Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) form an important component of the health care system as they render care to the patients. How much can a CNA actually earn an hour? The answer hinges on a handful of factors, including where you work and where you live.

Highest-Paying CNA Positions

However, not every CNA job pays the same. Others realize that the type of facility or other obligations are worth a higher wage.

• Hospital CNAs – The pay is higher for CNAs working in hospitals than at nursing homes. Hospitals typically have higher levels of care, and CNAs may help with more complex tasks. The average hourly pay for hospital CNAs is $17 to $22 per hour, depending on experience and location.
• Travel CNAs – Travel CNAs accept assignments at various locations on a short-term basis, typically to cover for staffing shortages. Since these roles are flexible and also travel-based, they make more; hourly rates are $20-$30 or more an hour, plus travel stipends.
• Government and VA Facilities – Certified nursing assistants employed at VA hospitals, also known as Veterans Affairs hospitals, or state-run healthcare facilities generally receive better pay and benefits. These types of positions typically pay between $18 to $25 hourly.
• Home Health CNAs – Usually, as CNAs work in home health, they often get paid more for taking private clients or working with high-paying agencies. Due to the sometimes higher wages, private-pay clients offer some of the highest pay, often between $15–$22 per hour.

Best- Paying States and Cities for CNAs

Regional location is a major influence on Certified Nurse Aide salaries. Locales with high cost of living or demand for health care workers tend to offer the best pay.

Top-Paying States for CNAs

• Alaska – $20-$25 per hour
• New York – $19-$24 per hour
• California – $18-$23 per hour
• Massachusetts — $18-$22 an hour
• Hawaii – $19-$22 per hour

Top-Paying Cities for CNAs

• San Francisco, CA – $22 to $28 an hour
• New York City, NY – $20-$26 an hour
• Seattle, WA – $19-$24 hourly
• Boston, MA – $18-$23 per hour
• Washington, D.C. — $19 to $25 an hour

How to Earn More as a CNA

CNA pay can be significantly impacted, and if you are looking to boost your hourly wage as a certified nursing assistant, consider the following:

• Specialize – CNAs who have gained additional training in areas such as critical care, dementia care, or phlebotomy can earn higher wages.
• Pick Up Overtime or Night Shifts — Many facilities offer higher pay for evening, night or weekend shifts.
• Become a Travel CNA – Travel CNA jobs offer some of the highest pay rates, as long as you’re willing to relocate.
• Instead, Work in a High-Paying State or at a Facility — Moving to in-demand areas or applying for hospitals and government facilities can increase your pay.

Final Thoughts

The average CNA salary is between $14-$20 per hour, though some with the right jobs in the right locations can make $25 or more per hour. You could also specialize, work in high-demand areas, or take travel CNA jobs if you want to maximize your earning potential.