Last updated: October 2026 | Primary source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Outlook Handbook, nursing assistants, May 2025 wage data
How Much Do CNAs Make in 2026? Complete Salary Breakdown
If you're considering a career as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), one of the first questions you'll ask is: how much do CNAs make? The answer depends on where you live, where you work, how much experience you have, and what shifts you're willing to take.
This comprehensive CNA salary guide for 2026 breaks down everything you need to know about CNA pay, from national figures to work settings and career steps, plus actionable strategies to maximize your earning potential.
National CNA Salary Overview
According to the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook for nursing assistants, these are the key pay and job figures for certified nursing assistants (CNAs) in the United States, based on May 2025 wage data:
| Metric | Amount (BLS, May 2025) |
|---|---|
| Median annual wage | $42,260 |
| Median hourly wage (annual median divided by 2,080 hours) | about $20.32 |
| Lowest 10% earned less than | $33,940 |
| Highest 10% earned more than | $51,980 |
| Jobs held, 2025 | 1,505,900 |
| Projected employment growth, 2025-35 | 3% |
| Projected openings per year | About 203,300 (nursing assistants and orderlies combined) |
The median means half of all nursing assistants earn more than $42,260 and half earn less. The BLS also reports a median of $38,290 for orderlies and a combined 2025 median of $41,870 for the nursing assistants and orderlies profile. Your actual pay depends on the factors covered below.
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CNA Salary by Work Setting
Where you work matters. The BLS lists these median annual wages for nursing assistants in the top industries that employ them (May 2025, BLS OOH):
| Industry | Share of Nursing Assistant Jobs | Median Annual Wage |
|---|---|---|
| Government (excluding state and local education and hospitals) | 3% | $47,050 |
| Nursing care facilities (skilled nursing facilities) | 36% | $43,000 |
| Hospitals (state, local, and private) | 32% | $42,310 |
| Continuing care retirement communities and assisted living | 11% | $39,490 |
| Home healthcare services | 5% | $38,040 |
Nursing care facilities and hospitals together employ about two-thirds of nursing assistants. Government posts the highest median in this list, and nursing care facilities sit slightly above hospitals. Hospitals pay a little more than assisted living and home health, so the BLS data do not show hospitals as the clear top setting for CNAs. Compare the pay at specific employers in your area before you choose.
CNA vs. LPN vs. RN: Career Ladder Salary Comparison
Understanding the nursing career ladder helps you see where CNA fits. These are 2025 median annual pay figures from the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook (nursing assistants and LPNs):
| Role | 2025 Median Annual Pay |
|---|---|
| Nursing assistant (CNA) | $42,260 |
| LPN/LVN | $64,400 |
| Registered nurse (RN) | $97,550 |
Key Takeaways from the Career Ladder
- CNA to LPN: The LPN median is about $22,140 higher, roughly 52% more than the CNA median. The BLS notes that LPN programs typically take about one year.
- CNA to RN: The RN median is more than twice the CNA median. The BLS lists a bachelor's degree as the typical entry education for RNs.
- Many CNA-to-RN bridge programs offer accelerated paths for experienced CNAs.
- CNA experience gives you a significant advantage in nursing school admissions.
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The jump from CNA to LPN is roughly a 52% salary increase ($64,400 vs. $42,260, BLS May 2025 medians). Start preparing now with our free NCLEX prep.
Factors That Affect CNA Salary
Several factors shape your paycheck. The BLS medians above are national figures for the whole occupation, so your own pay can sit above or below them:
1. Geographic Location
- The BLS publishes wage estimates by state and metro area through its OEWS program, linked from the occupational profile. Use those tables to compare your area.
- Cost of living changes what a wage buys, so compare local medians with the national figure rather than relying on one number.
2. Work Setting
- Industry medians differ, as the table above shows.
3. Shift and Schedule
- Many employers pay extra for evening, night, weekend, or holiday shifts. The terms vary by facility, so ask about them when you apply.
4. Experience and Tenure
- Experience and facility tenure can affect pay, but this guide does not estimate a raise per year because the BLS does not publish median pay by years of experience for this occupation.
5. Certifications and Specializations
- Some employers offer added pay for certifications such as medication aide or wound care. This guide does not estimate that amount because no BLS figure covers it.
How to Maximize Your CNA Earnings
Follow these steps to earn as much as your local market allows:
Strategy 1: Get Certified and Start Working ASAP
The fastest way to start earning is to pass your CNA exam on the first try. Every week spent re-studying is delayed income.
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Strategy 2: Compare Employers With Real Data
The BLS medians show government and nursing care facilities above hospitals, so do not assume one setting pays the most. Look up local wage data and ask employers for their pay scale before you accept an offer.
Strategy 3: Ask About Shift Pay
Night, weekend, and holiday pay differences can change your annual income a lot. Ask each employer for the exact differential and how overtime is calculated before you choose a shift.
Strategy 4: Add Certifications With Clear Value
Many employers require CPR or basic life support certification. Other certifications, such as medication aide or wound care, may earn added pay where an employer offers it. Confirm the pay effect with your employer before you pay for a course.
Strategy 5: Advance Your Career (CNA to LPN to RN)
The biggest long-term salary step is career advancement. Use your CNA experience as a stepping stone:
- Work as a CNA while studying for LPN or RN programs
- Ask about tuition assistance from your employer for nursing degrees
- CNA experience counts on nursing school applications
- Bridge programs (CNA-to-LPN, LPN-to-RN) are designed for working professionals
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Getting Certified: Pass Your CNA Exam
Before you can earn a CNA salary, you need to get certified. Here's what that involves:
CNA Certification Requirements
- Complete state-approved training (75-180 hours depending on state)
- Pass the written exam (60-100 multiple choice questions, 70-75% passing score)
- Pass the clinical skills test (demonstrate 3-5 nursing skills)
- Apply for state certification and be added to the nurse aide registry
How to Pass the CNA Exam on Your First Try
- Use free practice tests to identify weak areas
- Study all 9 content domains systematically
- Practice clinical skills until they become automatic
- Focus on infection control -- it appears on almost every exam
- Use AI-powered study tools to get instant explanations for confusing topics
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Planning for Career Advancement
If you're thinking beyond CNA to LPN or RN, start preparing early:
- NCLEX-PN is required to become a Licensed Practical Nurse -- Free NCLEX-PN Prep
- NCLEX-RN is required to become a Registered Nurse -- Free NCLEX-RN Prep
- TEAS exam is required for many nursing school admissions -- Free TEAS Prep
CNA Salary Outlook: What's Ahead
The BLS projects 3% employment growth for nursing assistants from 2025 to 2035, about as fast as the average for all occupations. About 203,300 openings for nursing assistants and orderlies are projected each year, on average, mostly from workers who transfer to other occupations or leave the labor force (BLS OOH).
What This Means for Pay
- Openings are steady, so CNAs with reliable attendance and certifications have options when they look for a new employer.
- Demand for long-term care is tied to the aging population, which the BLS identifies as a driver of healthcare employment.
- Pay varies by employer and location, so track the BLS figures each year and compare local postings.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do CNAs make per hour?
The BLS median annual wage for nursing assistants is $42,260 in May 2025, which works out to about $20.32 per hour (annual median divided by 2,080 hours). The lowest 10% earned less than $33,940 a year.
Do CNAs make more in hospitals or nursing homes?
In the BLS data, nursing care facilities pay a median of $43,000, slightly above hospitals at $42,310 (May 2025). Government pays the most among the top industries the BLS lists, at $47,050.
Can a CNA make $50,000 a year?
The highest 10% of nursing assistants earned more than $51,980 in May 2025, so $50,000 is within the upper range of earners. The BLS does not publish which combination of experience, employer, and shifts gets there.
How much more do LPNs make than CNAs?
The BLS median for LPNs and LVNs is $64,400, about $22,140 (roughly 52%) more than the nursing assistant median of $42,260 (May 2025). LPN programs typically take about one year.
Does the BLS list a highest-paying CNA specialty?
No. The BLS does not publish pay by CNA specialty. Among the industries it lists, government has the highest median for nursing assistants.
Is CNA a good career to start in healthcare?
CNA training is short, and the BLS projects about 203,300 openings a year for nursing assistants and orderlies combined from 2025 to 2035. Starting pay is near the BLS median of $42,260, and CNA work can lead to LPN or RN programs.
Start Your CNA Career Today
Ready to earn your CNA certification and start your healthcare career? Take advantage of our completely free exam prep resources:
Take FREE CNA Practice Test -- Free practice questions with AI-powered explanations
Free NCLEX-PN Prep -- Planning to advance to LPN
Free NCLEX-RN Prep -- Planning to advance to RN
Free TEAS Exam Prep -- Required for nursing school admission
Our AI study assistant is available 24/7 to explain any concept, quiz you on key topics, and create personalized study plans -- all for free. Start today and take the first step toward a rewarding healthcare career.
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