CNA salary
BLS occupation: Nursing Assistants · also called certified nursing assistant · Healthcare support · data for May 2025
Median salary $42,260 a year, US
Median hourly pay $20.32 an hour
Middle half earn $37,260–$47,220 25th to 75th percentile
CNAs employed 1,448,910 +2.6% projected by 2035
How much does a CNA make?
- The median CNA salary in the US is $42,260 a year ($20.32 an hour): half of the 1,448,910 CNAs BLS counts earn more and half earn less. The average (mean) is $42,700.
- The middle half earn between $37,260 and $47,220. The lowest-paid 10% earn less than $33,940 and the top 10% more than $51,980.
- That is 17% less than the median for all US workers ($50,980).
- Oregon pays CNAs the most (median $49,830), followed by Washington ($49,180) and New York ($48,590). Louisiana pays the least ($30,510).
- After adjusting for prices, the pay goes furthest in North Dakota, where the median is worth $51,507 in typical US prices, then Maine and Oregon. Oregon's higher pay is offset by its prices (103.4 vs a US average of 100).
- In 6 of the 379 metro areas with data, the median CNA salary is enough to rent a typical home without spending more than 30% of income on rent.
- BLS projects the number of CNAs to grow 2.6% from 2025 to 2035 (all jobs: 3.5%), with about 196,200 openings a year. The typical entry education is a postsecondary certificate (a nondegree award).
official From BLS's survey of employers: what CNAs are actually paid, not job ads or self-reports. Adjusted figures are derived. How we calculate.
How does your pay compare?
CNA salary range
Half of CNAs earn between $37,260 and $47,220 a year
Yearly pay at each point of the range, US, May 2025. For comparison, the median for all US jobs is $50,980.
Lowest 10% earn under Yearly pay: $33,940
Lowest 25% earn under Yearly pay: $37,260
Median Yearly pay: $42,260
Top 25% earn over Yearly pay: $47,220
Top 10% earn over Yearly pay: $51,980
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025.
Show the numbers
| Yearly pay | |
|---|---|
| Lowest 10% earn under | $33,940 |
| Lowest 25% earn under | $37,260 |
| Median | $42,260 |
| Top 25% earn over | $47,220 |
| Top 10% earn over | $51,980 |
CNA salary by state
Oregon pays CNAs the most; Louisiana the least
Median yearly pay by state compared with the US median ($42,260), May 2025. Blue = higher pay.
- 20%+ below US
- 10–20% below
- 3–10% below
- Within 3%
- 3–10% above
- 10–20% above
- 20%+ above US
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025.
Show the numbers
| State | Median pay |
|---|---|
| Oregon | $49,830 median |
| Washington | $49,180 median |
| New York | $48,590 median |
| New Hampshire | $47,870 median |
| District of Columbia | $47,700 median |
| California | $47,630 median |
| Colorado | $47,380 median |
| Vermont | $47,130 median |
| Maine | $47,070 median |
| New Jersey | $46,830 median |
| Massachusetts | $46,680 median |
| Minnesota | $46,680 median |
| Rhode Island | $46,440 median |
| Alaska | $46,370 median |
| Illinois | $45,960 median |
| North Dakota | $45,820 median |
| Nevada | $45,490 median |
| Hawaii | $45,350 median |
| Wisconsin | $45,130 median |
| Connecticut | $44,790 median |
| Arizona | $44,780 median |
| Pennsylvania | $44,590 median |
| Maryland | $43,240 median |
| Virginia | $43,200 median |
| Delaware | $42,030 median |
| Montana | $40,900 median |
| Nebraska | $40,000 median |
| Utah | $39,840 median |
| Michigan | $39,570 median |
| New Mexico | $39,390 median |
| Iowa | $39,350 median |
| Wyoming | $39,160 median |
| Ohio | $39,010 median |
| South Dakota | $38,800 median |
| Idaho | $38,650 median |
| North Carolina | $38,460 median |
| Kentucky | $38,370 median |
| Indiana | $38,330 median |
| Kansas | $38,010 median |
| Tennessee | $37,990 median |
| Georgia | $37,680 median |
| Missouri | $37,680 median |
| Florida | $37,510 median |
| Texas | $37,500 median |
| South Carolina | $37,220 median |
| West Virginia | $36,720 median |
| Oklahoma | $35,930 median |
| Arkansas | $34,430 median |
| Alabama | $34,140 median |
| Mississippi | $31,520 median |
| Louisiana | $30,510 median |
Where CNA pay goes furthest
A salary buys more where prices are low. We divide each state's median by its price level from the Bureau of Economic Analysis, so every figure is in typical US prices. derived
CNAs' pay goes furthest in North Dakota once prices are counted
Median pay ÷ the state's price level (BEA, 2024; US = 100), shown in typical US prices. Top 10 states.
US median
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025; BEA Regional Price Parities 2024. Our calculation.
Show the numbers
| Worth, in US prices | |
|---|---|
| North Dakota | $51,507 |
| Maine | $48,501 |
| Oregon | $48,210 |
| Vermont | $48,112 |
| Wisconsin | $47,962 |
| Minnesota | $47,333 |
| Illinois | $45,979 |
| Colorado | $45,977 |
| Washington | $45,957 |
| New Hampshire | $45,956 |
CNA pay in every state
| State | Median a year | Hourly | Lowest 10% | Top 10% | Employed | After cost of living |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oregon | $49,830 | $23.96 | $43,210 | $61,310 | 14,800 | $48,210 |
| Washington | $49,180 | $23.64 | $42,500 | $62,660 | 30,270 | $45,957 |
| New York | $48,590 | $23.36 | $38,450 | $59,890 | 87,990 | $45,024 |
| New Hampshire | $47,870 | $23.01 | $39,140 | $59,660 | 7,810 | $45,956 |
| District of Columbia | $47,700 | $22.93 | $38,900 | $57,500 | 3,490 | $43,403 |
| California | $47,630 | $22.90 | $40,110 | $61,100 | 110,060 | $43,018 |
| Colorado | $47,380 | $22.78 | $38,690 | $56,070 | 22,240 | $45,977 |
| Vermont | $47,130 | $22.66 | $37,620 | $59,600 | 3,030 | $48,112 |
| Maine | $47,070 | $22.63 | $39,100 | $58,120 | 8,540 | $48,501 |
| New Jersey | $46,830 | $22.51 | $38,900 | $55,140 | 32,400 | $43,040 |
| Massachusetts | $46,680 | $22.44 | $39,380 | $57,880 | 38,130 | $44,139 |
| Minnesota | $46,680 | $22.44 | $38,010 | $55,410 | 29,120 | $47,333 |
| Rhode Island | $46,440 | $22.33 | $39,220 | $54,950 | 10,220 | $45,405 |
| Alaska | $46,370 | $22.29 | $39,450 | $58,430 | 2,060 | $45,301 |
| Illinois | $45,960 | $22.10 | $37,590 | $54,050 | 68,640 | $45,979 |
| North Dakota | $45,820 | $22.03 | $35,130 | $51,380 | 6,840 | $51,507 |
| Nevada | $45,490 | $21.87 | $36,940 | $50,680 | 8,100 | $45,500 |
| Hawaii | $45,350 | $21.80 | $36,000 | $52,660 | 5,050 | $41,246 |
| Wisconsin | $45,130 | $21.70 | $37,900 | $50,650 | 28,370 | $47,962 |
| Connecticut | $44,790 | $21.53 | $38,660 | $53,870 | 21,380 | $43,229 |
| Arizona | $44,780 | $21.53 | $37,100 | $57,820 | 20,320 | $44,479 |
| Pennsylvania | $44,590 | $21.44 | $37,760 | $49,360 | 67,740 | $45,700 |
| Maryland | $43,240 | $20.79 | $36,060 | $49,330 | 27,720 | $41,197 |
| Virginia | $43,200 | $20.77 | $31,560 | $50,980 | 40,580 | $42,728 |
| Delaware | $42,030 | $20.21 | $36,530 | $48,080 | 5,530 | $42,111 |
| Montana | $40,900 | $19.66 | $36,780 | $49,700 | 4,390 | $43,214 |
| Nebraska | $40,000 | $19.23 | $37,090 | $48,980 | 16,450 | $44,394 |
| Utah | $39,840 | $19.15 | $34,870 | $47,080 | 12,260 | $40,298 |
| Michigan | $39,570 | $19.02 | $36,830 | $46,740 | 43,290 | $41,126 |
| New Mexico | $39,390 | $18.94 | $34,110 | $48,340 | 4,750 | $42,717 |
| Iowa | $39,350 | $18.92 | $35,620 | $47,980 | 22,670 | $44,837 |
| Wyoming | $39,160 | $18.83 | $33,390 | $49,610 | 2,830 | $42,248 |
| Ohio | $39,010 | $18.75 | $35,060 | $46,570 | 63,280 | $42,048 |
| South Dakota | $38,800 | $18.65 | $31,110 | $46,100 | 6,860 | $43,799 |
| Idaho | $38,650 | $18.58 | $28,380 | $47,430 | 7,910 | $40,474 |
| North Carolina | $38,460 | $18.49 | $30,260 | $47,080 | 64,010 | $40,773 |
| Kentucky | $38,370 | $18.45 | $30,390 | $46,450 | 23,410 | $42,558 |
| Indiana | $38,330 | $18.43 | $35,390 | $46,890 | 33,640 | $41,070 |
| Kansas | $38,010 | $18.27 | $32,180 | $46,980 | 24,610 | $42,201 |
| Tennessee | $37,990 | $18.26 | $31,110 | $44,660 | 27,040 | $41,352 |
| Georgia | $37,680 | $18.12 | $30,300 | $47,310 | 43,440 | $39,131 |
| Missouri | $37,680 | $18.12 | $31,350 | $45,260 | 34,050 | $41,490 |
| Florida | $37,510 | $18.03 | $34,350 | $46,790 | 96,960 | $36,272 |
| Texas | $37,500 | $18.03 | $30,620 | $47,500 | 88,680 | $38,637 |
| South Carolina | $37,220 | $17.89 | $30,460 | $44,760 | 21,760 | $39,702 |
| West Virginia | $36,720 | $17.65 | $31,060 | $45,290 | 9,390 | $41,029 |
| Oklahoma | $35,930 | $17.27 | $29,630 | $42,870 | 19,410 | $40,903 |
| Arkansas | $34,430 | $16.55 | $28,840 | $39,020 | 17,260 | $39,603 |
| Alabama | $34,140 | $16.41 | $28,330 | $38,680 | 25,250 | $38,436 |
| Mississippi | $31,520 | $15.15 | $27,050 | $38,290 | 14,200 | $36,249 |
| Louisiana | $30,510 | $14.67 | $27,980 | $37,390 | 20,690 | $34,589 |
After cost of living = median ÷ (BEA price level ÷ 100).
CNA salary by city
Metro areas where BLS publishes CNA pay: 383 of 387. Rent share = typical rent (September 2026, Zillow) × 12 ÷ the median salary; under 30% is affordable by the usual rule.
Highest-paying metro areas
- San Jose, CA $56,840
- San Francisco, CA $56,080
- Seattle, WA $51,990
- Napa, CA $50,370
- Portland, OR $50,350
- Bend, OR $50,080
- Boulder, CO $49,860
- Grants Pass, OR $49,770
- New York, NY $49,270
- Santa Rosa, CA $49,240
Where the pay goes furthest
- Grand Forks, ND $52,779
- Rochester, MN $51,574
- San Jose, CA $51,475
- Bismarck, ND $51,327
- Lewiston, ME $51,269
- Mankato, MN $51,047
- Vineland, NJ $50,944
- Grants Pass, OR $50,910
- Battle Creek, MI $50,220
- Sheboygan, WI $50,046
All 383 metro areas
| Metro area | Median a year | Employed | After cost of living | Rent share |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Jose, CA | $56,840 | 5,350 | $51,475 | 80% |
| San Francisco, CA | $56,080 | 11,790 | $48,507 | 74% |
| Seattle, WA | $51,990 | 16,530 | $46,782 | 52% |
| Napa, CA | $50,370 | 460 | $44,752 | 69% |
| Portland, OR | $50,350 | 8,890 | $47,761 | 43% |
| Bend, OR | $50,080 | 620 | $48,337 | 53% |
| Boulder, CO | $49,860 | 1,030 | $47,395 | 53% |
| Grants Pass, OR | $49,770 | 420 | $50,910 | 38% |
| New York, NY | $49,270 | 79,480 | $43,771 | 86% |
| Santa Rosa, CA | $49,240 | 1,250 | $45,684 | 65% |
| Bremerton, WA | $49,160 | 850 | $46,550 | 50% |
| Denver, CO | $49,110 | 10,350 | $46,426 | 46% |
| Mount Vernon, WA | $49,020 | 500 | $47,851 | 53% |
| Vallejo, CA | $48,900 | 940 | $45,078 | 60% |
| Vineland, NJ | $48,890 | 770 | $50,944 | 40% |
| Salinas, CA | $48,870 | 1,070 | $44,818 | 68% |
| Salem, OR | $48,840 | 1,390 | $47,121 | 40% |
| Corvallis, OR | $48,830 | 340 | $46,944 | 45% |
| Lewiston, ME | $48,570 | 690 | $51,269 | 39% |
| Albany, OR | $48,550 | 530 | $47,551 | 40% |
| Barnstable, MA | $48,520 | 1,030 | $49,334 | 64% |
| Wenatchee, WA | $48,520 | 440 | $46,719 | 43% |
| Eugene, OR | $48,320 | 1,540 | $47,574 | 44% |
| Burlington, VT | $48,190 | 1,060 | $47,737 | 65% |
| Portland, ME | $48,180 | 3,380 | $47,301 | 57% |
| San Diego, CA | $48,070 | 9,670 | $42,963 | 74% |
| Kennewick, WA | $48,060 | 1,060 | $48,022 | 42% |
| Olympia, WA | $48,060 | 1,040 | $46,359 | 51% |
| Bellingham, WA | $48,040 | 790 | $46,490 | 49% |
| Minneapolis, MN | $48,020 | 14,590 | $45,811 | 43% |
| Walla Walla, WA | $47,990 | 290 | $48,711 | 37% |
| Santa Cruz, CA | $47,940 | 440 | $43,623 | 87% |
| Medford, OR | $47,890 | 1,000 | $47,213 | 46% |
| Longview, WA | $47,830 | 440 | $49,034 | 36% |
| Kahului, HI | $47,630 | 330 | $43,540 | 81% |
| Boston, MA | $47,590 | 26,130 | $43,957 | 75% |
| Sacramento, CA | $47,510 | 5,650 | $44,539 | 57% |
| Los Angeles, CA | $47,380 | 43,090 | $41,720 | 74% |
| Spokane, WA | $47,240 | 2,780 | $47,077 | 38% |
| Santa Maria, CA | $47,130 | 1,090 | $43,319 | 83% |
| Yakima, WA | $47,080 | 1,320 | $49,275 | 35% |
| Sheboygan, WI | $47,050 | 520 | $50,046 | 34% |
| Bangor, ME | $46,970 | 1,110 | $48,670 | 39% |
| Chicago, IL | $46,940 | 45,850 | $45,311 | 55% |
| Carson City, NV | $46,880 | 340 | $47,773 | 53% |
| Rochester, MN | $46,840 | 1,550 | $51,574 | 41% |
| San Luis Obispo, CA | $46,840 | 610 | $43,132 | 72% |
| Visalia, CA | $46,810 | 1,530 | $46,892 | 44% |
| Oxnard, CA | $46,800 | 2,070 | $42,340 | 76% |
| Reno, NV | $46,760 | 1,430 | $46,291 | 53% |
| Bismarck, ND | $46,720 | 1,430 | $51,327 | 33% |
| Greeley, CO | $46,670 | 700 | $46,588 | 43% |
| Pittsfield, MA | $46,620 | 810 | $49,019 | 45% |
| Modesto, CA | $46,550 | 1,500 | $44,713 | 53% |
| Santa Fe, NM | $46,530 | 410 | $47,111 | 50% |
| Stockton, CA | $46,530 | 2,560 | $44,277 | 63% |
| Mankato, MN | $46,430 | 930 | $51,047 | 32% |
| Riverside, CA | $46,430 | 9,940 | $43,620 | 65% |
| Manchester, NH | $46,400 | 2,410 | $43,916 | 56% |
| Chico, CA | $46,380 | 790 | $45,831 | 40% |
| Providence, RI | $46,330 | 13,030 | $45,523 | 56% |
| Cheyenne, WY | $46,320 | 470 | $48,004 | 40% |
| Bozeman, MT | $46,220 | 340 | $45,088 | 57% |
| Kenosha, WI | $46,220 | 710 | $45,709 | – |
| Philadelphia, PA | $46,220 | 30,680 | $45,069 | 49% |
| Bakersfield, CA | $46,130 | 1,720 | $45,725 | 47% |
| Yuba City, CA | $46,130 | 520 | $44,257 | 53% |
| Colorado Springs, CO | $46,120 | 4,910 | $45,796 | 46% |
| Amherst-Northampton, MA | $46,110 | 540 | $45,998 | – |
| Hanford, CA | $45,980 | 290 | $45,251 | 51% |
| Trenton, NJ | $45,980 | 1,690 | $44,563 | 66% |
| Fort Collins, CO | $45,970 | – | $45,457 | 52% |
| Grand Forks, ND | $45,740 | 930 | $52,779 | 30% |
| Poughkeepsie-Newburgh, NY | $45,730 | 2,380 | $41,792 | 59% |
| Washington, DC | $45,730 | 25,520 | $41,999 | 63% |
| Racine, WI | $45,710 | 620 | $47,634 | 38% |
| Worcester, MA | $45,710 | 5,250 | $44,585 | 55% |
| Milwaukee, WI | $45,690 | 7,880 | $47,134 | 41% |
| Ithaca, NY | $45,640 | 470 | $44,175 | 52% |
| Bridgeport, CT | $45,560 | 4,500 | $42,634 | 76% |
| Reading, PA | $45,530 | 1,830 | $46,909 | 41% |
| Battle Creek, MI | $45,470 | 690 | $50,220 | 30% |
| Anchorage, AK | $45,370 | 1,310 | $43,037 | 50% |
| Las Vegas, NV | $45,350 | 5,930 | $45,253 | 46% |
| Lebanon, PA | $45,340 | 730 | $48,641 | 38% |
| Phoenix, AZ | $45,290 | 13,550 | $43,836 | 46% |
| Pueblo, CO | $45,270 | 920 | $49,334 | 35% |
| Chambersburg, PA | $45,260 | 540 | $47,822 | 35% |
| Madison, WI | $45,260 | 3,420 | $46,522 | 47% |
| Honolulu, HI | $45,260 | 3,770 | $40,789 | 80% |
| Prescott Valley, AZ | $45,180 | 690 | $45,982 | 50% |
| New Haven, CT | $45,030 | 3,840 | $43,067 | 54% |
| Grand Junction, CO | $44,980 | 710 | $47,111 | 46% |
| Lancaster, PA | $44,890 | 3,380 | $45,686 | 42% |
| Redding, CA | $44,880 | 760 | $44,575 | 44% |
| Appleton, WI | $44,760 | 980 | $48,432 | 32% |
| Springfield, MA | $44,740 | 2,930 | $46,575 | 53% |
| Merced, CA | $44,730 | 500 | $45,515 | 55% |
| Fresno, CA | $44,710 | 3,880 | $43,766 | 55% |
| Kingston, NY | $44,710 | 540 | $44,395 | 54% |
| El Centro, CA | $44,670 | 240 | $46,935 | 48% |
| Oshkosh, WI | $44,590 | 900 | $47,983 | 34% |
| Flagstaff, AZ | $44,580 | 500 | $44,436 | 57% |
| Ann Arbor, MI | $44,570 | 3,430 | $44,181 | 52% |
| York, PA | $44,530 | 1,890 | $46,385 | 37% |
| Fond du Lac, WI | $44,490 | 520 | $48,547 | 30% |
| Binghamton, NY | $44,410 | 1,310 | $47,823 | 44% |
| Allentown, PA | $44,360 | 4,970 | $44,374 | 50% |
| Hartford, CT | $44,340 | 7,990 | $43,155 | 54% |
| Lexington Park, MD | $44,270 | 620 | $43,936 | 55% |
| Duluth, MN | $44,250 | 1,610 | $49,849 | 36% |
| Norwich, CT | $44,210 | 1,610 | $44,014 | 57% |
| Charlottesville, VA | $44,140 | 1,610 | $44,520 | 55% |
| Scranton, PA | $43,980 | 3,080 | $47,009 | 37% |
| Des Moines, IA | $43,940 | 4,660 | $47,917 | 35% |
| Harrisburg, PA | $43,940 | 4,490 | $44,541 | 40% |
| Lynchburg, VA | $43,660 | 1,300 | $48,857 | 35% |
| Wausau, WI | $43,660 | 710 | $47,123 | 26% |
| Utica, NY | $43,560 | 1,590 | $47,001 | 39% |
| Ames, IA | $43,540 | 770 | $49,015 | 32% |
| La Crosse, WI | $43,510 | 1,250 | $47,413 | 37% |
| Green Bay, WI | $43,450 | 1,700 | $46,677 | 31% |
| Bloomington, IL | $43,180 | 950 | $46,164 | 36% |
| Eau Claire, WI | $43,150 | 1,100 | $46,500 | 32% |
| Lake Havasu City, AZ | $43,140 | 490 | $45,846 | 43% |
| Atlantic City, NJ | $43,080 | 1,450 | $43,578 | 57% |
| Pittsburgh, PA | $43,080 | 12,140 | $45,505 | 41% |
| Peoria, IL | $43,040 | 2,740 | $47,177 | 32% |
| Waterbury, CT | $43,010 | 2,190 | $43,106 | – |
| Columbus, OH | $42,970 | 10,020 | $45,009 | 43% |
| Syracuse, NY | $42,940 | 3,120 | $44,850 | 45% |
| Baltimore, MD | $42,770 | 13,580 | $40,933 | 54% |
| Richmond, VA | $42,720 | 6,660 | $43,655 | 48% |
| Tucson, AZ | $42,560 | 3,500 | $43,923 | 42% |
| Gettysburg, PA | $42,520 | 370 | $44,580 | 39% |
| Helena, MT | $42,520 | 290 | $44,442 | 46% |
| Staunton, VA | $42,490 | 640 | $46,627 | 41% |
| Louisville, KY | $42,220 | 7,650 | $45,362 | 38% |
| Decatur, IL | $41,990 | 600 | $47,488 | 30% |
| Traverse City, MI | $41,900 | 700 | $44,874 | 53% |
| Hagerstown, MD | $41,870 | 970 | $44,462 | 46% |
| Dayton, OH | $41,670 | 4,970 | $44,954 | 38% |
| Dubuque, IA | $41,580 | 1,010 | $47,614 | 31% |
| Gainesville, GA | $41,390 | 1,050 | $42,773 | 49% |
| Columbia, MO | $41,290 | 2,040 | $46,166 | 42% |
| Niles, MI | $41,070 | 590 | $44,462 | 41% |
| Durham, NC | $40,560 | 4,830 | $41,569 | 49% |
| St. George, UT | $40,520 | 1,090 | $41,635 | 55% |
| Salt Lake City, UT | $40,510 | 5,160 | $40,161 | 49% |
| Cincinnati, OH | $40,350 | 11,390 | $42,309 | 45% |
| Naples, FL | $40,260 | 1,400 | $39,012 | 78% |
| Asheville, NC | $40,170 | 2,590 | $41,624 | 51% |
| Albany, NY | $40,160 | 4,200 | $40,335 | 51% |
| Rockford, IL | $40,140 | 2,120 | $43,558 | 39% |
| St. Cloud, MN | $40,130 | 1,580 | $45,794 | 37% |
| Jackson, MI | $40,080 | 690 | $43,670 | 35% |
| Springfield, IL | $40,070 | 1,120 | $43,204 | 36% |
| Rochester, NY | $40,050 | 5,130 | $41,274 | 46% |
| Spartanburg, SC | $40,050 | 1,630 | $43,986 | 44% |
| Omaha, NE | $40,020 | 7,740 | $43,542 | 42% |
| Winchester, VA | $39,970 | 810 | $41,441 | 55% |
| Albuquerque, NM | $39,950 | 2,110 | $41,812 | 45% |
| North Port, FL | $39,950 | 4,660 | $39,007 | 63% |
| Fargo, ND | $39,940 | 2,240 | $43,952 | 33% |
| Detroit, MI | $39,900 | 17,300 | $39,781 | 46% |
| Champaign, IL | $39,890 | 1,560 | $43,029 | 42% |
| Williamsport, PA | $39,830 | 730 | $43,129 | 33% |
| Coeur d'Alene, ID | $39,820 | 970 | $40,512 | 55% |
| Buffalo, NY | $39,790 | 5,230 | $41,515 | 44% |
| Janesville, WI | $39,730 | 710 | $42,400 | 39% |
| Kansas City, MO | $39,710 | 13,370 | $42,910 | 46% |
| Raleigh, NC | $39,710 | 6,420 | $40,456 | 50% |
| Toledo, OH | $39,700 | 3,590 | $43,409 | 38% |
| Dover, DE | $39,600 | 890 | $40,612 | 54% |
| Nashville, TN | $39,510 | 7,420 | $41,012 | 55% |
| Kalamazoo, MI | $39,500 | 1,260 | $41,649 | 39% |
| Greenville, NC | $39,480 | 1,730 | $44,660 | 45% |
| State College, PA | $39,440 | 540 | $40,760 | 59% |
| Charlotte, NC | $39,430 | 13,580 | $40,504 | 53% |
| Erie, PA | $39,430 | 1,800 | $43,353 | 34% |
| Saginaw, MI | $39,400 | 1,100 | $43,349 | 32% |
| Farmington, NM | $39,390 | 330 | $44,911 | 43% |
| Lexington, KY | $39,380 | 3,250 | $42,395 | 49% |
| Mansfield, OH | $39,380 | 600 | $44,311 | 27% |
| Atlanta, GA | $39,350 | 23,260 | $39,327 | 56% |
| Midland, MI | $39,340 | 600 | $42,798 | 42% |
| Great Falls, MT | $39,330 | 360 | $40,611 | 44% |
| Iowa City, IA | $39,330 | 1,310 | $42,979 | 54% |
| Sierra Vista, AZ | $39,260 | 220 | $43,992 | 39% |
| Akron, OH | $39,250 | 3,170 | $42,037 | 40% |
| Provo, UT | $39,230 | 2,190 | $39,936 | 54% |
| Boise, ID | $39,220 | 3,790 | $39,861 | 59% |
| Flint, MI | $39,190 | 1,460 | $42,124 | 32% |
| Sioux Falls, SD | $39,190 | 2,930 | $43,241 | 39% |
| Billings, MT | $39,150 | 950 | $41,860 | 43% |
| Cedar Rapids, IA | $39,110 | 1,740 | $43,962 | 38% |
| St. Louis, MO | $39,110 | 14,620 | $41,130 | 44% |
| Burlington, NC | $39,090 | 1,020 | $41,944 | 41% |
| Owensboro, KY | $39,020 | 890 | $44,036 | 38% |
| Cleveland, OH | $39,010 | 13,060 | $41,534 | 44% |
| Virginia Beach, VA | $38,990 | 8,110 | $39,810 | 58% |
| Roanoke, VA | $38,960 | 2,430 | $41,616 | 43% |
| Sioux City, IA | $38,940 | 930 | $45,041 | 40% |
| Waterloo, IA | $38,930 | 1,440 | $44,718 | 32% |
| Grand Island, NE | $38,880 | 590 | $44,867 | 41% |
| Indianapolis, IN | $38,880 | 9,730 | $40,629 | 47% |
| Altoona, PA | $38,870 | 820 | $43,427 | 31% |
| Lewiston, ID | $38,870 | 350 | $42,639 | 45% |
| Harrisonburg, VA | $38,830 | 540 | $40,920 | 52% |
| Charleston, SC | $38,810 | 2,800 | $38,440 | 63% |
| Chattanooga, TN | $38,790 | 2,420 | $42,410 | 47% |
| Johnstown, PA | $38,760 | 440 | $45,107 | 27% |
| Muskegon, MI | $38,760 | 670 | $41,894 | 40% |
| Davenport, IA | $38,740 | 2,220 | $43,489 | 31% |
| Salisbury, MD | $38,740 | 830 | $40,516 | 60% |
| Casper, WY | $38,730 | 490 | $41,277 | 44% |
| Topeka, KS | $38,720 | 2,270 | $43,594 | 39% |
| Twin Falls, ID | $38,670 | 540 | $41,983 | 48% |
| Winston-Salem, NC | $38,660 | 4,450 | $42,002 | 47% |
| Lincoln, NE | $38,650 | 2,630 | $42,203 | 40% |
| Austin, TX | $38,550 | 5,600 | $39,310 | 50% |
| Lansing, MI | $38,550 | 1,650 | $40,583 | 41% |
| Missoula, MT | $38,550 | 440 | $39,971 | 50% |
| South Bend, IN | $38,550 | 1,520 | $41,515 | 39% |
| Goldsboro, NC | $38,540 | 600 | $43,567 | 47% |
| Dallas, TX | $38,530 | 23,420 | $37,375 | 52% |
| Sebastian, FL | $38,530 | 870 | $39,193 | 66% |
| Lawrence, KS | $38,520 | 540 | $42,685 | 49% |
| Rapid City, SD | $38,500 | 1,280 | $43,181 | 45% |
| Ogden, UT | $38,480 | 2,280 | $38,346 | 51% |
| Savannah, GA | $38,450 | 1,710 | $40,386 | 55% |
| Monroe, MI | $38,420 | 430 | $41,094 | 40% |
| Michigan City, IN | $38,400 | 340 | $41,884 | 38% |
| Bowling Green, KY | $38,340 | 790 | $42,515 | 38% |
| Grand Rapids, MI | $38,340 | 5,870 | $40,127 | 51% |
| Watertown, NY | $38,320 | 470 | $43,699 | 47% |
| Bay City, MI | $38,260 | 490 | $41,623 | 32% |
| Columbus, IN | $38,260 | 230 | $41,138 | 43% |
| Greensboro, NC | $38,260 | 5,280 | $41,200 | 44% |
| Kokomo, IN | $38,250 | 460 | $42,667 | 34% |
| Elkhart, IN | $38,150 | 840 | $42,236 | 37% |
| Elizabethtown, KY | $38,030 | 450 | $41,989 | 41% |
| Springfield, OH | $38,020 | 720 | $42,019 | 38% |
| Memphis, TN | $38,010 | 4,930 | $41,235 | 44% |
| Miami, FL | $38,010 | 23,490 | $33,297 | 84% |
| Knoxville, TN | $38,000 | 3,860 | $41,050 | 54% |
| Houston, TX | $37,970 | 19,230 | $38,498 | 52% |
| Elmira, NY | $37,960 | 440 | $40,213 | 36% |
| Sandusky, OH | $37,910 | 560 | $42,461 | 57% |
| Kankakee, IL | $37,900 | 860 | $39,318 | 42% |
| Wichita Falls, TX | $37,870 | 950 | $42,307 | 41% |
| Paducah, KY | $37,860 | 710 | $43,980 | 36% |
| Yuma, AZ | $37,860 | 500 | $40,839 | 45% |
| Blacksburg, VA | $37,850 | 760 | $40,826 | 53% |
| Canton, OH | $37,840 | 2,360 | $42,324 | 36% |
| Jacksonville, FL | $37,760 | 7,960 | $37,956 | 53% |
| Lafayette, IN | $37,760 | 770 | $40,415 | 47% |
| Hilton Head Island, SC | $37,730 | 770 | $38,493 | 63% |
| Idaho Falls, ID | $37,720 | 540 | $39,953 | 46% |
| Wilmington, NC | $37,710 | 2,390 | $39,109 | 55% |
| Orlando, FL | $37,690 | 12,000 | $37,163 | 61% |
| Port St. Lucie, FL | $37,690 | 2,680 | $37,604 | 74% |
| Rocky Mount, NC | $37,650 | 940 | $42,778 | 41% |
| Morristown, TN | $37,620 | 350 | $43,560 | 50% |
| Kingsport, TN | $37,550 | 1,400 | $43,437 | 43% |
| Fayetteville, NC | $37,530 | 2,130 | $40,803 | 46% |
| Cape Coral, FL | $37,510 | 3,520 | $36,649 | 58% |
| Warner Robins, GA | $37,500 | 380 | $39,983 | 48% |
| Tampa, FL | $37,470 | 15,120 | $37,139 | 64% |
| Abilene, TX | $37,460 | 800 | $41,455 | 64% |
| Hickory, NC | $37,430 | 2,780 | $42,300 | 51% |
| Columbia, SC | $37,400 | 5,420 | $39,931 | 50% |
| Las Cruces, NM | $37,400 | 390 | $41,458 | 47% |
| Lima, OH | $37,360 | 690 | $41,664 | 39% |
| Clarksville, TN | $37,320 | 620 | $41,035 | 43% |
| Johnson City, TN | $37,310 | 1,390 | $42,432 | 48% |
| Waco, TX | $37,290 | 1,480 | $40,292 | 46% |
| Wichita, KS | $37,290 | 5,220 | $41,924 | 39% |
| Greenville, SC | $37,220 | 3,820 | $39,910 | 50% |
| Rome, GA | $37,220 | 890 | $41,282 | 41% |
| Fort Wayne, IN | $37,210 | 3,610 | $40,196 | 41% |
| Evansville, IN | $37,180 | 2,030 | $40,621 | 35% |
| Augusta, GA | $37,140 | 2,560 | $40,412 | 47% |
| Huntington, WV | $37,140 | 1,950 | $42,003 | 35% |
| Cleveland, TN | $37,130 | 440 | $42,155 | 46% |
| Muncie, IN | $37,080 | 700 | $42,066 | 34% |
| Palm Bay, FL | $37,070 | 2,760 | $37,068 | 61% |
| Youngstown, OH | $37,050 | 2,360 | $42,394 | 34% |
| Gainesville, FL | $36,990 | 2,890 | $38,239 | 53% |
| Crestview, FL | $36,970 | 850 | $38,101 | 64% |
| Deltona, FL | $36,950 | 3,160 | $37,185 | 57% |
| Pinehurst, NC | $36,930 | 950 | $41,806 | 60% |
| Wheeling, WV | $36,910 | 910 | $41,790 | 28% |
| Jackson, TN | $36,900 | 1,080 | $43,147 | 45% |
| Bloomington, IN | $36,820 | 830 | $38,724 | 57% |
| San Antonio, TX | $36,800 | 7,080 | $38,853 | 46% |
| Tulsa, OK | $36,720 | 5,420 | $41,159 | 45% |
| Amarillo, TX | $36,700 | 1,000 | $39,970 | 43% |
| Punta Gorda, FL | $36,700 | 880 | $36,508 | 61% |
| Cape Girardeau, MO | $36,650 | 680 | $42,578 | 33% |
| Oklahoma City, OK | $36,560 | 6,150 | $40,439 | 45% |
| Macon, GA | $36,540 | 1,450 | $41,275 | 40% |
| Myrtle Beach, SC | $36,520 | 820 | $39,000 | 57% |
| Ocala, FL | $36,510 | 1,470 | $38,337 | 52% |
| Minot, ND | $36,500 | 430 | $41,941 | 41% |
| Pensacola, FL | $36,430 | 2,150 | $37,281 | 57% |
| Panama City, FL | $36,420 | 670 | $37,432 | 57% |
| Terre Haute, IN | $36,360 | 720 | $41,414 | 32% |
| Athens, GA | $36,330 | 1,110 | $38,921 | 59% |
| Pocatello, ID | $36,330 | 300 | $40,863 | 36% |
| Decatur, AL | $36,280 | 500 | $41,600 | 36% |
| Charleston, WV | $36,250 | 1,380 | $40,860 | 40% |
| Odessa, TX | $36,250 | 410 | $38,607 | 52% |
| Parkersburg, WV | $36,220 | 400 | $41,601 | 35% |
| Weirton, WV | $36,190 | 660 | $40,652 | 27% |
| Springfield, MO | $36,180 | 3,150 | $40,842 | 41% |
| Killeen, TX | $36,120 | 1,480 | $39,635 | 43% |
| Dalton, GA | $36,110 | 390 | $40,192 | 47% |
| The Villages, FL | $36,110 | 600 | $42,271 | 57% |
| Jefferson City, MO | $36,080 | 630 | $41,012 | 34% |
| Manhattan, KS | $36,080 | 840 | $40,017 | 42% |
| Lakeland, FL | $36,000 | 2,960 | $37,060 | 60% |
| Midland, TX | $35,970 | 580 | $37,554 | 52% |
| Sherman, TX | $35,970 | 610 | $38,359 | 45% |
| Brunswick, GA | $35,940 | 590 | $40,977 | 56% |
| St. Joseph, MO | $35,900 | 620 | $41,560 | 34% |
| Jacksonville, NC | $35,880 | 530 | $38,964 | 53% |
| Morgantown, WV | $35,880 | 1,310 | $38,447 | 45% |
| Sumter, SC | $35,860 | 470 | $40,741 | 49% |
| Fayetteville, AR | $35,820 | 2,320 | $39,211 | 53% |
| Beckley, WV | $35,810 | 590 | $40,523 | 35% |
| Logan, UT | $35,720 | 630 | $37,237 | 48% |
| Sebring, FL | $35,650 | 540 | $38,553 | 51% |
| College Station, TX | $35,610 | 940 | $39,153 | 51% |
| Auburn, AL | $35,530 | 620 | $40,406 | 54% |
| Birmingham, AL | $35,470 | 6,380 | $38,704 | 47% |
| Florence, SC | $35,400 | 1,320 | $40,796 | 51% |
| San Angelo, TX | $35,390 | 610 | $38,279 | 45% |
| Little Rock, AR | $35,370 | 5,250 | $39,580 | 42% |
| Corpus Christi, TX | $35,300 | 1,550 | $38,092 | 48% |
| Tyler, TX | $35,300 | 1,610 | $38,305 | 45% |
| Albany, GA | $35,260 | 770 | $40,219 | 37% |
| Huntsville, AL | $35,210 | 2,660 | $37,831 | 47% |
| Jonesboro, AR | $35,210 | 1,050 | $41,001 | 42% |
| Montgomery, AL | $35,210 | 1,940 | $39,261 | 47% |
| Lawton, OK | $35,190 | 490 | $40,947 | 38% |
| El Paso, TX | $35,170 | 2,310 | $39,116 | 52% |
| Laredo, TX | $35,120 | 510 | $40,388 | 39% |
| Beaumont, TX | $35,110 | 1,200 | $38,991 | 45% |
| Columbus, GA | $34,970 | 1,130 | $39,162 | 46% |
| Joplin, MO | $34,600 | 1,180 | $40,365 | 43% |
| Homosassa Springs, FL | $34,510 | 850 | $36,922 | 61% |
| Longview, TX | $34,510 | 1,050 | $38,565 | 40% |
| New Orleans, LA | $34,320 | 3,660 | $37,064 | 55% |
| Lubbock, TX | $34,300 | 1,490 | $37,561 | 47% |
| Enid, OK | $34,250 | 270 | $40,644 | 39% |
| Tallahassee, FL | $34,180 | 1,520 | $36,393 | 52% |
| Daphne, AL | $34,150 | 860 | $36,065 | 60% |
| Slidell, LA | $34,050 | 1,030 | $36,721 | – |
| Valdosta, GA | $34,040 | 470 | $38,563 | 47% |
| McAllen, TX | $33,990 | 2,140 | $39,572 | 40% |
| Victoria, TX | $33,980 | 470 | $37,823 | 41% |
| Lake Charles, LA | $33,850 | 730 | $39,428 | 48% |
| Hammond, LA | $33,010 | 600 | $39,084 | 48% |
| Texarkana, TX | $32,880 | 820 | $39,137 | 46% |
| Tuscaloosa, AL | $32,860 | 1,390 | $37,459 | 61% |
| Shreveport, LA | $32,160 | 2,330 | $37,940 | 48% |
| Brownsville, TX | $32,110 | 1,070 | $37,348 | 56% |
| Jackson, MS | $32,040 | 3,000 | $35,981 | 55% |
| Fort Smith, AR | $32,020 | 1,580 | $37,281 | 40% |
| Florence, AL | $31,940 | 700 | $37,658 | 40% |
| Anniston, AL | $31,920 | 660 | $37,138 | 36% |
| Gulfport, MS | $31,520 | 1,660 | $35,020 | 54% |
| Baton Rouge, LA | $31,220 | 3,500 | $34,391 | 53% |
| Mobile, AL | $30,880 | 2,100 | $35,052 | 50% |
| Alexandria, LA | $30,650 | 910 | $35,770 | 40% |
| Gadsden, AL | $30,440 | 540 | $35,539 | 42% |
| Hattiesburg, MS | $30,440 | 840 | $34,736 | 51% |
| Houma, LA | $30,140 | 630 | $35,416 | 52% |
| Lafayette, LA | $29,960 | 1,990 | $34,354 | 55% |
| Hot Springs, AR | $29,940 | 810 | $34,924 | 50% |
| Monroe, LA | $29,880 | 1,340 | $35,743 | 47% |
| Dothan, AL | $29,830 | 930 | $35,583 | 49% |
What the median CNA salary pays per paycheck
| Period | Before taxes |
|---|---|
| Year | $42,260 |
| Month | $3,522 |
| Every two weeks | $1,625 |
| Week | $813 |
| Hour | $20.32 |
Gross pay, 52 weeks a year, 2,080 hours. Hourly to salary calculator.
Becoming a CNA: education and job outlook
| Typical entry education | Postsecondary nondegree award |
|---|---|
| Work experience needed | None |
| On-the-job training | None |
| Projected change in jobs, 2025–35 | +2.6% (all jobs: +3.5%) |
| Openings a year (average) | 196,200 |
| Self-employed | 1.8% |
official BLS Employment Projections, 2025–35. Openings include workers who retire or change jobs. What the work involves: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Similar jobs
| Job | Median a year | Typical education |
|---|---|---|
| Physical therapist assistant | $68,380 | Associate's degree |
| Occupational therapy assistant | $72,300 | Associate's degree |
| Dental assistant | $48,070 | Postsecondary certificate |
| Massage therapist | $58,450 | Postsecondary certificate |
| Vet assistant | $38,150 | High school diploma |
| Phlebotomist | $45,230 | Postsecondary certificate |
| Sterile processing technician | $47,700 | High school diploma |
| Home health aide | $35,800 | High school diploma |
Questions about CNA pay
How much does a CNA make an hour?
The median is $20.32 an hour. The lowest-paid 10% earn under $16.32 and the top 10% over $24.99.
How much does a CNA make a month?
About $3,522 a month before taxes at the median salary of $42,260, or $1,625 every two weeks.
What state pays CNAs the most?
Oregon, with a median of $49,830. Washington ($49,180), New York ($48,590), New Hampshire ($47,870) and the District of Columbia ($47,700) follow.
Where do CNAs make the most after cost of living?
North Dakota: its median of $45,820 is worth $51,507 at typical US prices. Maine, Oregon and Vermont come next.
How much do entry-level CNAs make?
BLS does not report pay by experience. The lowest-paid 10% of CNAs earn under $33,940 a year, and the lowest-paid quarter under $37,260, which is a reasonable guide to starting pay.
What education do you need to become a CNA?
BLS lists the typical entry-level education as a postsecondary certificate (a nondegree award). Work experience in a related job: none. On-the-job training: none.
Sources and limits
- Pay and employment: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation 31-1131 (Nursing Assistants). Downloaded 2026-10-24.
- OEWS counts wage and salary workers at employers, including tips and commissions but not overtime pay, bonuses that are not tied to production, or benefits. It leaves out the self-employed. BLS does not publish figures above $239,200 a year or for states and metro areas with too few workers.
- Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities, 2024 (US = 100). Rents: Zillow Observed Rent Index, September 2026; Data Provided by Zillow Group.
- Outlook and education: BLS Employment Projections, 2025–35.
- Pay is not broken down by experience, employer or specialty (for example, ER or pediatric nursing); BLS does not publish those splits.