A Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) is not a nurse but a vital member of the healthcare team who provides basic patient care under the supervision of registered nurses (RNs) and licensed practical nurses (LPNs). CNAs are also known as nursing aides, patient care assistants, or orderlies, depending on the setting.
As of 2025, the average annual salary for a CNA in the United States is approximately 38,000 dollars, with a typical range of 32,000 to 45,000 dollars per year, according to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This translates to an average hourly wage of 17 to 22 dollars, depending on location, experience, facility type, and shift differentials.
Factors Influencing CNA Salary:
- Geographic Location: CNAs in states like California, New York, Massachusetts, and Alaska tend to earn higher wages due to cost of living and demand.
- Work Setting: Hospitals generally pay more than nursing homes or home health agencies. Government and specialty care facilities may also offer premium rates.
- Experience and Certifications: CNAs with additional credentials such as dementia care, medication aide, or bilingual certification may qualify for higher pay.
- Shift and Overtime: Evening, night, and weekend shifts often include differential pay. Overtime can significantly increase monthly earnings.
While the CNA role does not require a college degree, it does require completion of a state approved training program (typically 4 to 12 weeks) and passing a competency exam. Many CNAs use this role as a stepping stone to become LPNs or RNs, with employers often offering tuition assistance for advancement.
For those pursuing certification, Certilyst provides targeted exam preparation to help candidates pass their state CNA competency test on the first attempt and begin earning quickly. Learn more at Certilyst CNA Prep .
For official wage and employment projections, refer to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook: bls.gov/ooh .