How much does a Certified Nursing Assistant make?

The average salary for a Certified Nursing Assistant is $43,074 per year in United States. Salaries estimates are based on 3641 salaries submitted anonymously to Glassdoor by a Certified Nursing Assistant employees in United States.

The highest salary for a Certified Nursing Assistant in United States is $52,169 per year.

The lowest salary for a Certified Nursing Assistant in United States is $35,682 per year.

If you are thinking of becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant or planning the next step in your career, find details about the role, the career path and salary trajectory of a Certified Nursing Assistant.

Certified Nursing Assistants (CNA) earn higher pay below other nursing positions such as licensed practical nurses (LPN) or certified registered nurses (RN). Certified nursing assistants employed by the government, hospitals or ambulatory health services typically earn slightly more than those employed by residential care facilities or educational institutions. As the aging and chronically ill American population drives up demand for certified nursing assistants, pay is expected to rise.

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Aspects that might characterize the salary of a certified nursing assistant (CNA) as good include the potential to earn an additional $2,159.19 per year, gaining specialist skills, and increasing professional responsibilities. Roughly 65% of CNAs are content with their yearly salary, according to Glassdoor feedback.

The median yearly salary for a CNA is $40,915.10, with a total pay of approximately $43,074.29. Your salary as a CNA will vary depending on your experience, skills, workplace, and duties, and can range between $30,138.91 and $61,903.67. Following the usual CNA career path, you may progress to a senior position or consider training to become a licensed practical or vocational nurse.

There are several ways you can seek a higher salary throughout your career as a certified nursing assistant. Completing additional training and obtaining extra certifications is a common way for CNAs to bring more value to their role and attract greater pay. Specialty training includes IV and medication administration, pediatric and geriatric care, advanced life support, and phlebotomy. Changing your workplace can also increase your salary, for example in various hospital departments, in a skilled nursing facility, or by working as a travel CNA. Becoming a senior certified nursing assistant or taking on additional duties, such as administrative tasks or mentoring, are other common ways to get a pay raise.

Whether you're negotiating your salary for a new CNA job or looking for a pay raise in an existing role, there are several tactics you can use. Find out what other CNAs earn at the same company and in the wider local area, then reference the figures during your discussions. Mention any paid or unpaid experience in caregiver, healthcare, or support services roles, such as childcare, home care, and counseling. Showcase relevant skills, such as interpersonal, communication, and record keeping, and indicate your flexibility with regards to shift scheduling. If you've worked as a CNA already, discuss factors like patient satisfaction, additional training, and extra duties.