CNA Salary by State (2026 Data)
Compare hourly wages and annual earnings across the United States. Data is based on BLS Occupational Employment Statistics.
What Factors Influence a CNA's Salary?
Experience & Longevity
Entry-level CNAs typically start at the lower end of the pay scale. However, CNAs with 5+ years of experience in specialized units like ICU or ER often command significantly higher wages.
Type of Facility
Government agencies and private hospitals generally pay higher salaries compared to nursing homes or residential care facilities, which often have tighter budgets.
Shift Differentials
Working the "night shift" or weekends often includes a differential of $1.50 to $3.00 more per hour, allowing CNAs to boost their take-home pay substantially.
Special Certifications
Obtaining additional certifications in Phlebotomy, EKG, or specialized Dementia care makes you more valuable to employers and can lead to immediate pay increases.
State Directory
Search below to find your specific state
| Alabama | $15.82 | $32,910 |
| Alaska | $22.45 | $46,700 |
| Arizona | $18.90 | $39,310 |
| Arkansas | $15.15 | $31,510 |
| California | $24.10 | $50,120 |
| Colorado | $19.85 | $41,290 |
| Connecticut | $20.15 | $41,910 |
| Delaware | $18.50 | $38,480 |
| Florida | $18.25 | $37,960 |
| Georgia | $17.10 | $35,570 |
| Hawaii | $21.80 | $45,340 |
| Idaho | $16.95 | $35,260 |
| Illinois | $19.15 | $39,830 |
| Indiana | $17.45 | $36,300 |
| Iowa | $17.80 | $37,020 |
| Kansas | $17.20 | $35,780 |
| Kentucky | $16.40 | $34,110 |
| Louisiana | $14.95 | $31,100 |
| Maine | $18.75 | $39,000 |
| Maryland | $19.40 | $40,350 |
| Massachusetts | $22.15 | $46,070 |
| Michigan | $18.60 | $38,690 |
| Minnesota | $20.40 | $42,430 |
| Mississippi | $14.40 | $29,950 |
| Missouri | $16.85 | $35,050 |
| Montana | $17.50 | $36,400 |
| Nebraska | $18.10 | $37,650 |
| Nevada | $20.25 | $42,120 |
| New Hampshire | $19.95 | $41,500 |
| New Jersey | $21.15 | $43,990 |
| New Mexico | $17.25 | $35,880 |
| New York | $23.10 | $48,050 |
| North Carolina | $17.35 | $36,090 |
| North Dakota | $18.95 | $39,420 |
| Ohio | $17.90 | $37,230 |
| Oklahoma | $15.60 | $32,450 |
| Oregon | $22.30 | $46,380 |
| Pennsylvania | $18.85 | $39,210 |
| Rhode Island | $20.05 | $41,700 |
| South Carolina | $16.90 | $35,150 |
| South Dakota | $17.15 | $35,670 |
| Tennessee | $16.70 | $34,740 |
| Texas | $17.65 | $36,710 |
| Utah | $17.85 | $37,130 |
| Vermont | $19.80 | $41,180 |
| Virginia | $18.40 | $38,270 |
| Washington | $22.65 | $47,110 |
| West Virginia | $16.20 | $33,700 |
| Wisconsin | $19.25 | $40,040 |
| Wyoming | $18.15 | $37,750 |
Use the search bar above to instantly filter 50 states.
Salary vs. Cost of Living
A high salary doesn't always mean more money in your pocket. Always look at the "Real Wage"—the salary adjusted for local price of housing and groceries.
Highest "Real" Value States
- 1. Minnesota Excellent
- 2. North Dakota Very High
- 3. Iowa Strong
- 4. Wisconsin Solid
Understanding Total Compensation
Your hourly rate is only part of your financial package. When evaluating a CNA job offer, consider these essential benefits that add thousands in value annually.
Health & Dental
Full-time roles in hospitals often include premium health plans that can save you $400+ per month compared to private insurance.
Retirement Match
Many healthcare facilities offer 401(k) or 403(b) matching, providing a guaranteed return on your retirement savings.
Tuition Help
Some employers will pay for your LPN or RN bridge program if you commit to working for them after graduation.
CNA Community Insights: The "Real" Talk
We've summarized the most common advice and discussions from nursing forums and CNA communities about pay and career satisfaction.
"Agency vs. Staff: Is the extra money worth it?"
On forums like Reddit, many CNAs debate whether to join a staffing agency for higher pay (often $25-$35/hr). The consensus? Agency pay is great for short-term goals, but seasoned aides warn about the lack of benefits and the constant "floating" between unfamiliar facilities. If you need stability and health insurance, stay staff; if you need cash fast, go agency.
"Don't leave money on the table during the interview."
Experienced nursing assistants often suggest asking about pickup bonuses. Many facilities are so short-staffed they will pay a $50-$100 bonus just for showing up to an extra shift on top of your overtime pay. Always ask about the "Crisis Rate" or "Shortage Pay" during your orientation.
"The burnout is real—budget for rest."
A common thread in community discussions is that the high-paying 12-hour shifts can lead to rapid burnout. Users recommend taking the higher-paying "weekend option" (working Fri-Sun for a premium rate) to allow for 4 full days of recovery during the week.
CNA Salary Frequently Asked Questions
Do CNAs get paid more for overtime?
Yes. Under federal law, CNAs are non-exempt employees entitled to 1.5x their base rate for any hours worked over 40 in a single week. High-demand facilities may offer even higher "double-time" rates for holiday shifts.
How often can I expect a raise?
Most clinical facilities conduct annual performance reviews. Pay increases typically range from 2% to 5% based on merit, though many unions negotiate guaranteed annual cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs).
Does working in a hospital pay more than a nursing home?
Generally, yes. Hospital CNAs often earn 10-15% more than their counterparts in long-term care facilities. Hospitals also tend to offer superior benefits, including better health insurance and tuition reimbursement programs.
Are there sign-on bonuses for CNAs?
Due to the national shortage, sign-on bonuses are very common. They typically range from $1,000 to $5,000. Just be aware that these usually require a 6-month or 1-year commitment and are paid out in installments.
How much is a typical shift differential?
Shift differentials can add significant value. Most facilities pay an extra $1.50 to $3.50 per hour for "second shift" (evenings) or "third shift" (nights), and weekend differentials are often even higher.
Can I negotiate my CNA salary?
Yes, especially if you have experience or specialized certifications (like Dementia Care or Med Tech). If an employer cannot meet your hourly rate, you can often negotiate for a higher sign-on bonus or more paid time off (PTO).
Which states pay the most for entry-level CNAs?
California, New York, and Washington lead the nation in starting wages. However, states like Minnesota and North Dakota often offer the best "real value" because their high wages are paired with a lower cost of living.
Does my pay increase if I work for an agency?
Agency CNAs often earn 30-50% more per hour than regular staff. The trade-off is that agency roles usually do not include benefits, and you may be required to travel to different facilities on short notice.