Are you a certified nursing assistant (CNA) hoping to make the highest possible salary in your field? Would you like to know what state pays CNAs the most? You are in the right place: Here, you will find the top ten highest-paid states for CNAs.
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 may earn higher hourly wages.
How Much Do CNAs Make in the US?
The average wage for CNAs in the United States is $19.04 per hour and $39,610 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.
For example, CNAs who work in dentists' offices make, on average, nearly $22,000 more per year than their counterparts in home health. Similarly, CNAs in some regions of the country make close to $20,000 more annually than their counterparts in other states. This last 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
These are the top ten highest-paying states for certified nursing assistants in the US:
- Washington, D.C.: $47,860
- Alaska: $47,080
- California: $47,070
- Oregon: $46,970
- Washington: $46,430
- New York: $46,020
- New Hampshire: $45,090
- Hawaii: $44,990
- Massachusetts: $44,750
- Colorado: $43,580
1. Washington, D.C.: $47,860
Although not technically a state, the nation’s capital tops the list of the highest-paid states for CNAs, with an average annual salary of $47,860.
How Much Does a CNA Make an Hour in D.C.?
Do you live in the best-paying state for nursing assistants? Here is how much you can expect to make as a CNA in Washington, D.C.:
- Average hourly rate: $23.01
- Average weekly rate: $920.40
- Average monthly rate: $3,988.33
- Average annual rate: $47,860
Typical CNA Salary Range in D.C.
Even the lowest-paid CNAs in Washington, D.C., earn more than their highest-paid counterparts in other states, such as Mississippi, making the nation’s capital a great place for entry-level CNAs to make a high income. Here are the typical wage percentiles for CNAs in D.C.:
- 10th percentile: $38,490
- 25th percentile: $43,430
- 50th percentile: $46,220
- 75th percentile: $50,160
- 90th percentile: $58,590
Although Washington, D.C., offers the best CNA pay, the living wage ($23.90 per hour) is higher than the average hourly wage. Therefore, CNAs should carefully consider this aspect before packing up and moving to the capital.
Interestingly, D.C. is not the highest-paying place for nurses. Keep on reading to discover what state pays nurses the most.
Not yet a nursing assistant? Learn what CNAs do to help you decide if this career is right for you.
2. Alaska: $47,080
At $47,080 annually, Alaska is the second highest-paid state for CNAs nationwide.
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: $22.63
- Average weekly rate: $905.20
- Average monthly rate: $3,923.33
- Average annual rate: $47,080
It is important to note that the average hourly rate for CNAs in Alaska is slightly lower than the living wage ($23.26) in that state.
Variations in CNA Pay in Alaska
Now, let’s go even deeper into the specifics of CNA salaries in Alaska. 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: $40,060
- 25th percentile: $40,190
- 50th percentile: $45,480
- 75th percentile: $50,470
- 90th percentile: $58,270
Did you notice that the highest-paid CNAs in Alaska can earn a whopping $58,270 annually? That is actually more than what many licensed practical nurses (LPNs) earn in other states. Furthermore, even the lowest-paid 10 percent of CNAs in Alaska earn more than the minimum wage in that state. For reference, the minimum wage in Alaska is $11.73 per hour, which translates into $24,398.40 annually.
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.
3. California: $47,070
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 to become nurses since it is also the highest-paying state for LPNs and registered nurses (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: $22.63
- Average weekly rate: $905.20
- Average monthly rate: $3,922.50
- Average annual rate: $47,070
Highest- and Lowest-Paid CNAs in California
Interestingly, the highest-paid CNAs in California make more than their Alaska counterparts—one reason for CNAs to choose the Golden State over The Last Frontier. That said, the cost of living in California is also higher than in both D.C. and Alaska. The following are the typical wage percentiles for CNAs in California:
- 10th percentile: $37,800
- 25th percentile: $39,930
- 50th percentile: $45,170
- 75th percentile: $48,570
- 90th percentile: $59,490
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 Francisco-Oakland-Hayward and San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara.
4. Oregon: $46,970
Oregon is another state on the list of the top ten highest-paying states for RNs as well as for CNAs. Therefore, Oregon is an excellent option for transitioning from CNA to RN. It is also a top choice for nurses interested in relocating to a higher-paying state. However, remember that Oregon is not a Nursing Licensure Compact (NLC) member, so nurses who move to this state must apply for an Oregon license.
How Much Do CNAs Make in Oregon?
Did you know that CNAs in Oregon make only $0.05 less per hour than CNAs in California? That equals only $100 less per year—not bad considering that the living wage in Oregon is $24.30 per hour, $3.02 per hour less than in California. Here are the average hourly, weekly, monthly, and annual CNA wages in Oregon:
- Average hourly rate: $22.58
- Average weekly rate: $903.20
- Average monthly rate: $3,914.17
- Average annual rate: $46,970
CNA Salary Variations in Oregon
Although Oregon is fourth on this list due to its average CNA salary, the lowest-paid CNAs in Oregon make more annually than their counterparts in California. At the same time, they can spend at least $6,000 less annually on living expenses compared to CNAs living in California. Here are the typical wage percentiles for CNAs in Oregon:
- 10th percentile: $38,010
- 25th percentile: $41,590
- 50th percentile: $46,260
- 75th percentile: $52,000
- 90th percentile: $58,050
Which City in This State Pays CNAs the Most?
Salem is not only the highest-paying city in Oregon but the third highest-paying city nationwide.
5. Washington: $46,430
Washington is another state that is excellent for nursing assistants and nurses. It makes all the lists of the top ten highest-paying states for these groups: CNAs, LPNs, and RNs.
How Much Do CNAs Make in Washington?
Washington offers CNAs a lower average salary than Oregon and a slightly higher living wage ($25.60 per hour), placing Washington after Oregon on this list. However, Washington still 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: $22.32
- Average weekly rate: $892.80
- Average monthly rate: $3,869.17
- Average annual rate: $46,430
Differences in CNA Pay in Washington
Interestingly, Washington offers higher average salaries to the lowest-paid CNAs than D.C., California, and Oregon. Therefore, 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: $38,530
- 25th percentile: $42,130
- 50th percentile: $46,000
- 75th percentile: $49,800
- 90th percentile: $54,620
6. New York: $46,020
New York is sixth on the list, offering CNAs an average annual salary of forty-six grand.
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: $22.13
- Average weekly rate: $885.20
- Average monthly rate: $3,835.00
- Average annual rate: $46,020
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: $35,440
- 25th percentile: $39,450
- 50th percentile: $45,890
- 75th percentile: $50,610
- 90th percentile: $55,810
Another aspect CNAs should consider before choosing New York over other states is the cost of living: Whereas the living wage in New York is $26.86 per hour, the living wage in a lower-paying state such as Ohio, where CNAs are known as STNAs, is significantly lower at $19.40 per hour.
7. New Hampshire: $45,090
Number seven is New Hampshire, with an average annual wage of $45,090.
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: $21.68
- Average weekly rate: $867.20
- Average monthly rate: $3,757.50
- Average annual rate: $45,090
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: $35,400
- 25th percentile: $38,520
- 50th percentile: $43,940
- 75th percentile: $47,670
- 90th percentile: $56,690
8. Hawaii: $44,990
With an average annual salary of $44,990, the Aloha State is 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 the second most expensive place to live on this list, with an hourly living wage of $27.33. Here are the average wages that CNAs in Hawaii can expect to earn:
- Average hourly rate: $21.63
- Average weekly rate: $865.20
- Average monthly rate: $3,749.17
- Average annual rate: $44,990
Which 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 will need to find ways to supplement your income, such as picking up PRN shifts, since even the highest-earning CNAs make less than the living wage in the state. Here are the typical wage ranges for CNAs in Hawaii:
- 10th percentile: $36,560
- 25th percentile: $38,550
- 50th percentile: $44,080
- 75th percentile: $48,950
- 90th percentile: $54,270
9. Massachusetts: $44,750
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: $21.51
- Average weekly rate: $860.40
- Average monthly rate: $3,729.17
- Average annual rate: $44,750
Highest- and Lowest-Paid CNAs in Massachusetts
Massachusetts has the highest cost of living of all the states on this list, with a living wage of $27.89 per hour. As in Hawaii, CNAs in Massachusetts must supplement their employment income to make ends meet since even the highest-paid nursing assistants earn less than the living wage. The following percentiles show the typical range of CNA wages in Massachusetts:
- 10th percentile: $36,830
- 25th percentile: $38,980
- 50th percentile: $44,200
- 75th percentile: $47,120
- 90th percentile: $53,290
Are you wondering how to make more money? Increase your income with PRN CNA jobs in Massachusetts.
10. Colorado: $43,580
Colorado is the tenth best-paying state for CNAs, with an average annual wage of $43,580.
How Much Do CNAs Make in Colorado?
The following are average hourly, weekly, monthly, and annual CNA wages in Colorado:
- Average hourly rate: $20.95
- Average weekly rate: $838.00
- Average monthly rate: $3,631.67
- Average annual rate: $43,580
Which Is the Highest CNA Pay Range in Colorado?
Average CNA income might be lower in Colorado than in the previous nine states, but it is still significantly higher than the state’s minimum wage ($14.42). In fact, even the lowest-paid 10 percent of CNAs in Colorado make substantially higher pay than the minimum wage. Here are the wage percentiles for CNAs in the Centennial State:
- 10th percentile: $36,760
- 25th percentile: $38,750
- 50th percentile: $42,520
- 75th percentile: $46,270
- 90th percentile: $51,900
Do CNAs Make Good Money?
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. One way a CNA can increase their pay is to take 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.
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 near you.
Sources:
.webp)
