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Are you a certified nursing assistant (CNA) hoping to make the highest possible salary in your field? Would you like to know which state pays CNAs the most?
You are in the right place: Here, you will find the top ten highest-paid states for CNAs.
The data on average CNA wages in this article comes from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Weekly estimates are based on 40-hour work weeks, and annual estimates are based on 2,080 work hours. Estimates do not include self-employed workers, who typically earn higher hourly wages.
How much do CNAs make in the US?
The average wage for CNAs in the United States is $19.84 per hour and $41,270 per year. National average wages provide a point of comparison to income from other professions, average living wage, minimum wage, etc.
However, national estimates may be significantly higher or lower than your CNA income based on your specific location and work setting, among other factors.
So, what state pays the highest annual salary for a CNA?
CNAs in some regions of the country make close to $20,000 more annually than their counterparts in other states. This point is precisely the focus of this article.
Keep on reading to discover the ten states that pay CNAs the most.
Top 10 highest-paying states for CNAs
Here are the top ten highest-paying states for certified nursing assistants in the US:
1. Oregon: $49,970
This past year, Oregon moved up to claim the top spot for highest-paying states for CNAs. (Previously, it was fourth on the list with an average annual CNA salary of $46,970.)
For those of you packing your bags, the Oregon Board of Nursing handles all reciprocity requests for CNAs with certifications from other states—for a fee.
If you plan on continuing your education, you may also want to consider which state pays nurses the most. Oregon is also the third highest-paying state for registered nurses in 2025, making it an excellent option for nursing assistants with plans to transition to RNs.
How much can CNAs make in Oregon?
Do you live in the best-paying state for nursing assistants? The following are the average hourly, weekly, monthly, and annual wages for CNAs in Oregon:
- Average hourly rate: $24.03
- Average weekly rate: $961.20
- Average monthly rate: $4,164.17
- Average annual rate: $49,970
CNA salary variations in Oregon
Oregon is first on this list due to its average CNA salary. When we break the salary data down, we see that the lowest-paid CNAs (the 10th percentile) in Oregon make more annually than their counterparts in all other states, except for Alaska.
Here are the typical wage percentiles for CNAs in Oregon:
- 10th percentile: $40,180
- 25th percentile: $45,230
- 50th percentile: $48,390
- 75th percentile: $56,020
- 90th percentile: $60,500
Which city in this state pays CNAs the most?
Portland and Salem are the cities with the highest salaries in Oregon, with annual average salaries of $50,580 and $50,560, respectively.
The two cities also appear in the top ten highest-paying metropolitan/nonmetropolitan areas nationwide, alongside fellow Oregon cities: Hillsboro, Grants Pass, and Bend.
2. Washington: $49,960
At $49,960 annually, Washington is the second-highest-paid state for CNAs nationwide, behind Oregon by only a very slight margin.
Washington is another state that is excellent for nursing assistants and nurses. It sits in the top ten list of highest-paying states for RNs and at the number one spot for licensed practical/vocational nurses (LPNs/LVNs).
How much do CNAs make in Washington?
As the runner-up, Washington offers one of the best salaries for CNAs nationwide. Here are the hourly, weekly, monthly, and annual wages for CNAs living in the Evergreen State:
- Average hourly rate: $24.02
- Average weekly rate: $960.80
- Average monthly rate: $4,163.33
- Average annual rate: $49,960
Differences in CNA pay in Washington
This state is an excellent alternative for entry-level CNAs. Here are the average wages at different levels of CNA income in Washington:
- 10th percentile: $40,170
- 25th percentile: $44,850
- 50th percentile: $48,260
- 75th percentile: $54,780
- 90th percentile: $60,220
Which city in this state pays CNAs the most?
Seattle, Tacoma, and Bellevue are the highest-paying cities in Washington, with an annual average CNA salary for the entire metropolitan area at $52,500.
These cities also appear in the top ten highest-paying metropolitan/nonmetropolitan areas nationwide, along with Vancouver.
3. California: $48,790
As with most other healthcare positions, CNAs in California have among the highest pay rates.
California is also an excellent choice for CNAs wishing to continue their studies and become nurses. It is the second-highest-paying state for LVNs and the highest-paying state for RNs.
How much do CNAs make in California?
Anxious to know the breakdown? The following are the average hourly, weekly, monthly, and annual wages for CNAs in California:
- Average hourly rate: $23.46
- Average weekly rate: $938.40
- Average monthly rate: $4,065.83
- Average annual rate: $48,790
Highest- and lowest-paid CNAs in California
Now, let’s go even deeper into the specifics of CNA salaries in California. The following are the typical wage percentiles:
- 10th percentile: $39,220
- 25th percentile: $44,350
- 50th percentile: $46,420
- 75th percentile: $50,540
- 90th percentile: $59,540
Where can a CNA make the most money in California?
Although California is the third top-paying state for CNAs, it has the two highest-paying metropolitan areas in the country: San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara and San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont.
4. Alaska: $48,550
At $48,550 annually, Alaska is the fourth-highest-paid state for CNAs nationwide, down from the number two slot last year ($47,080).
How much does a CNA make in Alaska?
So that you can more easily compare a CNA salary to income from other types of jobs, here are the average hourly, weekly, monthly, and annual wages of CNAs in Alaska:
- Average hourly rate: $23.34
- Average weekly rate: $933.60
- Average monthly rate: $4,045.83
- Average annual rate: $48,550
For reference, the minimum hourly wage in Alaska is $11.91 per hour.
Variations in CNA pay in Alaska
Interestingly, in Alaska, both the highest-paid CNAs (90th percentile) and the lowest-paid CNAs (10th percentile) make slightly more than their Californian counterparts—one reason CNAs choose The Last Frontier over the Golden State.
The following wage tiers can give you a more precise idea of where your CNA salary would fall depending on numerous factors, such as specific city and type of healthcare setting:
- 10th percentile: $41,190
- 25th percentile: $41,840
- 50th percentile: $45,840
- 75th percentile: $50,700
- 90th percentile: $59,780
Did you notice that the highest-paid CNAs in Alaska can earn a whopping $59,780 annually? That is actually more than what many licensed practical nurses earn in other states.
If you don’t already live in Alaska, moving there might be too overwhelming: the midnight sun, the long, cold winters, and being far from family and friends.
Luckily, if Alaska is not right for you, other states also offer CNAs average salaries above $45,000 annually.
5. New York: $47,530
New York is fifth on the list, offering CNAs an average annual salary around $2,000 less per year than this list’s top spot.
How much do CNAs make in New York?
If you are a certified nursing assistant in the Empire State, here are the average CNA wages you can expect to make:
- Average hourly rate: $22.85
- Average weekly rate: $914.00
- Average monthly rate: $3,960.83
- Average annual rate: $47,530
How much do the highest-paid CNAs in New York make?
As with CNA pay in any state, wages can vary significantly due to several factors, including the specific city or town and the type of facility. The following are the average wage tiers available to most CNAs in New York:
- 10th percentile: $37,480
- 25th percentile: $41,010
- 50th percentile: $47,390
- 75th percentile: $50,720
- 90th percentile: $59,240
Another aspect CNAs should consider before choosing New York over other states is the cost of living. For example, the living wage in New York is $27.57, higher than the average CNA hourly rate.
6. Washington, D.C.: $47,480
The nation’s capital appears on the list in sixth place this year—a drop from its first-place spot last year—as its average CNA salary dropped slightly from $47,860.
How much does a CNA make an hour in D.C.?
Ready to know the breakdown? Here is how much you can expect to make as a CNA in Washington, D.C.:
- Average hourly rate: $22.83
- Average weekly rate: $913.20
- Average monthly rate: $3,956.67
- Average annual rate: $47,480
Typical CNA salary range in D.C.
Even the lowest-paid CNAs in Washington, D.C. (10th percentile), earn more than their highest-paid counterparts (90th percentile) in Alabama, Louisiana, and Mississippi, making the nation’s capital a solid place for entry-level CNAs to make a high income.
Here are the typical wage percentiles for CNAs in D.C.:
- 10th percentile: $39,120
- 25th percentile: $43,120
- 50th percentile: $46,860
- 75th percentile: $50,360
- 90th percentile: $56,160
Although Washington, D.C., offers CNAs competitive pay, the living wage ($25.98 per hour) is higher than the average hourly wage. Therefore, CNAs should carefully consider this aspect before packing up and moving to the capital.
Not yet a nursing assistant? Learn what CNAs do to help you decide if this career is right for you.
7. New Hampshire: $47,190
Number seven is New Hampshire, with an average annual wage of $47,190.
How much do CNAs make in New Hampshire?
Are you eager to learn how much you can make? Here are the average CNA wages in New Hampshire:
- Average hourly rate: $22.69
- Average weekly rate: $907.60
- Average monthly rate: $3,932.50
- Average annual rate: $47,190
Notably, the Southwestern New Hampshire nonmetropolitan area appears in the national top ten for highest-paying metropolitan or nonmetropolitan areas with an average annual CNA wage of $49,590. This could include towns Keene, Lebanon, Claremont, Dublin, and more.
Highest- and lowest-paid CNAs in New Hampshire
The good news for CNAs in New Hampshire is that even the lowest-paid 10 percent of CNAs make more than double the minimum wage in this state ($7.25 per hour). The following are the different wage tiers for CNAs in New Hampshire:
- 10th percentile: $37,400
- 25th percentile: $40,790
- 50th percentile: $46,050
- 75th percentile: $49,730
- 90th percentile: $58,530
8. Massachusetts: $46,130
Massachusetts is among the highest-paid states for CNAs, LPNs, and RNs, making this an excellent state for CNAs interested in continuing their education to become licensed nurses.
How much do CNAs make in Massachusetts?
The following are average CNA wages in Massachusetts by the hour, week, month, and year:
- Average hourly rate: $22.18
- Average weekly rate: $887.20
- Average monthly rate: $3,844.17
- Average annual rate: $46,130
Highest- and lowest-paid CNAs in Massachusetts
Unfortunately, Massachusetts has the second-highest cost of living of all the states on this list, with a living wage of $28.88 per hour.
The following percentiles show the typical range of CNA wages in Massachusetts:
- 10th percentile: $38,380
- 25th percentile: $40,220
- 50th percentile: $45,410
- 75th percentile: $48,370
- 90th percentile: $56,340
Are you wondering how to make more money? Increase your income with PRN CNA jobs in Massachusetts.
9. Maine: $45,500
Maine is a new addition to the list this year with a respectable $45,500 annual average CNA salary.
How much do CNAs make in Maine?
The CNA average hourly wage is significantly higher than the state’s minimum wage ($14.65 per hour).
The following are average CNA wages in Maine by the hour, week, month, and year:
- Average hourly rate: $21.88
- Average weekly rate: $875.20
- Average monthly rate: $3,791.67
- Average annual rate: $45,500
Which is the highest CNA pay range in Maine?
The living wage for the Pinetree State is $23.22, an hourly rate that only CNAs in the 75th percentile and above match in earnings.
The following percentiles show the typical range of CNA wages in Maine:
- 10th percentile: $37,350
- 25th percentile: $40,270
- 50th percentile: $45,640
- 75th percentile: $48,390
- 90th percentile: $54,580
10. Hawaii: $45,480
With an average annual salary of $45,480, the Aloha State remains another year among the highest-paying states for CNAs.
How much do CNAs make in Hawaii?
Although the average salary that Hawaii offers CNAs is among the highest in the country, the state is also the most expensive place to live on this list, with an hourly living wage of $29.92.
Here are the average wages that CNAs in Hawaii can expect to earn:
- Average hourly rate: $21.87
- Average weekly rate: $874.80
- Average monthly rate: $3,790.00
- Average annual rate: $45,480
What is the highest pay range for CNAs in Hawaii?
Is your heart set on Hawaii despite the high cost of living?
Be warned that you may need to find ways to supplement your income, such as picking up PRN shifts on the side. Here are the typical wage ranges for CNAs in Hawaii:
- 10th percentile: $35,600
- 25th percentile: $39,700
- 50th percentile: $44,830
- 75th percentile: $51,110
- 90th percentile: $53,150
Do CNAs make good money?
Are CNA average salaries considered “good money”? It isn’t so simple as “yes” or “no,” but is better answered by considering the following points:
- The startup investment for a person to become a CNA is lower in cost and shorter in time than to go straight into a nursing program.
- CNA programs are often completed within three months and are significantly lower in cost than a nursing program.
- Many CNA employers are willing to pay for the cost of the CNA program in return for a work commitment.
- CNA jobs also generally pay quite a bit more than minimum wage, which makes them better financial options than many other entry-level positions in other industries.
Now you know what state pays CNAs the most. You also know that even the highest-paid CNAs in the highest-paying state for CNAs may have a hard time making ends meet.
So, what can CNAs do to earn more?
- A CNA can increase their pay by taking additional training to become a certified medication aide (CMA).
- A CNA may also pursue further education to become a nurse, such as an LPN, RN, or even an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN)—the license type with the highest-paying nurse specialties.
- Nursing assistants can also learn about the highest-paying industries and other considerations to maximize their CNA salary.
- A nursing assistant can consider moving to a higher-paying state. Check which states offer free reciprocity to out-of-state CNAs.
Additionally—without pursuing further education or moving to another state—CNAs can significantly increase their hourly pay by picking up PRN jobs.
Choose when and where to work and increase your earnings today with PRN CNA jobs in your area.
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