CNA Salary Guide 2026: How Much Can You Really Earn?
Curious about CNA pay? We break down the average salary by state, hourly rates, and top strategies to boost your income in 2026.
How Much Does a CNA Make? (2026 Update)
One of the most common questions aspiring nursing assistants ask is: "Is it worth it financially?"
While no one enters healthcare solely for the money, you have bills to pay. The good news is that demand for Certified Nursing Assistants is skyrocketing, and wages are following suit.
The National Average (2024-2025 Data)
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median hourly wage for a CNA rose to approximately $19.00 in 2024.
- Hourly Range: $18.96 - $19.89 (depending on source)
- Annual Salary: ~$40,000 - $42,000 (Median Projection for 2025/2026)
- Growth: The field is projected to grow 7.1%, faster than average.
Reality Check: "Average" does not mean "Starting." New CNAs often start lower ($16-$18/hr), while experienced CNAs in cities can earn significantly more ($22-$25+/hr).
State-by-State Salary Breakdown
Wages vary drastically by location. Cost of living plays a huge role—earning $50k in California is different from earning $30k in Mississippi.
| Tier | State | Est. Hourly Wage | Est. Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| High Paying | Oregon | ~$24.00 | ~$49,970 |
| Washington | ~$24.00 | ~$49,960 | |
| California | ~$23.45 | ~$48,790 | |
| Alaska | ~$23.34 | ~$48,550 | |
| New York | ~$22.85 | ~$47,530 | |
| Mid-Range | Massachusetts | ~$22.17 | ~$46,130 |
| Nevada | ~$20.50 | ~$42,650 | |
| Arizona | ~$19.80 | ~$41,200 | |
| Lower Cost of Living | Texas | ~$17.50 | ~$36,400 |
| Florida | ~$17.20 | ~$35,800 | |
| Tennessee | ~$16.50 | ~$34,300 | |
| Mississippi | ~$14.50 | ~$30,160 |
(Source: Aggregated data from BLS, Indeed, and Nursa projections for 2024-2025)
4 Ways to Boost Your CNA Salary
1. Work the "Shift Differentials" Nobody wants to work nights or weekends. That's why they pay more. You can often earn an extra $2-$4 per hour just by taking the 2nd (Evening) or 3rd (Night) shift.
2. Become a "Float Pool" CNA Instead of belonging to one specific unit, you agree to "float" to wherever the hospital is short-staffed. This flexibility often commands a premium rate.
3. Get Certified in Specialized Care Adding skills to your resume makes you invaluable.
- Dementia Care: Facilities pay more for staff trained to handle cognitive impairments. Review Dementia Topics
- Medication Aide (CMA): In many states, taking an extra course allows you to pass meds, often bumping your pay by $3-$5/hr.
4. Travel Nursing (CNA Travel) Yes, travel CNAs exist! If you are willing to take 13-week contracts in new cities, you can earn $1,000 - $1,500 per week (including housing stipends).
Conclusion
Becoming a CNA offers a stable, recession-proof income with legitimate pathways to earn more. Whether you pick up overtime, specialize, or use it as a launchpad for your RN degree, the financial outlook is solid.
Ready to get certified? Start your journey by passing the state exam. Take a Free Practice Test Now.
Sources
- Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS): Occupational Outlook Handbook.
- Indeed/ZipRecruiter: CNA Salary Projections 2025.
- Nursa: Top Paying States for CNAs.