CNA salaries vary dramatically by state. Hawaii leads with $45,187 per year, while Louisiana CNAs earn only $24,300 annually.
The national average CNA salary will likely reach $39,000 in 2024, up substantially from $32,050 in 2020. Job prospects look bright with 56,500 new positions expected yearly through 2032. Your earning potential largely depends on location – from California’s dynamic San Francisco Bay Area to New York’s diverse healthcare facilities.
Our analysis reveals the top 12 states offering the highest CNA salaries. This information will help you choose the best location to grow your healthcare career.
Alaska: The Highest Paying State for CNAs
Alaska leads the nation in CNA compensation with remarkable pay packages. CNAs in Alaska earn $44,420 on average each year, which is nowhere near the national average.
Alaska CNA Salary Range
Experience and location play a big role in what Alaskan CNAs can earn. New CNAs with less than a year of experience start at about $38,870. Those who have worked 5-8 years can make around $42,114. The pay varies by city too. Fairbanks-based CNAs can earn up to $43,880 yearly, while those in Anchorage make about $41,580.
Cost of Living Impact
Alaska’s high cost of living relates directly to these substantial salaries. Healthcare employers offer premium wages to help their workers live comfortably. Workers in remote Alaskan communities earn even more because of their location.
Job Market Overview
The future looks bright for Alaskan CNAs, with an 8.3% growth rate predicted over the next decade. Experience shapes earning potential substantially:
- Mid-level (2 years): $38,975
- Intermediate (2-4 years): $40,346
- Senior level (8+ years): $42,240
Most CNAs earn between $36,775 and $44,597, though the full range spans from $33,534 to $48,477. Urban areas like Fairbanks offer great opportunities, with hourly rates ranging from $18 to $28.
New York’s Premium CNA Compensation
The healthcare scene in New York offers attractive earning potential for CNAs. CNAs in the New York City Metro Area earn a higher average hourly wage of $22.81 compared to the state-wide average of $22.13.
CNA Salary New York City vs State
Location plays a key role in determining earning potential within New York:
| Region | Annual Salary | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|
| NYC Metro Area | $47,450 | $22.81 |
| NY State Average | $46,020 | $22.13 |
CNAs can earn between $50,000-$55,000 annually in specialized settings or with additional certifications.
Employment Benefits
New York’s CNA positions come with substantial benefits. Most healthcare facilities provide:
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- Paid time off including 12 annual holidays
- Tuition assistance for career advancement
- Child care assistance (at larger facilities)
Certification Requirements
CNA candidates in New York need to complete several key steps. The process starts with completing a Nurse Aide Training Program (NATP) approved by NYSED or NYSDOH. Candidates must then pass the NYSDOH certified nurse assisting exam administered by Prometric.
Licensed nurses from other U.S. jurisdictions can skip the standard CNA training. International nurses, however, must complete the examination process.
California’s Competitive CNA Wages
California leads the nation in CNA employment numbers. The state’s CNAs earn $47,070 per year, which puts California among the top-paying states in this field.
CNA Salary California Regions
Each region offers different pay scales. Here are the highest-paying cities we found:
| City | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Chowchilla | $67,281 |
| Soledad | $63,722 |
| San Francisco | $48,257 |
| Los Angeles | $47,527 |
Urban vs Rural Pay Differences
Urban areas tend to pay higher wages. CNAs in San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward and San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara metros earn more than those in rural areas. The pay gap between the highest and lowest-paying regions can reach $7.00 per hour, which adds up to almost $15,000 yearly.
Pay varies based on work settings:
- Certified CNA positions: $53,594
- School CNA roles: $46,196
- Long Term Care facilities: $45,410
State-Specific Regulations
California’s new minimum wage rules for healthcare workers take effect in 2024. The hourly rates depend on the facility type:
- Large health systems (10,000+ workers): $23.00
- Rural independent facilities: $18.00
- Community clinics: $21.00
These rates will rise to $25.00 per hour on different schedules based on facility type. Experience plays a big role in earning potential – CNAs with more than 10 years of experience can make up to $57,269 yearly.
Hawaii’s Lucrative CNA Market
Hawaii stands out as a paradise state where CNAs earn some of the most competitive wages in the country. Research shows that Hawaii tops all states with an average annual salary of $45,187.
Average CNA Salary in Hawaii
CNA compensation varies throughout Hawaii’s different regions:
| City | Salary Range |
|---|---|
| Kapaa | Highest paying |
| Honolulu | $21.17/hour |
| Kula | Second highest |
| Kapaau | Third highest |
New CNAs start at around $37,121, while those with 5-8 years of experience can earn approximately $40,219.
Living Cost Considerations
These high salaries reflect Hawaii’s substantial living expenses. A single person needs $70,000-$100,000 annually to live comfortably. Healthcare facilities offer extra benefits to help with these costs:
- Sign-on bonuses up to $6,000
- Overtime opportunities averaging $4,500 yearly
- Flexible working hours
- Housing stipends for certain positions
Employment Opportunities
Hawaii’s healthcare sector shows strong growth potential. Healthcare support occupations should grow by 15.3% through 2030. The state currently has about 150 CNA positions available.
Healthcare stands as Hawaii’s largest private sector employer and contributes roughly 8% to the state’s GDP. Most healthcare positions offer full-time work, with about 63% of healthcare support roles being full-time positions.
Massachusetts: High Earnings Potential
Massachusetts has become a top choice for CNAs looking for excellent pay. Our research shows Massachusetts CNAs make $37,680 per year, or $18.12 per hour.
Massachusetts CNA Pay Scale
The earning potential changes with experience:
- Entry-level (under 1 year): $38,834
- Mid-career (2-4 years): $40,309
- Senior level (5-8 years): $42,075
The state’s highest-paying cities offer attractive salaries:
| City | Annual Average |
|---|---|
| Barnstable Town | $37,860 |
| Providence-Warwick | $35,420 |
| New Bedford | $35,090 |
| Leominster-Gardner | $34,480 |
Boston Metro Area Rates
Boston’s metro area stands out with exceptional pay packages. CNAs in Boston earn $41,521 on average. The salary ranges from $34,520 to $49,901, and overtime can add about $5,500 each year.
State Benefits
Massachusetts healthcare workers get detailed benefits. The state package has:
- Non-Medicare health insurance coverage
- Dental and vision plans
- Long-term disability insurance
- Life insurance and AD&D
- Flexible spending accounts
- Mass4YOU Employee Assistance Program
The job outlook looks bright with an expected 11% growth through 2026. Some facilities pay up to $35.00 per hour for specialized roles. This makes Massachusetts a great choice for healthcare professionals who want to advance their careers.
Oregon’s Growing CNA Opportunities
We found that Oregon gives CNAs great opportunities to earn competitive pay. The numbers look good – CNAs make an average of $42,960 yearly, which breaks down to $20.65 per hour.
Oregon CNA Salary Trends
Oregon has two certification levels – CNA 1 and CNA 2 – that affect how much you can earn. The state’s location quotient of 0.74 shows there’s room to grow the CNA workforce. CNAs in Oregon earn more than both the state’s minimum wage ($13.50) and the national average ($17.14).
Portland vs Rural Areas
CNA pay varies quite a bit depending on where you work in Oregon:
| Location | Hourly Rate Range |
|---|---|
| Portland | $21.81 – $29.09 |
| Wheeler | $21.75 – $26.75 |
| Rural Areas | $18.00 – $22.00 |
Career Growth Options
Healthcare facilities in Oregon come with some great benefits:
- Medical, dental, and vision coverage that won’t cost you much
- Up to 200 hours of paid time off each year
- 96 hours of sick leave yearly
- Eight paid holidays
- Help with tuition costs
Your career prospects look bright here. Places like OHSU help you advance by offering paid on-site CNA 2 training. Many CNAs work while studying to become nurses, using the tuition help programs. The job market should stay strong through 2032, with steady work available in healthcare settings of all types.
Washington State’s Strong CNA Market
Washington offers great opportunities for CNA career growth. The average hourly wage here is $20.40, which adds up to $42,430 yearly. CNAs in Washington earn 17% more than the national average.
Washington CNA Pay Rates
The pay scale varies based on your experience:
| Experience Level | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level | $39,369 |
| Mid-Level (2-4 years) | $40,865 |
| Senior Level (5-8 years) | $42,655 |
| Veteran (8+ years) | $42,783 |
State government positions come with clear advancement paths. State employees can earn between $20.94 and $27.96 per hour.
Seattle Area Premiums
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue metro area tops the state’s pay scale. CNAs working in Seattle earn $25.85 per hour. Other high-paying cities in Washington include:
- Everett: $25.19/hour
- Tacoma: $24.51/hour
- Edmonds: $24.28/hour
State Requirements
The certification process in Washington involves these key steps:
- Complete a minimum of 108 hours of training, which includes:
- 35 hours classroom instruction
- 33 hours skills laboratory
- 40 hours clinical training
- Pass the competency exam administered by the state
You’ll need to pay a $95.00 renewal fee each year before your birthday. The state takes certification seriously and requires background checks and proper documentation from all applicants.
Nevada’s Attractive CNA Compensation
Image Source: Nursa
We explored Nevada’s healthcare sector and found great opportunities for CNAs, who earn an average of $37,187 annually.
Nevada CNA Salary Range
Experience affects earning potential by a lot in Nevada:
| Experience Level | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level (<1 year) | $35,836 |
| Mid-Level (2-4 years) | $37,197 |
| Senior Level (5-8 years) | $38,827 |
| Veteran (8+ years) | $38,943 |
Most CNAs earn between $33,905 and $41,116 per year. They can earn more through specialized roles and overtime work.
Las Vegas Market Analysis
Las Vegas metropolitan area shows interesting salary patterns. CNAs in Las Vegas earn $39,208 on average. Other regions offer varying pay scales:
- Elko: $58,240
- Mesquite: $50,375
- Sparks: $44,850
- Reno: $41,600
Employment Benefits
Nevada stands out with its complete benefits package. State employees receive:
- Medical, dental, and life insurance coverage
- Disability insurance programs
- Twelve paid holidays annually
- Three weeks of annual leave
- Three weeks of sick leave
- State retirement system (PERS)
- Tax-sheltered deferred compensation plan
Employees who stay longer get access to additional benefits. State employees don’t contribute to Social Security, but Medicare deductions are required. The mix of competitive salaries and excellent benefits makes Nevada a great choice for healthcare professionals looking to grow their careers.
Connecticut’s Competitive Pay Scale
Image Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
Connecticut’s healthcare landscape shows that CNAs receive competitive compensation packages. Our analysis reveals the average hourly wage reaches $20.26, and annual salaries range from $33,072 to $47,809.
Connecticut CNA Wages
Experience plays a significant role in a CNA’s earnings. The progression looks like this:
- Entry-level (< 1 year): $38,334
- Mid-level (2-4 years): $39,790
- Senior level (8+ years): $41,658
Some facilities offer impressive hourly rates between $21.00 to $33.00, which exceeds the average by 25%.
Hartford vs Other Regions
Wage variations across major Connecticut regions show interesting patterns:
| City/Region | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|
| Hartford | Hartford |
| New Haven | New Haven |
| Bridgeport-Stamford | Bridgeport-Stamford |
Urban areas like Norwich, New London, and Westerly tend to offer higher compensation.
State Regulations
Connecticut maintains strict certification standards. The state requires:
- Completion of 100 hours minimum training
- 75 hours of basic nursing skills
- 25 hours of specialized behavioral training
The training must cover post-traumatic stress disorder screening, suicide prevention, and depression assessment. CNAs must complete at least eight hours of nursing-related employment within 24 months to renew their certification.
New Jersey’s Lucrative Options
New Jersey’s healthcare sector shows great promise for CNAs looking to grow their careers. The state ranks among the top-paying for healthcare support roles, with median hourly wages reaching $20.50.
New Jersey CNA Salary Data
CNA salaries in New Jersey range from $33,750 to $48,788 per year. Your experience will determine your pay:
- Entry-level (< 1 year): $39,120
- Mid-career (2-4 years): $40,605
- Senior level (8+ years): $42,512
Metropolitan Area Rates
Each metropolitan region offers different pay scales and opportunities.
| City | Notable Features |
|---|---|
| Edison | Highest paying city |
| Ridgewood | Second highest compensation |
| Paterson | Strong job market |
| Cherry Hill | Competitive benefits |
Career Advancement
New Jersey gives CNAs many ways to move up in their careers. We found that 1,867 CNAs want to continue their education. Here’s how CNAs typically advance their careers:
- Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN): 27% of CNAs choose this path
- Registered Nurse (RN): 21% pursue RN certification
- Medical Technician: 7% opt for specialized technical roles
Genesis and similar facilities offer detailed career development programs that include:
- Nurse aide advancement programs
- Certified Medication Assistant training
- Tuition assistance for LPN/RN education
- Guaranteed placement upon certification
The job market remains reliable with 4,063 CNA positions available. Specialized facilities pay premium rates between $21.00-$34.00 per hour, which is 25% higher than average rates.
Rhode Island’s Premium Wages
Rhode Island’s healthcare sector shows that CNAs earn an impressive $21.77 per hour and can make additional overtime averaging $4,500 yearly.
Rhode Island CNA Pay Scale
More than 8,700 CNAs work in Rhode Island with an annual wage of $39,490, which beats the national average of $36,220. The salary distribution varies significantly:
| Percentile | Annual Income |
|---|---|
| 90th | $47,990 |
| 75th | $43,380 |
| 50th | $36,830 |
| 25th | $35,750 |
Providence Area Rates
CNAs in Providence earn an average of $21.80 per hour. Several facilities pay premium rates between $21.00 to $44.00 per hour. The top-paying cities near Providence rank as follows:
- Warren: Leading compensation rates
- Middletown: Second highest wages
- Newport: Third in competitive pay
State Requirements
Rhode Island enforces strict certification standards. Candidates need to complete:
- Training Requirements:
- 120 clock hours total training
- 40 hours practical training
- 80 hours didactic training (can be online)
CNAs must complete 8 hours of nursing-related duties every 24 months to maintain certification. Candidates get three chances to pass both written and practical examinations. Retraining becomes mandatory after three failed attempts.
CNAs working as independent contractors usually earn more than those in staff positions. Rhode Island stands out with the highest concentration of nursing assistants nationwide. The state’s CNA location quotient of 2.06 doubles the national average.
Delaware’s Growing CNA Market
Image Source: Zippia
Delaware’s healthcare sector shows a bright future for CNAs. Base salaries start at $34,280 and can go up to $41,570 each year.
Delaware CNA Salary Range
Experience can boost your earning potential by a lot:
| Experience Level | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level (<1 year) | $36,232 |
| Mid-Level (2 years) | $36,330 |
| Senior Level (2-4 years) | $37,606 |
| Specialist Level (5-8 years) | $39,256 |
| Expert Level (8+ years) | $39,374 |
Urban vs Rural Compensation
CNAs earn different salaries depending on their location in Delaware. Wilmington CNAs can earn up to $27.00 per hour. Other cities offer similar competitive rates:
- Dover: Up to $27.00 hourly
- Georgetown: $27.00 per hour
- Millsboro: $27.00 hourly rate
- Lewes: Comparable $27.00 hourly wage
Employment Benefits
Delaware’s Department of Health and Social Services rewards new CNAs well. New hires can receive recruitment bonuses of $3,000, paid quarterly during their first year. Staff members get $1,000 when they bring in new CNAs.
The complete benefits package has:
- Health benefits (medical, prescription, dental, vision)
- Flexible spending accounts
- Life insurance coverage
- Employee assistance programs
- Employee Foundation support for hardships
The state also offers extra voluntary benefits such as:
- Pet insurance
- Term and whole life insurance
- Hospital indemnity coverage
- Critical illness protection
- Cancer coverage
Many facilities help advance your career through tuition reimbursement and continuing education. CNAs who stay with DHSS for two consecutive years qualify for these recruitment incentives.
Comparison Table
| State | Average Annual Salary | Entry-Level Salary | Senior Level Salary (5-8 years) | Highest Paying City/Region | Average Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alaska | $44,420 | $38,870 | $42,114 | Fairbanks ($43,880) | $18-$28 |
| New York | $46,020 | Not mentioned | Not mentioned | NYC Metro ($47,450) | $22.13 |
| California | $47,070 | Not mentioned | Not mentioned | Chowchilla ($67,281) | Not mentioned |
| Hawaii | $45,187 | $37,121 | $40,219 | Kapaa | $21.17 |
| Massachusetts | $37,680 | $38,834 | $42,075 | Barnstable Town ($37,860) | $18.12 |
| Oregon | $42,960 | Not mentioned | Not mentioned | Portland | $20.65 |
| Washington | $42,430 | $39,369 | $42,655 | Seattle ($25.85/hr) | $20.40 |
| Nevada | $37,187 | $35,836 | $38,827 | Elko ($58,240) | Not mentioned |
| Connecticut | Not mentioned | $38,334 | Not mentioned | Bridgeport-Stamford | $20.26 |
| New Jersey | Not mentioned | $39,120 | Not mentioned | Edison | $20.50 |
| Rhode Island | $39,490 | Not mentioned | Not mentioned | Warren | $21.77 |
| Delaware | $34,280-$41,570 | $36,232 | $39,256 | Wilmington | $27.00 |
Conclusion
A detailed analysis shows interesting differences in CNA salaries throughout the United States. California stands out with amazing opportunities. CNAs in cities like Chowchilla can earn up to $67,281, while Alaska offers steady high wages that average $44,420 per year. Big cities like New York and San Francisco pay premium rates, though these higher salaries often balance out against steeper living costs.
Your experience level will substantially affect what you can earn. Senior CNAs typically make $3,000-$5,000 more per year than those just starting out. Healthcare facilities in top-paying states provide detailed benefits packages. These include health insurance, paid time off, and ways to move up in your career.
The job market for CNAs looks bright through 2032. Nationwide projections show 56,500 job openings each year. States like Washington and Oregon show special promise and combine good wages with clear paths for career growth.
Smart CNA candidates should think over their location choices carefully. They need to weigh wages against living costs, growth opportunities, and benefit packages. Coastal states might show bigger paychecks, but some inland areas offer better value when you factor in living expenses.
