How Much Does a CNA Make? (2026 Salary Guide)

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for nursing assistants is approximately $38,200 per year, or about $18.37 per hour. That figure covers the full range of CNAs across all settings and experience levels nationwide. The bottom 10% of earners make around $30,000 per year. The top 10% earn $50,000 or more. Where you land in that range depends on three things: where you work, what setting you work in, and how much experience you have. It is worth noting that CNA is one of the fastest jobs to enter in healthcare. Most programs take 4–12 weeks to complete, and you can be working — and earning — within 60–90 days of starting training.

Geography is the biggest factor in CNA pay. States with higher costs of living and stronger union presence tend to pay significantly more. Highest-paying states for CNAs: • California — $44,000–$56,000/year median (highest in the nation) • Alaska — $46,000–$52,000/year • New York — $40,000–$50,000/year • Massachusetts — $41,000–$49,000/year • Washington — $40,000–$48,000/year Mid-range states: • Texas — $32,000–$38,000/year • Florida — $31,000–$37,000/year • Pennsylvania — $33,000–$40,000/year • Ohio — $30,000–$36,000/year • Illinois — $33,000–$40,000/year Lower-paying states tend to be in the Southeast and rural Midwest, where the cost of living is also lower. Louisiana, Mississippi, and Arkansas typically see median CNA wages in the $28,000–$32,000 range. The gap between California and Mississippi is nearly $20,000 per year for the same job. If you have flexibility in where you work, geography alone is the single biggest lever on your income as a CNA.

Where you work affects your pay almost as much as where you live. CNAs work across several different settings, each with different pay scales and working conditions. • Hospitals — typically the highest-paying setting for CNAs, often $20–$25/hour. Hospital CNAs work faster-paced floors alongside nurses and physicians. Many hospitals offer shift differentials (extra pay for nights and weekends) and union representation. • Long-term care / nursing homes — the most common setting for CNAs, paying $16–$20/hour on average. This is where most CNAs start their careers. Workload is typically higher (more residents per CNA) than in hospitals. • Home health agencies — pay varies widely, from $15–$22/hour. Home health CNAs work one-on-one with a single client, which many prefer. Pay depends heavily on the agency and the client's insurance. • Assisted living facilities — typically $15–$19/hour. Residents are more independent than in nursing homes, which can make the work less physically demanding. • Rehabilitation centers — similar to hospital pay, $18–$23/hour. CNAs assist patients recovering from surgery, stroke, or injury. If maximizing pay is the priority, target hospital positions or rehabilitation centers in high-wage states.

Entry-level CNAs typically start at the lower end of their state's pay range. Here is how pay typically increases over time: • 0–1 year experience: Starting wage, usually minimum for the facility • 1–3 years: Merit increases, shift differentials, possible certification bonuses • 3+ years: Senior CNA roles, charge aide positions, specialty certifications Additional certifications that boost CNA pay: • Certified Medication Aide (CMA) — allows CNAs to administer medications in some states. Pay increase of $2–$4/hour. • IV certification — allows CNAs to assist with IV therapy in some states. Common in hospitals. • Restorative aide certification — focuses on rehab and mobility. Valued in skilled nursing and rehab settings. • Dementia care certification — increasingly sought by memory care units. Shift differentials are one of the most underrated ways to earn more as a CNA without changing jobs. Night shifts (11pm–7am) typically pay $1–$3/hour more. Weekend differentials add another $1–$2/hour. A CNA working nights and weekends can earn $5–$6/hour more than a day-shift colleague with identical base pay.

CNA is an entry point, not a ceiling. The majority of nurses started as CNAs — the hands-on patient care experience is some of the best preparation available for nursing school. Common career paths from CNA: • Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) — 1-year program, median salary $59,000/year. LPNs can administer medications, perform wound care, and take on more clinical responsibility. • Registered Nurse (RN) — 2–4 year program (ADN or BSN), median salary $81,000/year. CNAs who become RNs often find that their patient care experience gives them a significant advantage in both nursing school and on the floor. • Medical Assistant (MA) — some CNAs transition to clinical or administrative MA roles in physician offices, typically $36,000–$42,000/year. • Patient Care Technician (PCT) — a step above CNA in hospital settings, often with EKG and phlebotomy training, paying $19–$24/hour. Many employers offer tuition reimbursement for CNAs pursuing nursing degrees. If career advancement is your goal, choosing an employer with education benefits can make the path to RN significantly more affordable.

Before you can earn any of the above, you need to pass the NNAAP certification exam. The written test covers six content areas over 70 questions, and the clinical skills evaluation tests 5 hands-on procedures in front of an evaluator. First-attempt pass rates nationally are around 75–80% for the written exam and lower for the skills test. The candidates who pass consistently are the ones who practice with realistic test simulations before exam day. CertPrepAcademy.com offers a free 70-question NNAAP practice test — same format as the real exam, with detailed explanations for every question. No signup required. 501 questions across all six content areas, plus step-by-step guides for all 25 clinical skills. Passing the exam is the first and most important step toward everything on this page.