Whether you're actively training to become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) or have been working as one for a while and are ready to broaden your horizons, knowing a CNA's salary by state can be very helpful. Learning what a CNA makes in different states helps you see whether you will be earning enough where you are or you would be better off moving to a higher-paying state after your training. If you're already a CNA, familiarizing yourself with the average pay for CNAs in different states can help you identify greener pastures where you'll earn more for doing the same kind of work.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median pay for CNAs in the U.S. in 2024 was $39,430, which equals $18.96 per hour. Here's what to expect in terms of median pay by state:
Alabama
CNAs in Alabama earn a median annual salary of $32,670, or $15.71 per hour, which is below the national median for nursing assistants. The highest-paying areas in the state include Birmingham, Decatur, and Daphne–Fairhope–Foley. Source: BLS
| Area | Average Hourly Wage | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Birmingham | $16.44 | $35,040 |
| Auburn–Opelika | $16.34 | $30,580 |
| Huntsville | $16.31 | $32,360 |
| Montgomery | $16.17 | $32,470 |
| Decatur | $16.16 | $34,120 |
| Daphne–Fairhope–Foley | $15.85 | $32,730 |
| Tuscaloosa | $15.76 | $31,920 |
| Mobile | $15.35 | $31,440 |
| Gadsden | $15.20 | $29,570 |
| Florence–Muscle Shoals | $15.05 | $29,980 |
| Anniston–Oxford | $14.94 | $30,750 |
| Dothan | $13.59 | $27,080 |
Alaska
CNAs in Alaska enjoy a higher-than-average salary, with a median of $48,550 per year, or $23.34 per hour. This is significantly above the national median of $42,220. The top-paying areas in the state include Anchorage, Fairbanks, and the Southeast Alaska nonmetropolitan region. Source: BLS
Arizona
In Arizona, CNAs earn a median of $43,060 annually, or $20.70 per hour, which surpasses the national average. The highest-paying areas in the state include Phoenix–Mesa–Chandler, Prescott Valley–Prescott, and Tucson. Source: BLS
| Area | Average Hourly Wage | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Phoenix–Mesa–Chandler | $21.03 | $42,690 |
| Prescott Valley–Prescott | $20.88 | $42,070 |
| Tucson | $20.24 | $42,100 |
| Flagstaff | $20.32 | $41,440 |
| Lake Havasu City–Kingman | $19.23 | $39,680 |
| Sierra Vista–Douglas | $18.57 | $37,220 |
| Yuma | $18.20 | $35,830 |
Arkansas
The median annual salary for CNAs in Arkansas is $33,350, or $16.04 per hour, which is lower than the national median. The highest-paying areas in the state include Little Rock–North Little Rock–Conway and Fayetteville–Springdale–Rogers. Source: BLS
| Area | Average Hourly Wage | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Little Rock–North Little Rock–Conway | $16.82 | $35,630 |
| Fayetteville–Springdale–Rogers | $17.32 | $35,620 |
| Jonesboro | $16.04 | $33,270 |
| Fort Smith (AR–OK) | $15.19 | $31,250 |
| Hot Springs | $15.27 | $29,560 |
California
California boasts some of the highest CNA salaries in the country. CNAs here earn a median of $48,790 per year, or $23.46 per hour. The highest-paying areas in the state include San Jose–Sunnyvale–Santa Clara, San Francisco–Oakland–Fremont, and Napa. Source: BLS
| Area | Average Hourly Wage | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| San Jose–Sunnyvale–Santa Clara | $27.97 | $56,220 |
| San Francisco–Oakland–Fremont | $27.59 | $53,990 |
| Napa | $24.17 | $48,070 |
| Vallejo | $23.49 | $47,590 |
| Salinas | $23.26 | $47,500 |
| Santa Rosa–Petaluma | $23.29 | $47,390 |
| Santa Cruz–Watsonville | $22.49 | $46,730 |
| San Diego–Chula Vista–Carlsbad | $23.07 | $46,600 |
| Santa Maria–Santa Barbara | $22.18 | $46,190 |
| Sacramento–Roseville–Folsom | $23.25 | $46,260 |
| Los Angeles–Long Beach–Anaheim | $23.03 | $46,140 |
| Modesto | $22.24 | $45,680 |
| San Luis Obispo–Paso Robles | $22.22 | $45,360 |
| Hanford–Corcoran | $22.08 | $45,380 |
| Oxnard–Thousand Oaks–Ventura | $22.07 | $45,330 |
| Yuba City | $22.02 | $45,040 |
| Riverside–San Bernardino–Ontario | $21.78 | $44,950 |
| Stockton–Lodi | $22.20 | $44,740 |
| Merced | $21.36 | $44,040 |
| Chico | $21.50 | $44,010 |
| Redding | $21.63 | $43,660 |
| Bakersfield–Delano | $21.18 | $43,570 |
| Visalia | $21.08 | $44,250 |
| Fresno | $20.75 | $42,840 |
Colorado
CNAs in Colorado make a median of $45,480 annually, or $21.87 per hour, which is above the national median. The highest-paying areas include Boulder, Denver–Aurora–Centennial, and Fort Collins–Loveland. Source: BLS
| Area | Average Hourly Wage | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Boulder, CO | $23.62 | $49,140 |
| Denver–Aurora–Centennial, CO | $22.80 | $47,420 |
| Fort Collins–Loveland, CO | $21.16 | $44,010 |
| Greeley, CO | $20.90 | $43,480 |
| Colorado Springs, CO | $20.82 | $43,310 |
| Pueblo, CO | $20.58 | $42,800 |
| Grand Junction, CO | $19.89 | $41,380 |
Connecticut
With a median salary of $44,860 per year, or $21.57 per hour, CNAs in Connecticut earn more than the national average. The highest-paying areas in the state include Norwich–New London–Willimantic, Bridgeport–Stamford–Danbury, and Hartford–West Hartford–East Hartford. Source: BLS
| Area | Average Hourly Wage | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Norwich–New London–Willimantic | $21.98 | $47,580 |
| Bridgeport–Stamford–Danbury | $22.11 | $46,560 |
| Hartford–West Hartford–East Hartford | $21.47 | $44,500 |
| Waterbury–Shelton | $21.34 | $42,780 |
| New Haven | $21.24 | $41,010 |
Delaware
In Delaware, CNAs earn a median salary of $40,120 per year, or $19.29 per hour, slightly below the national median. The highest-paying areas include the Philadelphia–Camden–Wilmington metro region, which covers northern Delaware, and the Sussex Delaware nonmetropolitan area. Source: BLS
| Area | Average Hourly Wage | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia–Camden–Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD | $20.72 | $43,100 |
| Sussex Delaware nonmetropolitan area | $19.57 | $40,700 |
| Dover, DE | $18.51 | $38,490 |
Florida
CNAs in Florida earn a median annual salary of $38,320, or $18.42 per hour, which is below the national median. The highest-paying areas in the state include Gainesville, North Port–Bradenton–Sarasota, and Naples–Marco Island. Source: BLS
| Area | Average Hourly Wage | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Gainesville | $18.80 | $41,030 |
| Cape Coral–Fort Myers | $18.75 | $39,970 |
| North Port–Bradenton–Sarasota | $19.45 | $38,750 |
| Naples–Marco Island | $19.38 | $38,520 |
| Miami–Fort Lauderdale–West Palm Beach | $19.01 | $37,690 |
| Sebastian–Vero Beach–West Vero Corridor | $18.12 | $37,330 |
| Panama City–Panama City Beach | $18.04 | $37,130 |
| Tampa–St. Petersburg–Clearwater | $18.54 | $36,700 |
| Jacksonville | $18.27 | $36,780 |
| Port St. Lucie | $18.08 | $36,990 |
| Punta Gorda | $18.00 | $36,610 |
| Deltona–Daytona Beach–Ormond Beach | $17.75 | $36,320 |
| Palm Bay–Melbourne–Titusville | $17.78 | $36,290 |
| Crestview–Fort Walton Beach–Destin | $17.94 | $36,200 |
| Lakeland–Winter Haven | $17.56 | $36,080 |
| Wildwood–The Villages | $17.70 | $36,070 |
| Pensacola–Ferry Pass–Brent | $17.64 | $35,700 |
| Ocala | $17.32 | $35,660 |
| Sebring | $17.52 | $35,470 |
| Homosassa Springs | $16.91 | $34,810 |
| Tallahassee | $16.31 | $34,070 |
Georgia
The median salary for CNAs in Georgia is $34,890 per year, or $16.77 per hour, which is lower than the national median. The highest-paying areas in the state include Gainesville, Atlanta–Sandy Springs–Roswell, and Savannah. Source: BLS
| Area | Average Hourly Wage | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Gainesville | $19.62 | $40,210 |
| Atlanta–Sandy Springs–Roswell | $18.72 | $38,250 |
| Savannah | $17.49 | $37,200 |
| Macon–Bibb County | $16.85 | $34,000 |
| Hinesville | $14.84 | $30,440 |
Hawaii
In Hawaii, CNAs earn a median of $45,480 annually, or $21.87 per hour, which is above the national median. The highest-paying areas in the state include Kahului–Wailuku and Urban Honolulu. Source: BLS
| Area | Average Hourly Wage | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Kahului–Wailuku | $22.04 | $46,260 |
| Urban Honolulu | $21.81 | $44,820 |
Idaho
CNAs in Idaho earn a median of $37,740 per year, or $18.14 per hour, which is below the national median. The highest-paying areas in the state include Boise City, Lewiston, and Coeur d'Alene. Source: BLS
| Area | Average Hourly Wage | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Boise City | $18.92 | $38,860 |
| Lewiston | $18.77 | $38,540 |
| Coeur d'Alene | $18.62 | $38,540 |
| Twin Falls | $17.48 | $37,260 |
| Idaho Falls | $17.45 | $35,800 |
| Pocatello | $16.29 | $34,900 |
Illinois
CNAs in Illinois earn a median salary of $43,950 per year, or $21.13 per hour, which is higher than the national average. The highest-paying areas in the state include Chicago–Naperville–Elgin, Champaign–Urbana, and Springfield. Source: BLS
| Area | Average Hourly Wage | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Chicago–Naperville–Elgin, IL-IN | $21.85 | $46,050 |
| Champaign–Urbana | $20.15 | $43,720 |
| Springfield | $20.07 | $41,080 |
| Decatur | $20.31 | $40,800 |
| Bloomington | $20.00 | $39,770 |
| Peoria | $20.38 | $39,660 |
| Rockford | $19.68 | $38,960 |
| Kankakee | $19.15 | $37,350 |
Indiana
The median salary for CNAs in Indiana is $38,610 annually, or $18.56 per hour, which is lower than the national median. The highest-paying areas in the state include Indianapolis–Carmel–Greenwood, South Bend–Mishawaka, and Kokomo. Source: BLS
| Area | Average Hourly Wage | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Indianapolis–Carmel–Greenwood | $18.85 | $38,170 |
| South Bend–Mishawaka (IN-MI) | $18.76 | $37,760 |
| Kokomo | $18.67 | $37,780 |
| Elkhart–Goshen | $18.36 | $37,410 |
| Michigan City–La Porte | $18.10 | $36,860 |
| Fort Wayne | $18.10 | $36,090 |
| Muncie | $17.98 | $36,490 |
| Evansville | $17.95 | $35,990 |
| Lafayette–West Lafayette | $17.96 | $36,400 |
| Columbus | $17.86 | $36,180 |
| Bloomington | $18.00 | $36,670 |
| Terre Haute | $17.67 | $36,780 |
Kansas
The median salary for CNAs in Kansas is $38,600 per year, or $18.56 per hour. The highest-paying areas in the state include Topeka and Lawrence. Source: BLS
| Area | Average Hourly Wage | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Topeka | $18.75 | $37,020 |
| Lawrence | $18.11 | $37,500 |
| Wichita | $17.82 | $36,360 |
| Manhattan | $18.13 | $36,110 |
Kentucky
In Kentucky, CNAs earn a median of $37,960 annually, or $18.25 per hour, which is lower than the national median. The highest-paying areas in the state include Lexington–Fayette and Louisville/Jefferson County. Source: BLS
| Area | Average Hourly Wage | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Lexington–Fayette | $19.39 | $40,700 |
| Louisville/Jefferson County–IN | $19.38 | $38,360 |
| Owensboro | $17.71 | $37,950 |
| Elizabethtown | $18.00 | $37,500 |
| Bowling Green | $18.06 | $37,360 |
| Paducah–IL | $18.06 | $36,620 |
Louisiana
Louisiana CNAs earn a median of $31,700 per year, or $15.24 per hour, which is lower than the national median. The highest-paying areas in the state include New Orleans–Metairie, Shreveport–Bossier City, and Slidell–Mandeville–Covington. Source: BLS
| Area | Average Hourly Wage | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| New Orleans–Metairie | $16.45 | $32,550 |
| Shreveport–Bossier City | $16.04 | $31,250 |
| Slidell–Mandeville–Covington | $15.61 | $31,100 |
| Baton Rouge | $15.41 | $30,660 |
| Alexandria | $15.59 | $30,020 |
| Hammond | $14.91 | $30,170 |
| Lake Charles | $14.71 | $30,470 |
| Lafayette | $14.75 | $29,490 |
| Monroe | $14.57 | $29,850 |
| Houma–Bayou Cane–Thibodaux | $14.13 | $29,270 |
Maine
CNAs in Maine earn a median of $45,500 annually, or $21.88 per hour, which is above the national median. The highest-paying areas in the state include Lewiston–Auburn, Portland–South Portland, and Bangor. Source: BLS
| Area | Average Hourly Wage | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Lewiston–Auburn | $22.47 | $47,450 |
| Portland–South Portland | $22.61 | $47,430 |
| Bangor | $21.85 | $46,600 |
Maryland
With a median salary of $42,070 per year, or $20.23 per hour, CNAs in Maryland earn more than the national average. The highest-paying areas in the state include Lexington Park, Baltimore–Columbia–Towson, and Salisbury. Source: BLS
| Area | Average Hourly Wage | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Lexington Park | $20.08 | $42,050 |
| Baltimore–Columbia–Towson | $20.15 | $39,760 |
| Hagerstown–Martinsburg, WV | $19.76 | $39,500 |
| Salisbury | $19.20 | $40,000 |
Massachusetts
In Massachusetts, CNAs earn a median of $46,130 annually, or $22.18 per hour, which is above the national median. The highest-paying areas in the state include Boston–Cambridge–Newton, Barnstable Town, and Worcester. Source: BLS
| Area | Average Hourly Wage | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Boston–Cambridge–Newton, MA-NH | $22.73 | $46,110 |
| Barnstable Town | $22.32 | $45,600 |
| Pittsfield | $21.27 | $44,800 |
| Worcester | $21.52 | $44,080 |
| Amherst Town–Northampton | $20.91 | $43,630 |
| Springfield | $20.72 | $41,220 |
Michigan
Michigan CNAs earn a median of $40,210 per year, or $19.33 per hour, which is lower than the national median. The highest-paying areas in the state include Battle Creek, Kalamazoo–Portage, and Traverse City. Source: BLS
| Area | Average Hourly Wage | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Battle Creek | $20.20 | $38,900 |
| Kalamazoo–Portage | $20.19 | $39,570 |
| Traverse City | $19.86 | $40,710 |
| Ann Arbor | $19.82 | $39,830 |
| Detroit–Warren–Dearborn | $19.58 | $39,080 |
| Niles | $19.53 | $37,750 |
| Flint | $19.25 | $39,120 |
| Lansing–East Lansing | $19.20 | $39,130 |
| Jackson | $19.20 | $38,610 |
| Saginaw | $18.53 | $38,280 |
| Midland | $18.45 | $38,220 |
| Monroe | $18.44 | $37,550 |
| Muskegon–Norton Shores | $18.30 | $37,650 |
| Grand Rapids–Wyoming–Kentwood | $18.80 | $37,270 |
| Bay City | $17.90 | $36,850 |
Minnesota
CNAs in Minnesota earn a median salary of $45,230 annually, or $21.75 per hour, above the national median. The highest-paying areas in the state include Minneapolis–St. Paul–Bloomington, Rochester, and Duluth. Source: BLS
| Area | Average Hourly Wage | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Minneapolis–St. Paul–Bloomington | $22.60 | $46,910 |
| Rochester | $21.62 | $46,910 |
| Duluth | $21.17 | $43,050 |
| Mankato | $20.67 | $42,720 |
| St. Cloud | $20.31 | $39,090 |
Mississippi
CNAs in Mississippi earn a median of $31,750 annually, or $15.26 per hour, which is lower than the national median. The highest-paying areas in the state include Gulfport–Biloxi, Jackson, and Hattiesburg. Source: BLS
| Area | Average Hourly Wage | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Gulfport–Biloxi | $16.27 | $31,200 |
| Jackson | $15.16 | $31,150 |
| Hattiesburg | $14.77 | $29,990 |
Missouri
Missouri CNAs earn a median salary of $37,650 annually, or $18.10 per hour, which is lower than the national median. The highest-paying areas in the state include Columbia, Kansas City, and St. Louis. Source: BLS
| Area | Average Hourly Wage | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Columbia | $18.73 | $40,120 |
| Kansas City, MO-KS | $20.02 | $39,130 |
| St. Louis, MO-IL | $19.04 | $38,820 |
| St. Joseph, MO-KS | $17.81 | $36,390 |
| Springfield | $17.30 | $35,590 |
| Cape Girardeau, MO-IL | $17.00 | $35,700 |
| Jefferson City | $17.02 | $35,260 |
| Joplin, MO-KS | $16.72 | $34,660 |
Montana
CNAs in Montana earn a median of $42,020 annually, or $20.20 per hour, which is above the national median. Missoula, Billings, and Great Falls are among the highest-paying cities in the state. Source: BLS
| Area | Average Hourly Wage | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Bozeman | $22.18 | $45,920 |
| Billings | $20.43 | $41,170 |
| Helena | $20.54 | $40,640 |
| Missoula | $20.55 | $40,390 |
| Great Falls | $19.86 | $38,200 |
Nebraska
In Nebraska, CNAs earn a median of $40,830 per year, or $19.63 per hour, which is lower than the national median. The highest-paying areas in the state include Omaha, Grand Island, and Lincoln. Source: BLS
| Area | Average Hourly Wage | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Omaha, NE-IA | $20.08 | $38,950 |
| Grand Island | $19.64 | $38,280 |
| Lincoln | $19.33 | $37,750 |
Nevada
CNAs in Nevada earn a median of $44,360 annually, or $21.33 per hour, which is higher than the national median. The highest-paying areas in the state include Carson City, Reno, and Las Vegas–Henderson–North Las Vegas. Source: BLS
| Area | Average Hourly Wage | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Carson City | $21.89 | $46,560 |
| Reno | $21.66 | $46,500 |
| Las Vegas–Henderson–North Las Vegas | $21.32 | $45,070 |
New Hampshire
In New Hampshire, CNAs earn a median salary of $47,190 annually, or $22.69 per hour, which is higher than the national median. The highest-paying areas in the state include the Boston–Cambridge–Newton (NH portion) and Manchester–Nashua metro areas. Source: BLS
| Area | Average Hourly Wage | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Boston–Cambridge–Newton, MA-NH | $22.73 | $47,280 |
| Manchester–Nashua | $22.36 | $46,510 |
New Jersey
CNAs in New Jersey earn a median of $44,480 per year, or $21.38 per hour, higher than the national median. The highest-paying areas in the state include Vineland, Trenton–Princeton, and Atlantic City–Hammonton. Source: BLS
| Area | Average Hourly Wage | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Vineland | $21.59 | $45,640 |
| Trenton–Princeton | $21.17 | $45,400 |
| Atlantic City–Hammonton | $19.50 | $39,480 |
New Mexico
CNAs in New Mexico earn a median salary of $38,320 annually, or $18.42 per hour, lower than the national median. The highest-paying areas in the state include Santa Fe, Albuquerque, and Farmington. Source: BLS
New York
CNAs in New York earn a median of $47,530 annually, or $22.85 per hour, which is above the national average. The highest-paying areas in the state include New York–Newark–Jersey City, Kiryas Joel–Poughkeepsie–Newburgh, and Syracuse. Source: BLS
| Area | Average Hourly Wage | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| New York–Newark–Jersey City | $23.60 | $47,810 |
| Kiryas Joel–Poughkeepsie–Newburgh | $21.61 | $43,800 |
| Syracuse | $20.66 | $41,410 |
| Kingston | $20.58 | $40,790 |
| Ithaca | $20.58 | $39,910 |
| Albany–Schenectady–Troy | $19.55 | $39,860 |
| Binghamton | $19.63 | $39,170 |
| Buffalo–Cheektowaga | $19.52 | $38,940 |
| Utica–Rome | $19.35 | $38,810 |
| Watertown–Fort Drum | $18.49 | $38,160 |
| Glens Falls | $20.04 | $39,280 |
| Rochester | $20.32 | $39,800 |
| Elmira | $18.28 | $36,920 |
North Carolina
CNAs in North Carolina earn a median salary of $37,980 annually, or $18.26 per hour, lower than the national median. The highest-paying areas in the state include Burlington, Raleigh–Cary, and Durham–Chapel Hill. Source: BLS
| Area | Average Hourly Wage | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Burlington | $19.48 | $40,580 |
| Raleigh–Cary | $18.76 | $38,840 |
| Durham–Chapel Hill | $19.70 | $38,710 |
| Asheville | $19.00 | $38,740 |
| Greensboro–High Point | $18.27 | $38,760 |
| Charlotte–Concord–Gastonia, NC-SC | $19.15 | $38,580 |
| Greenville | $17.66 | $38,340 |
| Winston–Salem | $18.13 | $37,900 |
| Goldsboro | $17.30 | $36,550 |
| Fayetteville | $17.34 | $36,150 |
| Hickory–Lenoir–Morganton | $17.56 | $36,050 |
| Wilmington | $18.20 | $36,410 |
| Pinehurst–Southern Pines | $16.95 | $35,920 |
| Rocky Mount | $16.94 | $35,580 |
| Jacksonville | $15.99 | $33,330 |
North Dakota
North Dakota offers CNAs a median salary of $42,530 annually, or $20.45 per hour, higher than the national median. The highest-paying areas in the state include Grand Forks, Bismarck, and Fargo. Source: BLS
| Area | Average Hourly Wage | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Grand Forks-MN | $20.56 | $45,120 |
| Bismarck | $20.75 | $44,890 |
| Fargo-MN | $19.70 | $39,130 |
| Minot | $19.20 | $37,450 |
Ohio
CNAs in Ohio earn a median of $39,840 annually, or $19.16 per hour, lower than the national median. The highest-paying areas in the state include Columbus, Cincinnati, and Toledo. Source: BLS
| Area | Average Hourly Wage | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Columbus | $19.72 | $39,830 |
| Cincinnati-KY-IN | $19.66 | $39,150 |
| Toledo | $19.42 | $39,000 |
| Dayton-Kettering-Beavercreek | $19.11 | $38,950 |
| Cleveland | $19.22 | $38,060 |
| Akron | $19.04 | $38,160 |
| Springfield | $19.16 | $37,650 |
| Youngstown-Warren | $17.75 | $37,380 |
| Sandusky | $18.20 | $37,290 |
| Canton-Massillon | $18.32 | $37,230 |
| Mansfield | $18.31 | $38,250 |
| Lima | $18.41 | $36,700 |
Oklahoma
Oklahoma CNAs earn a median of $34,900 annually, or $16.78 per hour, which is below the national median. The highest-paying areas in the state include Tulsa, Oklahoma City, and Lawton. Source: BLS
| Area | Average Hourly Wage | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Tulsa | $17.41 | $36,170 |
| Oklahoma City | $17.28 | $35,840 |
| Lawton | $17.01 | $31,360 |
| Enid | $15.84 | $32,220 |
Oregon
CNAs in Oregon earn a median of $49,970 annually, or $24.03 per hour, higher than the national average. The highest-paying areas in the state include Portland–Vancouver–Hillsboro, Salem, and Grants Pass. Source: BLS
| Area | Average Hourly Wage | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Portland–Vancouver–Hillsboro, WA | $24.32 | $48,520 |
| Grants Pass | $24.14 | $48,300 |
| Salem | $24.31 | $48,280 |
| Bend | $24.14 | $47,560 |
| Albany | $23.09 | $47,070 |
| Eugene–Springfield | $23.01 | $46,900 |
| Medford | $22.94 | $46,520 |
| Corvallis | $21.90 | $43,790 |
Pennsylvania
In Pennsylvania, CNAs earn a median of $41,700 annually, or $20.05 per hour, which is below the national median. The highest-paying areas in the state include Lebanon, Chambersburg, and Reading. Source: BLS
| Area | Average Hourly Wage | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Lebanon | $21.00 | $44,240 |
| Chambersburg | $21.03 | $43,600 |
| Reading | $20.75 | $43,930 |
| Philadelphia–Camden–Wilmington, NJ-DE-MD | $20.72 | $43,000 |
| Lancaster | $20.11 | $40,090 |
| Gettysburg | $19.95 | $39,400 |
| Allentown–Bethlehem–Easton, NJ | $19.92 | $39,430 |
| Pittsburgh | $19.62 | $39,220 |
| York–Hanover | $19.79 | $39,210 |
| Altoona | $19.06 | $39,140 |
| Harrisburg–Carlisle | $19.44 | $39,010 |
| Scranton–Wilkes-Barre | $19.53 | $38,830 |
| Williamsport | $19.16 | $38,680 |
| State College | $18.88 | $38,310 |
| Erie | $18.72 | $37,850 |
| Johnstown | $17.80 | $37,280 |
Rhode Island
Rhode Island offers CNAs a median salary of $43,740 annually, or $21.03 per hour, which is above the national average. Providence is the highest-paying area in the state. Source: BLS
South Carolina
CNAs in South Carolina earn a median salary of $35,970 annually, or $17.29 per hour, which is below the national median. The highest-paying areas in the state include Charleston–North Charleston, Spartanburg, and Hilton Head Island–Bluffton–Port Royal. Source: BLS
| Area | Average Hourly Wage | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Charleston–North Charleston | $18.63 | $38,720 |
| Spartanburg | $17.93 | $38,520 |
| Hilton Head Island–Bluffton–Port Royal | $17.80 | $36,500 |
| Greenville–Anderson–Greer | $17.24 | $36,760 |
| Columbia | $17.13 | $36,410 |
| Myrtle Beach–Conway–North Myrtle Beach | $16.87 | $34,640 |
| Sumter | $16.51 | $35,640 |
| Florence | $15.93 | $33,290 |
South Dakota
In South Dakota, CNAs earn a median of $38,070 annually, or $18.30 per hour, slightly below the national median. The highest-paying areas in South Dakota include Sioux Falls, Rapid City, and Aberdeen. Source: BLS
| Area | Average Hourly Wage | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Sioux Falls | $18.18 | $38,070 |
| Rapid City | $18.18 | $37,250 |
Tennessee
CNAs in Tennessee earn a median salary of $37,040 annually, or $17.81 per hour, which is lower than the national average. The highest-paying areas in the state include Nashville, Johnson City, and Memphis. Source: BLS
| Area | Average Hourly Wage | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Nashville-Davidson–Murfreesboro–Franklin | $19.32 | $38,780 |
| Johnson City | $17.70 | $37,130 |
| Memphis, TN-MS-AR | $17.76 | $36,830 |
| Knoxville | $17.22 | $36,920 |
| Kingsport–Bristol, TN-VA | $17.12 | $36,640 |
| Clarksville, TN-KY | $17.59 | $36,580 |
| Morristown | $17.45 | $36,170 |
| Chattanooga, TN-GA | $17.33 | $36,050 |
| Cleveland | $17.09 | $35,580 |
| Jackson | $16.64 | $34,930 |
Texas
CNAs in Texas earn a median of $37,010 per year, or $17.79 per hour, which is below the national median. The highest-paying areas in the state include Austin, Dallas–Fort Worth, and Houston. Source: BLS
| Area | Average Hourly Wage | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Austin–Round Rock–San Marcos | $18.68 | $37,460 |
| Dallas–Fort Worth–Arlington | $18.80 | $37,260 |
| Houston–Pasadena–The Woodlands | $18.77 | $36,940 |
| Midland | $18.39 | $36,910 |
| Amarillo | $17.44 | $36,020 |
| San Antonio–New Braunfels | $17.50 | $35,990 |
| College Station–Bryan | $16.34 | $35,120 |
| Abilene | $16.42 | $35,010 |
| Clarksville, TN–KY | $17.59 | $36,580 |
| Corpus Christi | $16.82 | $34,560 |
| Wichita Falls | $16.93 | $34,550 |
| Odessa | $17.37 | $34,920 |
| San Angelo | $16.28 | $34,480 |
| Tyler | $16.55 | $34,290 |
| Killeen–Temple | $17.66 | $33,990 |
| Sherman–Denison | $16.44 | $33,940 |
| El Paso | $16.41 | $33,880 |
| Victoria | $15.91 | $33,660 |
| Beaumont–Port Arthur | $16.07 | $32,500 |
| Lubbock | $16.02 | $31,990 |
| Texarkana, TX–AR | $15.48 | $31,990 |
| Waco | $17.43 | $34,640 |
| Longview | $15.90 | $30,800 |
| McAllen–Edinburg–Mission | $15.66 | $30,090 |
| Laredo | $15.09 | $30,040 |
| Brownsville–Harlingen | $14.76 | $29,550 |
| Eagle Pass | $14.54 | $28,900 |
Utah
Utah offers CNAs a median salary of $39,240 annually, or $18.86 per hour, which is slightly below the national median. The highest-paying areas in the state include St. George, Salt Lake City, and Ogden. Source: BLS
| Area | Average Hourly Wage | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| St. George | $18.75 | $39,370 |
| Salt Lake City–Murray | $19.66 | $39,360 |
| Ogden | $18.47 | $37,490 |
| Provo–Orem–Lehi | $18.10 | $37,320 |
| Logan | $17.18 | $35,110 |
Vermont
In Vermont, CNAs earn a median of $43,610 annually, or $20.97 per hour, which is above the national median. The highest-paying areas in the state include Burlington, South Burlington, and Montpelier. Source: BLS
Virginia
CNAs in Virginia earn a median salary of $40,160 annually, or $19.31 per hour, which is close to the national median. The highest-paying areas in the state include Richmond, Charlottesville, and Winchester. Source: BLS
| Area | Average Hourly Wage | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Richmond | $19.49 | $38,890 |
| Charlottesville | $19.43 | $38,870 |
| Winchester, VA–WV | $19.29 | $38,790 |
| Roanoke | $18.90 | $38,260 |
| Harrisonburg | $18.29 | $37,720 |
| Lynchburg | $18.47 | $37,540 |
| Staunton–Stuarts Draft | $18.41 | $37,340 |
| Virginia Beach–Chesapeake–Norfolk, VA–NC | $18.43 | $37,400 |
| Blacksburg–Christiansburg–Radford | $18.32 | $37,150 |
Washington
CNAs in Washington earn a median of $49,960 annually, or $24.02 per hour, significantly above the national average. The highest-paying areas in the state include Seattle–Tacoma–Bellevue, Bellingham, and Bremerton–Silverdale–Port Orchard. Source: BLS
| Area | Average Hourly Wage | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Seattle–Tacoma–Bellevue | $25.24 | $50,690 |
| Bellingham | $23.54 | $47,860 |
| Bremerton–Silverdale–Port Orchard | $22.93 | $47,420 |
| Mount Vernon–Anacortes | $22.89 | $47,220 |
| Wenatchee–East Wenatchee | $22.66 | $47,140 |
| Walla Walla | $22.90 | $46,850 |
| Kennewick–Richland | $22.50 | $46,640 |
| Spokane–Spokane Valley | $22.64 | $46,180 |
| Yakima | $22.03 | $46,330 |
| Olympia–Lacey–Tumwater | $23.11 | $46,900 |
| Longview–Kelso | $22.64 | $46,020 |
West Virginia
CNAs in West Virginia earn a median salary of $36,320 annually, or $17.46 per hour, which is below the national median. The highest-paying areas in the state include Morgantown, Wheeling, and Weirton–Steubenville. Source: BLS
| Area | Average Hourly Wage | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Morgantown | $18.34 | $39,090 |
| Wheeling, OH–WV | $17.26 | $36,700 |
| Weirton–Steubenville, WV–OH | $17.47 | $36,760 |
| Huntington–Ashland, WV–KY–OH | $17.25 | $35,910 |
| Parkersburg–Vienna | $17.16 | $35,840 |
| Charleston | $16.85 | $34,880 |
| Beckley | $16.57 | $35,510 |
Wisconsin
In Wisconsin, CNAs earn a median salary of $43,050 annually, or $20.70 per hour, which is slightly above the national median. The highest-paying areas in the state include Sheboygan, Kenosha, and Milwaukee–Waukesha. Source: BLS
| Area | Average Hourly Wage | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Sheboygan | $21.14 | $45,660 |
| Kenosha | $20.74 | $44,850 |
| Milwaukee–Waukesha | $21.00 | $44,370 |
| Fond du Lac | $20.78 | $44,260 |
| Janesville–Beloit | $20.36 | $43,760 |
| Madison | $21.62 | $43,620 |
| Green Bay | $19.98 | $42,760 |
| Eau Claire | $20.22 | $41,810 |
| La Crosse–Onalaska, MN–WI | $20.28 | $41,460 |
| Racine–Mount Pleasant | $20.90 | $40,750 |
| Oshkosh–Neenah | $19.95 | $40,130 |
| Appleton | $20.12 | $39,900 |
| Wausau | $19.11 | $37,770 |
Wyoming
CNAs in Wyoming earn a median salary of $41,040 annually, or $19.73 per hour, which is higher than the national median. The highest-paying areas in the state include Cheyenne and Casper. Source: BLS
| Area | Average Hourly Wage | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Cheyenne | $21.43 | $46,090 |
| Casper | $18.84 | $37,590 |
FAQs
What is the average CNA salary in the U.S.?
The average annual salary for a CNA in the U.S. is about $39,430, or $18.96 per hour, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). However, CNA wages can vary by location, experience, and work setting.
How does experience affect a CNA's salary?
CNAs with more experience usually earn higher wages. Entry-level CNAs might earn near the starting average. Those with several years of experience can earn 20-30% more. This is especially true for high-demand, specialized roles, like in ICUs.
Which states pay CNAs the most?
The highest-paying states for CNAs are Oregon, Washington, California, Alaska, and New York. Their annual salaries range from $47,530 to $49,970. Wages depend on the cost of living and the demand for healthcare.
What are the top-paying work settings for CNAs?
CNAs in employment services, hospitals, and nursing facilities tend to earn the most. For example, CNAs in hospitals earn $40,170 a year. Those in home health agencies make about $36,910.
Does certification level impact a CNA's salary?
Yes, advanced certifications can lead to higher pay for CNAs. Geriatric and acute care specialists can earn up to 10% more than CNAs with general certification. These certifications enhance job prospects and lead to higher-paying specialized jobs.
What is the job outlook for CNAs?
The job outlook for CNAs is strong, with a projected growth rate of 4% from 2023 to 2033. This growth is driven by the aging population, which increases the demand for healthcare services. This, in turn, boosts wages and job opportunities.
Conclusion
Now that you've perused a CNA's median annual salary in 50 states, you should have a better understanding about how pay varies from region to region. With information about CNA salary by state in mind, you can make more informed decisions going forward.
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics – Nursing Assistants and Orderlies, Occupational Outlook Handbook
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics – Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) Tables
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics – May 2024 State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics – May 2024 Metropolitan and Nonmetropolitan Area Estimates
