2025 CNA Salary at a Glance
If you're considering a career as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), one of your first questions is probably "How much do CNAs make?" The answer depends on several factors including your location, work setting, experience, and certifications. This comprehensive guide breaks down CNA salaries for 2025 to help you understand your earning potential.
In This Guide
1. National Average CNA Salary
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for nursing assistants in 2025 is approximately $38,200, which translates to about $18.37 per hour. However, actual wages can range significantly:
Keep in mind that these figures represent base pay. Many CNAs earn additional income through overtime, shift differentials, and bonuses.
2. CNA Salary by State
Location has a major impact on CNA salaries. States with higher costs of living generally offer higher wages, while rural areas and states with lower costs of living tend to pay less.
Highest Paying States for CNAs
| State | Annual Salary | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|
| California | $44,410 | $21.35 |
| New York | $43,150 | $20.75 |
| Massachusetts | $42,680 | $20.52 |
| Washington | $42,250 | $20.31 |
| Oregon | $41,890 | $20.14 |
| Alaska | $41,520 | $19.96 |
| Hawaii | $40,980 | $19.70 |
| Connecticut | $40,650 | $19.54 |
| New Jersey | $39,870 | $19.17 |
| Nevada | $39,420 | $18.95 |
Lowest Paying States for CNAs
| State | Annual Salary | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Louisiana | $28,940 | $13.91 |
| Mississippi | $29,180 | $14.03 |
| Alabama | $29,450 | $14.16 |
| Arkansas | $29,780 | $14.32 |
| West Virginia | $30,120 | $14.48 |
Consider Cost of Living
While California and New York offer the highest CNA salaries, they also have much higher costs of living. A CNA in Texas earning $34,000 may have more purchasing power than one earning $44,000 in California after accounting for housing, taxes, and daily expenses.
3. Salary by Work Setting
Where you work as a CNA significantly impacts your salary. Different healthcare settings offer varying pay scales based on their budgets and patient care requirements.
Hospitals
Hospitals typically pay the highest wages due to more demanding work and specialized care requirements. Shift differentials for nights/weekends can add 10-15% more.
Home Health Care
Home health CNAs often have more flexible schedules and one-on-one patient care. Pay varies based on agency and client needs.
Nursing Homes
Nursing homes and long-term care facilities employ the most CNAs. Pay is generally lower but benefits packages can be comprehensive.
Staffing Agencies
Travel and agency CNAs can earn premium rates, especially for short-term assignments or hard-to-fill positions. Less job security but higher hourly pay.
4. Salary by Experience Level
As with most careers, CNA salaries increase with experience. Here's what you can expect at different stages of your career:
Entry Level (0-1 years)
$28,500 - $32,000New CNAs often start at or near minimum wage in many states. Focus on building skills and getting positive references.
Early Career (1-3 years)
$32,000 - $37,000With some experience under your belt, you can negotiate better pay and may qualify for specialized positions.
Mid Career (3-7 years)
$37,000 - $42,000Experienced CNAs may take on mentoring roles, work in specialized units, or move into supervisory positions.
Experienced (7+ years)
$42,000 - $48,000+Senior CNAs with specialized skills or certifications can command top salaries, especially in hospital settings.
5. Benefits & Additional Compensation
Beyond base salary, many CNA positions include valuable benefits that add to your total compensation package:
Common Benefits
- Health Insurance - Medical, dental, and vision coverage
- Paid Time Off - Vacation, sick days, and holidays
- Retirement Plans - 401(k) with employer matching
- Tuition Assistance - Help paying for LPN or RN programs
Additional Pay Opportunities
- Shift Differentials - Extra $1-3/hr for nights, weekends, holidays
- Overtime - Time and a half for hours over 40/week
- Sign-On Bonuses - $500-$3,000 at some facilities
- Referral Bonuses - Earn money for recruiting other CNAs
6. How to Increase Your CNA Salary
Want to earn more as a CNA? Here are proven strategies to boost your income:
Get Specialized Certifications
Additional certifications can increase your value. Consider specializing in areas like dementia care, hospice care, medication aide, or EKG/phlebotomy. These can add $1-3 per hour to your base pay.
Work Nights, Weekends, or Holidays
Most facilities offer shift differentials of $1-3 extra per hour for less desirable shifts. Working holidays can sometimes pay double time.
Consider Hospital Positions
Hospitals typically pay $3-5 more per hour than nursing homes. The work may be more demanding, but the pay and benefits are usually better.
Work for a Staffing Agency
Agency CNAs often earn $5-10 more per hour than staff positions. You'll have less stability but more flexibility and higher pay.
Advance Your Education
Many CNAs use their experience as a stepping stone to become LPNs ($50,000+) or RNs ($77,000+). Many employers offer tuition reimbursement for nursing school.
7. Job Outlook & Future Earnings
The job outlook for CNAs remains strong. According to the BLS, employment of nursing assistants is projected to grow 4% from 2023 to 2033, with about 220,000 job openings projected each year due to growth and replacement needs.
Several factors are driving demand for CNAs:
- Aging population - The baby boomer generation is increasing demand for long-term care
- Healthcare expansion - More people have access to healthcare services
- Chronic conditions - Rising rates of conditions like diabetes and obesity require more care
- Nursing shortages - CNAs help fill gaps created by nursing staff shortages
Good News for CNAs
With ongoing healthcare worker shortages, many facilities are increasing wages and offering better benefits to attract and retain CNAs. Several states have also raised minimum wages for healthcare workers specifically, pushing CNA salaries higher.
Is a CNA Career Worth It?
While CNA salaries won't make you rich, this career offers several advantages:
- Quick entry into healthcare (training takes just 4-12 weeks)
- Stable employment with consistent demand
- Meaningful work helping others
- Pathway to higher-paying nursing careers
- Flexible scheduling options
For many, working as a CNA is both financially sustainable and personally rewarding—especially as a first step into the healthcare field.
Ready to Start Your CNA Career?
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