Nursing assistants are in high demand as the bedrock of the healthcare delivery system in most facilities. This entry-level nursing position can set you on a tiered path to becoming a licensed practical nurse (LPN) or a registered nurse (RN). If you aren't a certified nursing assistant (CNA) yet exploring the idea, this resource will answer questions and set you up with resources for more information. Alternatively, if you are already a CNA searching for pay information, you are in the right place to learn how to find CNA jobs in Oregon State, how much you can earn, and how to make more money with per diem jobs via a healthcare staffing app.
This resource provides publicly available information about average CNA salaries in Oregon. While Nursa currently offers independent contractor CNAs in Oregon the opportunity to access per diem jobs that pay on an hourly basis rather than access to salaried or wage-based employment opportunities, this information may be a helpful frame of reference for you as you assess the market landscape both in regard to per diem jobs and employment opportunities.
How Many CNAs Are in Oregon?
Oregon has over 12,450 nursing assistants, which sounds substantial. However, Oregon's location quotient is 0.74, meaning they have a lower concentration of CNAs than the national average. The profession is expected to grow nationally at a rate of four percent through the year 2032, so not only is this an excellent entry-level position, but it also offers stability as the demand for nurse assistant jobs is expected to increase.
How Much Do Nursing Assistants Make in Oregon?
We know Oregon needs CNAs, but it's fair to wonder, "How much do CNAs make in Oregon?" That's what you're here for, after all. Statewide, the average annual wage for CNAs is $42,960. However, it's important to clarify that a nursing assistant's income is influenced by several factors, such as the following:
- Location: Urban, suburban, and rural
- Certification level: CNA 1 or CNA 2 (specific to Oregon, not all states have more than one level for CNAs)
CNA Wages in Oregon Per Hour
The mean CNA wage per hour is $20.65, well above the Oregon minimum wage ($13.50) and the national CNA average ($17.14). While knowing the average is helpful, reviewing the percentiles will give you a better idea of the range you can expect to find. This table compares the percentiles between the state and the entire country for yearly and hourly pay rates.
Data source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) (Most recent data as of September 2023)
Nursing Assistant Wages in Oregon: Percentiles Explained
Now that you can review the range for a certified nursing assistant incomes in Oregon, it's worthwhile to understand what they mean and how to apply reasonable speculations. To do that, we'll explain the hourly Oregon wage percentiles, which are as follows:
- 10 percent of CNAs earn $16.75 hourly or less, while 90 percent earn more.
- 25 percent of CNAs earn $18.23 hourly or less, while 75 percent earn more.
- 50 percent of CNAs earn less than $19.88, while 50 percent of CNAs earn more.
- 75 percent of CNAs earn $22.94 hourly or less, while 25 percent of CNAs earn more.
- 90 percent of CNAs earn $24.61 hourly or less, while 10 percent of CNAs earn more.
Highest-Paying Cities for CNAs in Oregon
Knowing how much you can earn in Oregon may help you choose the best option when considering independent contractor work or applying for salaried or wage-based employment. Location also plays a role, and it's understandable to wonder where those higher percentile CNAs may work. The CNA annual incomes in Portland and Salem are statistically the highest, but other high-paying cities in Oregon exist. Other top-paying cities in Oregon are the following:
What's the Average CNA Pay throughout the State of Oregon?
Ready to compare how the CNA pay in Oregon varies by location? This table also includes the hourly living wage for a single adult without children in Oregon for reference.
Data sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and Dr. Amy K. Glasmeier and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology https://livingwage.mit.edu/states/41/locations (Most recent data as of September 2023)
How Can I Become a CNA in Oregon?
The nursing assistant occupation is an entry-level position, which means that although it requires training and certification, it does not require a college or university degree. To become a CNA, you must complete a program approved by the Oregon State Board of Nursing (OSBN). You can contact the OSBN for information about approved CNA programs in Oregon, including the pass/fail rates for each program, to help you feel confident in the program of your choice. The next step is to pass the two certification exams: knowledge and skills.
How Can I Earn More as a CNA in Oregon?
You can earn more when you pick up per diem CNA jobs in Oregon with Nursa. Working per diem shifts means you aren't a staff employee of that facility. Instead, you are a contract worker, which benefits you and the facility. The facility benefits by getting help with staffing quickly. You benefit from the higher-than-usual pay rates typically offered for per diem shifts.
Moreover, you can work per diem shifts as a side job, augmenting your earnings by picking up shifts on your days off from your other job. Some nursing assistants even switch to working per diem on a full-time basis. It's up to you how you want to maximize your gains.
Learn More About Nursing Professionals’ Average Annual Incomes
How Can I Find CNA Jobs near Me in Oregon?
You can find per diem CNA jobs in Portland, Salem, and other cities and towns across Oregon quickly and simply by using Nursa. When you download Nursa—an open healthcare marketplace—you'll open the door to numerous possibilities as a CNA. By picking up shifts, you reap the financial benefits and gain autonomy over your career. With Nursa, there is no minimum or maximum number of shifts you can work. You choose when to work, and if that means some weeks you work more than others, it's your decision. Each shift posted on Nursa provides a clear description of the job duties and the facility, which means you can also choose where you work.
