Certified Nursing Assistant Salary Guide
National median: $42,260/yr · Range: $32,117–$53,247 · Source: BLS OEWS May 2025
Last updated: 2026-07-04
National Certified Nursing Assistant Salary Overview
Data: BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics, May 2025 OEWS. O*NET code: 31-1131.00. SOC occupation: 31-1131 (Certified Nursing Assistant).
Certified Nursing Assistant Salary by City — Top 20 Metros
| Metro Area | 25th Pct | Median | 75th Pct |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Jose, CA | $51,870 | $56,840 | $67,880 |
| San Francisco, CA | $50,010 | $56,080 | $58,930 |
| Seattle, WA | $48,110 | $51,990 | $59,950 |
| New York, NY | $47,430 | $49,270 | $55,170 |
| Denver, CO | $46,230 | $49,110 | $51,250 |
| San Diego, CA | $46,710 | $48,070 | $51,600 |
| Los Angeles, CA | $46,030 | $47,380 | $50,360 |
| Chicago, IL | $42,940 | $46,940 | $49,060 |
| Philadelphia, PA | $43,370 | $46,220 | $47,560 |
| Phoenix, AZ | $39,050 | $45,290 | $46,660 |
| Columbus, OH | $38,230 | $42,970 | $46,030 |
| Nashville, TN | $37,120 | $39,510 | $44,540 |
| Charlotte, NC | $37,490 | $39,430 | $46,250 |
| Indianapolis, IN | $37,500 | $38,880 | $45,010 |
| Austin, TX | $37,680 | $38,550 | $45,440 |
| Dallas, TX | $37,370 | $38,530 | $45,190 |
| Fort Worth, TX | $37,370 | $38,530 | $45,190 |
| Houston, TX | $36,350 | $37,970 | $46,100 |
| Jacksonville, FL | $36,510 | $37,760 | $43,450 |
| San Antonio, TX | $35,430 | $36,800 | $43,050 |
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025 estimates. Click any city for detailed local salary data.
Certified Nursing Assistant Salary by Experience Level
| Level | Typical Salary | Years of Experience |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-level Certified Nursing Assistant | $30,427 | 0–2 years |
| Mid-level Certified Nursing Assistant | $38,879 | 3–5 years |
| Senior Certified Nursing Assistant | $49,866 | 5–8 years |
| Staff / Lead Certified Nursing Assistant | $60,009 | 8–12 years |
| Principal / Director | $70,996 | 12+ years |
Career path estimates derived from BLS OEWS May 2025 national benchmarks. Actual salaries vary by company, location, and skills.
Skills That Raise Certified Nursing Assistant Salary
Professionals with these skills typically earn 15–35% above the median:
- State CNA license in good standing
- BLS/CPR certification
- Memory-care experience
- Hospital acute-care experience
- Hoyer lift & safe-mobility training
- Medication aide (CMA) certification
How to Negotiate a Certified Nursing Assistant Offer
The most effective salary negotiation for Certified Nursing Assistant roles follows three steps:
- Anchor with data. Quote BLS OEWS median ($42,260) and top-metro benchmarks as your reference point. Numbers beat feelings.
- Frame with ROI. Describe a specific project outcome in dollar terms: "I reduced churn by 8%, which retained $2M ARR." This turns the conversation from cost to investment.
- Negotiate total comp. If base is firm, ask about sign-on bonus, equity refresh, additional PTO, or a 6-month review. Employers have more flexibility in these buckets.
Certified Nursing Assistant Salary by City — All 90 Locations
Median Certified Nursing Assistant pay in every metro we track, grouped by state (BLS OEWS May 2025).
Find Certified Nursing Assistant jobs that match your salary target.
Free to start. No resume writing. No cover letters. We handle the search, the filter, and the apply — you just say yes to interviews.
Free on iPhone and Android. You can delete your account in one tap.