Now that you've earned your Certified Nursing Assistant, or CNA, license, you're probably eager to find a job. Regardless of where you live, you shouldn't have any trouble finding one. However, CNAs in some cities have it better than CNAs in others. Pay rates are higher in some areas, and the job options tend to be more diverse in some places too. Familiarize yourself with the best cities for CNAs to make an informed decision about where to live and work.
If you have the option of relocating, consider moving to one of these cities to easily find high-paying CNA jobs:
1. Seattle
In Seattle, CNAs can expect to earn an average of $25.24 per hour, so this is the most lucrative city for a CNA in this list. (Source: BLS)
2. New York City
Living in New York City is expensive, but CNAs earn an average of $23.60 per hour. In the metropolitan area, there are more than 77,360 CNAs, and they work in a diverse array of facilities. (Source: BLS)
3. Los Angeles
More than 39,910 CNAs work and live in Los Angeles and the greater metro area. Pay averages $23.03 per hour, which is very competitive. Although it's not enough to afford living downtown, it's enough to live comfortably in the suburbs. (Source: BLS)
4. Boston
The average hourly rate for a CNA in Boston is $22.73. Beantown is home to many important hospitals, including teaching hospitals, and its proximity to Cambridge is a major perk too. (Source: BLS)
5. Chicago
CNAs in Chicago earn an average of $21.85 per hour. Many major hospitals are located here, and there's a variety of facilities in the city itself and its outlying suburbs. Around 42,800 CNAs work in the Windy City, so you'll be in good company. (Source: BLS)
6. Philadelphia
You can expect to earn an average of $20.72 per hour as a CNA in Philadelphia. The City of Brotherly Love is home to more than 30,390 CNAs who work in clinics, hospitals, assisted living centers, private homes, and many other settings. (Source: BLS)
7. St Louis
If you live close to St. Louis, consider relocating. CNAs pull in an average of $19.04 per hour, and more than 14,360 of them are employed here. (Source: BLS)
8. Dallas
Dallas is home to a huge array of hospitals, urgent care clinics, private practices, nursing homes, and other healthcare facilities. CNAs here earn an average of $18.80 per hour, so there are options for all experience levels. (Source: BLS)
9. Houston
More than 19,510 CNAs work in Houston. These professionals flock here not only for the nice climate, but, more importantly, for the competitive pay and superior benefits. CNAs in Houston earn an average hourly pay of $18.77. (Source: BLS)
10. Atlanta
With an average hourly rate of $18.72, Atlanta is a promising and pleasant place for CNAs. Around 22,530 CNAs are employed in Atlanta, and options range from assisted living centers to major hospitals. (Source: BLS)
Before uprooting yourself to move to one of the above cities, investigate average hourly pay for CNAs in your area. It could very well be that you could also earn very competitive pay and enjoy exceptional benefits as a CNA where you live.
