2025–26 CNA Salary: Facts, Figures, Salaries by State

Nursing assistants are vital to the well-being and safety of patients and residents in the healthcare system. In most states, this job is known as a certified nursing assistant (CNA), but the job has a number of different titles:

Kentucky: state registered nurse aide (SRNA)

New Hampshire and Vermont: licensed nursing assistant (LNA)

Ohio: state tested nurse aide (STNA)

CNAs are incredibly supportive not only of patients but also of the RNs and LPNs with whom they work. From helping patients with activities of daily living to being a source of companionship, CNAs are integral to delivering high-quality care. For all your hard work, you may be curious about what affects your CNA salary. Great question!

How much do CNAs make a year on average? How can you boost your nursing assistant salary? What does the demand for this job look like in the next decade? How much does a CNA make in a hospital compared to in a home healthcare setting? We'll answer all your questions and then some.

What Is a CNA Salary on Average?

The CNA average salary is $42,700 per year in the United States, or $20.53 per hour. CNA pay rates are determined by a handful of variables. The state in which you work (see the chart below), the years of experience you have working as a CNA, your education level, and the type of facility you work in can all make a difference in the pay rate for a CNA.

CNA Average Salary by State

To figure out how much you might earn as a CNA in different areas of the country, consult this list of the average CNA salaries and hourly rates by state according to the latest data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Have you been thinking about getting a new job? Click the links to see the latest CNA jobs in each state and what pay they may be offering.

Best-Paying States for CNAs 2025–2026

So, what is a CNA salary worth in the best-paying states? And where can a CNA earn the biggest paycheck? Those are both important questions, but the answers aren't set in stone. As with all other jobs, the salary for CNA professionals can change from one year to the next, and so can the best-paying locations. According to the most recent data, these are the highest-paying locations for CNAs:

• Washington
• Oregon
• California
• New Hampshire
• Alaska

How Your Degree Can Affect Your CNA Salary

If you compare a CNA salary vs. LPN salary ($67,050), the difference is $24,350 per year on average. How come there's such a big difference between LPN vs. CNA salary figures? While both jobs share certain duties and responsibilities, the answer has to do with the amount of formal training involved.

Although the requirements to work as a CNA differ by state, it generally takes about four to six weeks to complete the education necessary to become a CNA. You'll enroll in a state-approved training program and then you'll have to pass an exam such as the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program. Check with your state board of nursing for specific requirements.

In comparison, it takes at least one year to become an LPN or an LVN. You must complete an accredited LPN program and pass the NCLEX-PN exam to obtain a license to practice.

CNA Salaries: FAQ

Is the pay rate for a CNA affected by what kind of healthcare setting you work in?

Yes. In addition to your location, education, and experience, your nursing assistant salary can be affected by the type of workplace that hires you. For example, CNA jobs in outpatient care centers tend to pay CNAs more money than skilled nursing facilities do. Here's a look at the average annual nurse assistant salary in different settings:

• Outpatient care centers: $48,460
• Employment services: $48,160
• Specialty hospitals: $45,340
• Psychiatric and substance abuse hospitals: $44,110
• Personal care services: $43,990

What is the job outlook for CNAs?

Per the BLS, the employment of nursing assistants is expected to grow by 2% over the next decade. That's an additional 32,600 jobs. This is to compensate for retiring workers and workers who switch career paths. Additionally, the aging population will also increase the need for nursing assistants.

What are some ways to increase my CNA salary?

Your pay rate for a CNA job might be improved by:

• Negotiating your job offers: Always see if you can negotiate your base salary when you get a job offer. See what people in your location and position earn to make a case for yourself.
• Planning your schedule: Does your facility offer shift differentials for evening, night, weekend, and holiday hours? This can give your base nurse assistant salary a healthy boost.
• Getting certified: Looking to expand your CNA career path? There's a good chance you could earn more for obtaining certain certifications. Ask your employer if there are any financial incentives for earning a certification. For instance, you could become a certified medication aide, which would give you more responsibility as well as more money.
• Grabbing per diem shifts: If your have the time in your schedule, pick up a few per diem shifts each month — either with your existing employer or through an agency.
• Considering getting a new job: As mentioned above, job offers often come with the ability to negotiate your nursing assistant salary. It doesn't hurt to see what's out there.

Increase Your CNA Salary

Need some help exploring your career options? Take a look at the latest CNA jobs to find one that fits your needs.