Question 1

CNA Salary — The National Picture

Accepted Answer

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for nursing assistants is approximately $38,200 per year, or about $18.37 per hour. That figure covers the full range of CNAs across all settings and experience levels nationwide.

The bottom 10% of earners make around $30,000 per year. The top 10% earn $50,000 or more. Where you land in that range depends on three things: where you work, what setting you work in, and how much experience you have.

It is worth noting that C

Question 2

CNA Salaries by State — Where You Live Matters Most

Accepted Answer

Geography is the biggest factor in CNA pay. States with higher costs of living and stronger union presence tend to pay significantly more.

Highest-paying states for CNAs:
• California — $44,000–$56,000/year median (highest in the nation)
• Alaska — $46,000–$52,000/year
• New York — $40,000–$50,000/year
• Massachusetts — $41,000–$49,000/year
• Washington — $40,000–$48,000/year

Mid-range states:
• Texas — $32,000–$38,000/year
• Florida — $31,000–$37,000/year
• Pennsylvania — $33,000–$40,000/year

Question 3

CNA Pay by Work Setting

Accepted Answer

Where you work affects your pay almost as much as where you live. CNAs work across several different settings, each with different pay scales and working conditions.

• Hospitals — typically the highest-paying setting for CNAs, often $20–$25/hour. Hospital CNAs work faster-paced floors alongside nurses and physicians. Many hospitals offer shift differentials (extra pay for nights and weekends) and union representation.

• Long-term care / nursing homes — the most common setting for CNAs, paying

Question 4

How Experience and Certifications Increase CNA Pay

Accepted Answer

Entry-level CNAs typically start at the lower end of their state's pay range. Here is how pay typically increases over time:

• 0–1 year experience: Starting wage, usually minimum for the facility
• 1–3 years: Merit increases, shift differentials, possible certification bonuses
• 3+ years: Senior CNA roles, charge aide positions, specialty certifications

Additional certifications that boost CNA pay:
• Certified Medication Aide (CMA) — allows CNAs to administer medications in some states. Pay in

Question 5

What Comes After CNA — Career and Salary Growth

Accepted Answer

CNA is an entry point, not a ceiling. The majority of nurses started as CNAs — the hands-on patient care experience is some of the best preparation available for nursing school.

Common career paths from CNA:

• Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) — 1-year program, median salary $59,000/year. LPNs can administer medications, perform wound care, and take on more clinical responsibility.

• Registered Nurse (RN) — 2–4 year program (ADN or BSN), median salary $81,000/year. CNAs who become RNs often find

Question 6

First Step — Pass the CNA Exam

Accepted Answer

Before you can earn any of the above, you need to pass the NNAAP certification exam. The written test covers six content areas over 70 questions, and the clinical skills evaluation tests 5 hands-on procedures in front of an evaluator.

First-attempt pass rates nationally are around 75–80% for the written exam and lower for the skills test. The candidates who pass consistently are the ones who practice with realistic test simulations before exam day.

CertPrepAcademy.com offers a free 70-question

How Much Does a CNA Make? (2026 Salary Guide)

CNA Salary — The National Picture

CNA Salaries by State — Where You Live Matters Most

CNA Pay by Work Setting

How Experience and Certifications Increase CNA Pay

What Comes After CNA — Career and Salary Growth

First Step — Pass the CNA Exam

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