CNA Salary
So you’re either interested in a career as a certified nurse’s assistant or you’re looking for CNA classes and just want more information. Whatever it is, we have the information you need. You can jump to see the chart of the average CNA salary by state or you can just read through this helpful guide. We want to provide you with as much information as possible to prepare you for a career as a CNA.
Overview
- Let’s talk money! What is the average CNA salary?
- Are there different factors and influences that go into it?
- Part time or full time, What’s the difference?
- Can I survive off of a CNA salary?
- What’s the job outlook look like for 2020?
- Average CNA Salary by State 2018 [CHART]
Details
Let’s talk money! What is the average CNA salary?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) in 2018, CNAs earned an average hourly rate of $12.36 per hour and made $25,710 a year. The lower spectrum of the salary range reported that less than 10% earned $9.32 an hour and about $19,390 annually, while the top 10% enjoyed $17.74 hourly and $36,890 per year.
Average National Wage (BLS May 2018)
| Percentile | 10% | 25% | 50% | 75% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hourly Wage | $9.32 | $10.47 | $12.36 | $14.68 | $17.74 |
| Annual Wage | $19,390 | $21,780 | $25,710 | $30,530 | $36,890 |
Are there different factors and influences that go into it?
Your CNA salary may depend on several factors that determine the rate of pay in your particular state. While southern states tend to pay less per hour, the cost of living is generally lower and items such as food, housing and transportation may cost less than the northern region or on the west coast states. For example, CNAs in Louisiana earn an average of $9.68 an hour while New York pays $16.20.
In addition, as you gain experience or seniority in your hospital or nursing home, annual raises increase your hourly wage. Typically, CNAs with work experience are hired at a higher hourly rate. Depending on the facility you practice in, you may receive an hourly bonus for supervisory positions, scheduling duties and for training new CNAs on the job. Working the evening, weekends or night-shift may also increase your hourly rate by as much as $1 to $2 per hour.
Your salary may also depend on your education and training as a CNA. Employers in hospitals and nursing homes frequently offer advanced training for CNAs to become certified medication assistants (CMAs) or progress to the level of a CNA ll. With more responsibility and specialized training, CNAs can increase their hourly rate by $1 to $3 or more.
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Part time or full time, What’s the difference?
One of the benefits of working as a CNA is the ability to work flexible part or full-time schedules. Although working part time or “as needed” may not provide you with health insurance benefits, the hourly rate of pay is usually about 10% higher than average.
Full time positions are usually considered at least 32 hours per workweek and may include retirement packages, health insurance benefits and a 401K plan. Although your hourly rate may be lower than your fellow part-time employees, you may have the opportunity to become vested in your facility over time and enjoy profit sharing.
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Can I survive off of a CNA salary?
Since CNA salaries vary widely and depend largely on the area that you live, it’s important to examine your financial needs and research the local hourly pay for options. Although a nursing home may pay a lower wage in your area, a nearby hospital may offer a significantly higher hourly rate or vice a versa. If you live in a high cost of living state, does the salary match the costs you need to maintain living expenses?
Because the CNA salary is generally on the low scale of healthcare, a large percentage of CNAs take advantage of employer tuition and advance their education in nursing or other areas of healthcare. Working as a CNA provides the flexibility that students need to attend classes and increase their earning potential.
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What’s the job outlook look like for 2020?
As the Affordable Care Act moves more people into the healthcare system and our baby boomer population ages, CNAs remain in high demand, especially in long-term care facilities. According to the BLS, CNA positions are projected to grow 21% faster than all other occupations from 2013 up until 2022.