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CNA Salary in Ohio (2026)

Average wages for Certified Nursing Assistants in Ohio, based on BLS data. Ohio pays 7% below the national average.

$16.00
Average hourly wage
-$1.23 vs. national avg
$33,270
Average annual salary
Based on full-time hours
#35
out of 50 states
59,880
CNAs employed in Ohio

CNA Pay in Ohio — Questions Answered

How much do CNAs make in Ohio?

The average CNA salary in Ohio is $16.00 per hour, or $33,270 per year based on full-time employment. This is 7% below the national average of $17.23/hr ($35,843/yr).

What is the highest-paying CNA job type in Ohio?

In most states, including Ohio, hospital CNAs earn the most — typically 15–25% above nursing home CNAs. Home health aides working independently through per-diem apps like ShiftKey or NurseDash can also earn premium rates, especially for overnight and weekend shifts.

How do I become a CNA in Ohio?

To become a CNA in Ohio, you must complete a state-approved training program (typically 75–180 hours), then pass the NNAAP written exam and a clinical skills evaluation. Once certified, you register with the state's Nurse Aide Registry. Training programs are available at community colleges, nursing homes, and Red Cross chapters.

How can I earn more as a CNA in Ohio?

CNAs in Ohio can increase pay by working per-diem shifts through staffing platforms, specializing in home health or hospice care, adding a medication aide certification, or advancing to an LPN or RN role. Geographic moves within the state — often to urban areas or high-cost-of-living regions — can also yield higher wages.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024. SOC Code 31-1131 (Nursing Assistants).

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