How much does a CNA make per hour in 2026?

The median CNA hourly wage in 2026 is $18.37 per hour according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Entry-level CNAs earn $13–$17/hr, mid-career CNAs earn $17–$22/hr, and experienced CNAs in high-paying states or hospital settings earn $22–$28/hr. Travel CNAs can earn $25–$40/hr with housing stipends included.

What is the average annual CNA salary?

The national median annual CNA salary is $38,200. The range spans from approximately $28,540 at the 10th percentile to $48,780 at the 90th percentile. Location is the biggest factor — CNAs in Alaska earn a mean of $44,420/yr while those in Mississippi average around $28,960/yr. Hospital CNAs consistently earn 15–25% more than nursing home CNAs.

Which state pays CNAs the most?

Alaska pays CNAs the most with a mean annual wage of $44,420 ($21.36/hr). California ranks second at $42,040/yr, followed by New York at $42,870/yr, Washington at $40,870/yr, and Massachusetts at $40,560/yr. These states combine high demand, strong unions, and elevated cost of living to produce the highest CNA wages in the country.

Do CNA salaries vary by work setting?

Yes, work setting is one of the biggest factors in CNA pay. Hospital CNAs earn the most in traditional settings at $41,500–$46,200/yr. Staffing agency CNAs earn $40,000–$48,000/yr with more flexibility. Nursing home CNAs earn $34,800–$39,500/yr. Home health CNAs earn $32,200–$37,800/yr. Travel CNAs earn the overall highest at $52,000–$78,000/yr including stipends.

How can I increase my CNA salary?

The most effective ways to increase CNA pay include: switching to a hospital setting (15–25% pay increase), working night or weekend shifts for $2–$4/hr differentials, pursuing specialty certifications (Medication Aide, dialysis, wound care), registering with staffing agencies for premium per diem rates, considering travel CNA contracts, and negotiating raises based on tenure and performance. Joining a unionized facility adds $2–$4/hr on average.

What are CNA shift differentials?

Shift differentials are extra hourly pay for working evenings, nights, or weekends. Evening shifts (3–11 PM) typically add $1.00–$2.50/hr. Night shifts (11 PM–7 AM) add $2.00–$4.00/hr. Weekend differentials add another $1.50–$3.00/hr. Holiday pay is usually 1.5x–2x base rate. A CNA earning $18/hr base who works nights with a $3 differential earns approximately $6,240 more per year.

Is CNA a good paying job?

CNA pay is moderate for the education and training required — most programs take 4–12 weeks. The median salary of $38,200/yr provides a livable wage in many markets, and experienced or specialized CNAs can earn $45,000–$58,000/yr. Travel CNAs earn $52,000–$78,000/yr. CNA work also serves as a launchpad to higher-paying careers: LPNs earn $48,000–$62,000/yr and RNs earn $65,000–$95,000/yr, with bridge programs available for CNAs.

How much do travel CNAs make?

Travel CNAs earn $52,000–$78,000 per year, making them the highest-paid CNAs in the profession. Hourly rates range from $25–$40/hr depending on location, facility need, and contract terms. Most travel CNA contracts are 8–13 weeks and include housing stipends ($1,000–$2,500/month), travel reimbursement, health insurance, and completion bonuses. Assignments in high-demand states like California and New York pay at the top of this range.

CNA Salary

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CNA - Certified Nursing Assistant By Dr. Sarah MitchellMay 7, 20269 min read

CNA Salary Overview: 2026 National Data - CNA - Certified Nursing Assistant certification study resource

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for nursing assistants was $38,200 in May 2026, with the middle 50% earning between $31,470 and $43,760. CNA salaries have risen approximately 18% over the past five years, outpacing inflation for most healthcare support occupations. With over 1.56 million CNAs employed across the country and more than 216,000 job openings projected annually through 2032, understanding CNA pay is essential for anyone entering or advancing in this career.

CNA compensation depends heavily on where you work, what setting you choose, what shift you take, and how much experience you bring. A CNA in Alaska or California can earn 50–70% more than one in Alabama or Mississippi doing the same work. Hospital CNAs consistently outearn those in nursing homes, and night and weekend shifts add $1–$4/hour through shift differentials. This guide covers every angle of CNA salary data so you can make informed career and financial decisions.

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CNA Salary by State and Region (2026)

West Coast & Mountain States

Alaska leads all states with a mean CNA wage of $44,420/yr ($21.36/hr), driven by remote facility premiums and a high cost of living. California follows closely at $42,040/yr ($20.21/hr), with Bay Area and Los Angeles metro facilities paying $22–$28/hr. Washington CNAs earn $40,870/yr ($19.65/hr), particularly strong in the Seattle-Tacoma corridor. Oregon averages $38,900/yr ($18.70/hr). Hawaii pays $40,030/yr ($19.25/hr) but has the highest cost of living in the region. Colorado and Nevada round out the West at $36,500–$38,200/yr. The West Coast offers the strongest CNA union protections, which directly boost wages and benefits.

CNA Salary by Work Setting (2026) - CNA - Certified Nursing Assistant certification study resource

How to Increase Your CNA Salary

✓Negotiate your starting rate — present competing offers and highlight any prior healthcare experience
✓Work evening, night, or weekend shifts to collect shift differentials worth $1–$4/hr extra
✓Pursue specialty certifications like Medication Aide, EKG Technician, or Phlebotomy to qualify for higher-paying roles
✓Switch to a hospital setting — hospital CNAs earn 15–25% more than nursing home CNAs on average
✓Register with staffing agencies like IntelyCare, Maxim Healthcare, or Aya Healthcare for per diem shifts at premium rates
✓Consider travel CNA assignments — 8–13 week contracts with housing stipends and $25–$40/hr pay
✓Pick up overtime shifts — most facilities pay 1.5x your hourly rate after 40 hours per week
✓Move to a higher-paying state or metro area — Alaska, California, New York, and Washington pay $20+/hr
✓Get your CNA II or Advanced CNA certification where your state offers expanded scope tiers
✓Pursue an LPN or RN bridge program — the investment pays back in 2–5x salary increases within two years
✓Join a unionized facility — union CNA wages average $2–$4/hr higher than non-union facilities
✓Build seniority at one facility — many employers offer annual raises of $0.50–$1.50/hr for retention

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CNA Key Concepts

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What is the passing score for the CNA exam?

Most CNA exams require 70-75% to pass. Check the official exam guide for exact requirements.

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How long is the CNA exam?

The CNA exam typically allows 2-3 hours. Time management is critical for success.

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How should I prepare for the CNA exam?

Start with a diagnostic test, create a 4-8 week study plan, and take at least 3 full practice exams.

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What topics does the CNA exam cover?

The CNA exam covers multiple domains. Review the official content outline for the complete list.

How to Increase Your CNA Salary - CNA - Certified Nursing Assistant certification study resource

Highest Paying vs Lowest Paying CNA Jobs

✅Highest Paying CNA Positions

+Travel CNA — $25–$40/hr plus housing stipends and travel reimbursement
+Hospital ICU/Surgical CNA — $21–$28/hr with full benefits and union protection
+Private Duty CNA (high-acuity) — $22–$30/hr negotiated directly with families
+Staffing Agency CNA (metro areas) — $20–$26/hr with shift flexibility
+Dialysis CNA — $19–$24/hr with DaVita or Fresenius in metro markets
+Government/VA Hospital CNA — $19–$23/hr with federal benefits package

❌Lowest Paying CNA Positions

−Rural nursing home CNA — $12–$15/hr in low-wage Southern and Midwestern states
−Assisted living CNA (non-certified facility) — $13–$16/hr with limited benefits
−Home health aide (entry level) — $13–$15/hr through low-paying agencies
−Small group home CNA — $12–$16/hr with minimal raise structure
−Per diem without agency — $14–$17/hr sporadic shifts with no benefits
−For-profit nursing home chain (rural) — $13–$16/hr with high patient ratios

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CNA Career and Salary Resources

Explore our complete library of CNA guides to boost your career and earnings:

Free CNA Practice Test — Pass your certification exam on the first try with hundreds of practice questions.
CNA Wages and Pay Guide — Detailed wage data and pay rate comparisons across settings and states.
Certified Nursing Assistant Salary Overview — Additional salary data and compensation analysis for CNAs.
CNA Career Paths and Specializations — Discover which specializations offer the highest pay premiums.
Top CNA Career Specializations — Focused guide to specialty certifications that increase your salary.
Hospital CNA Jobs — How to land the highest-paying CNA positions in hospital settings.
CNA Agency Jobs Near Me — Find staffing agency positions with premium hourly rates.
Can a CNA Be a Travel Nurse? — Travel CNA assignments, requirements, and earning potential.
Travel CNA Career Guide — Complete guide to travel CNA contracts, housing stipends, and multi-state licensing.
Private Duty CNA — Negotiate your own pay rate with private duty positions.
CNA Jobs Near Me — Find local CNA jobs and compare pay by facility type.
CNA to RN Bridge Programs — Advance your career from CNA to RN for 2–5x salary increase.
CNA to LPN Programs — Bridge programs that help CNAs become Licensed Practical Nurses.
CNA Careers — Job opportunities, specializations, and growth paths for CNAs in 2026.
Working as a CNA — What daily life looks like, shift structures, and workplace expectations.
CNA Requirements — State-by-state requirements for becoming a certified nursing assistant.

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📄CNA Practice Test Questions and Answers PDF

About the Author

Dr. Sarah MitchellRN, MSN, PhD

Registered Nurse & Healthcare Educator

Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing

Dr. Sarah Mitchell is a board-certified registered nurse with over 15 years of clinical and academic experience. She completed her PhD in Nursing Science at Johns Hopkins University and has taught NCLEX preparation and clinical skills courses for nursing students across the United States. Her research focuses on evidence-based exam preparation strategies for healthcare certification candidates.