 175 hours of combined classroom and clinical instruction) and pass a state competency evaluation consisting of a written exam and a hands-on skills test.
Successful candidates are listed on the state nurse aide registry, which is required to work as a CNA in most healthcare settings.
Do hospital CNAs earn more than nursing home CNAs?
Generally, yes.
According to BLS industry data, CNAs working in hospitals typically earn above the occupational median, while those in nursing and residential care facilities may earn closer to the median or below it.
The difference reflects the higher patient acuity, more complex care needs, and generally stronger financial resources of hospital employers.
Can a CNA advance to a higher-paying healthcare career?
Yes. Many CNAs use the role as a stepping stone toward licensed practical nursing (LPN, median ~$59,730 per BLS) or registered nursing (RN, median ~$81,220 per BLS). Many employers offer tuition assistance or career ladder programs that allow CNAs to pursue further education while working.
Bridge programs from CNA to LPN, and LPN to RN, are widely available at community colleges. CNAs planning this advancement should review the LPN salary to set realistic income expectations, and explore retirement savings targets appropriate for their current and future earning level.
How many CNA jobs are available each year?
The BLS projects approximately 216,900 nursing assistant job openings per year through 2032 — one of the highest annual opening volumes across all occupations BLS tracks.
This high volume reflects both ongoing demand from the aging population and high turnover rates in the occupation.
Job availability is generally strong across most geographic markets, particularly in long-term care and home health settings.
CNAs entering this high-turnover field should build financial resilience by tracking progress against savings benchmarks and opening a Roth IRA for long-term retirement savings even on an entry-level healthcare income.
Sources & References
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook: Nursing Assistants and Orderlies — https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/nursing-assistants.htm
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics: Nursing Assistants (SOC 31-1131) — https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes311131.htm
- U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Information Network (O*NET): Nursing Assistants — https://www.dol.gov/
Last updated: April 27, 2026