How much does a CNA make? What’s the average salary of certified nursing assistants? Certified nursing assistant jobs are in high demand, and they provide plenty of opportunities for advancement in the healthcare field. When deciding whether or not a career as a CNA is suitable for you, you’ll want to consider the typical income for these professions.
A CNA is sometimes referred to as certified nurse assistants. Though, still hold the same CNA certification and college degree.
What is a CNA?
CNAs are vital caregivers for patients in hospitals, nursing homes, and residential care facilities, aiding them with basic functions such as moving, eating, dressing, and remaining clean. They also assist nurses and other health-care professionals by collecting vital indicators such as temperature and blood pressure.
While CNAs do not offer medical treatment, they must be knowledgeable enough in the field to identify when a nurse or other clinician is needed to examine a scenario in which the patient’s health is at danger.
The following are some of the main duties and responsibilities of a CNA:
- Assisting patients in remaining clean and comfortable.
- Assuring that patient rooms are clean.
- Providing assistance with eating and drinking to patients.
- assisting patients with physical movement, such as moving them in and out of bed or changing postures.
- Call buttons and other patient requests are answered.
- Taking vital signs and identifying potential warning signals, such as blood pressure fluctuations or symptoms of an infected wound.
Where do CNA’s work?
CNAs work in a variety of areas in the healthcare industry, including:
- Hospitals.
- Long-term assisted living facilities.
- Short-term care/homes for the elderly.
- Centers for rehabilitation.
- Centers for adult daycare.
- Clinical facilities are uncommon.
- Nursing care facilities (skilled nursing facilities).
The most prevalent areas where nursing assistants are needed are nursing homes and adult care institutions. Nursing assistants will occasionally work in clinical settings, although this is uncommon.
There were approximately 1,564,200 CNAs in the United States in 2018. With 38%, nursing care institutions hired the most certified nursing assistants. Depending on where you reside, various institutions can hire CNAs to assist with patient care responsibilities.
However, CNA jobs can sometimes be a bit more difficult to find in nursing homes, based on the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Types of roles with a Nursing Degree
Here are the most common types of roles for a professional pursuing a nursing degree. Medical assistant roles can not require passing the CNA exam (NCLEX test) and obtaining a college degree.
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
Students will learn all they need to know to become a licensed nursing assistant in these programs (CNA). CNAs are on the front lines of the nursing profession. They help patients with everyday tasks, keep track of vital indicators, and more.
The majority of CNA training programs are intense and hands-on. They typically take three to eight weeks to complete and are held at nursing homes and technical institutions. To practice as a nursing assistant, students must pass a certification exam after graduation.
Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN)
During their training, some LPNs (licensed practical nurse) pursue further certification. They are experts in a particular field, such as childbirth, IV treatment, or developmental impairments. Specializations need an additional test, but they can improve your chances of landing a job.
Nursing Associate’s Degree (ADN)
One of two paths to becoming a registered nurse is to earn an associate degree (RN). When most people hear the word “nurse,” they envision these highly trained professionals. RNs keep track of a patient’s medical history, dispense drugs, establish care plans, and do tests, among other things.
Associate degree programs might take as little as 18 to 24 months to finish. They are followed by the NCLEX test, much like practical nursing degrees.
Nursing Bachelor of Science (BSN)
The second path to becoming an RN is to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. These programs can be completed in three to five years, or even fewer if you already have a bachelor’s degree. It’s fairly uncommon for RNs with an ADN to return to school to complete their bachelor’s degree.
This is made feasible through RN-to-BSN programs. These bridge programs are generally completed in 12 to 18 months and can be completed online.
A BSN is not sufficient for becoming a professional nurse. Graduates must first pass the NCLEX.
How much does a CNA make?
Although updated pay information for CNAs is regularly modified, certified nursing assistants in the United States earn an average base wage of $15.35 per hour or $34,670 per year in an entry-level position. CNAs also earn an extra $4,500 in overtime pay each year on average.
The pay of a CNA varies considerably based on their location and the type of institution where they work. CNA salaries are often higher in locations with many nursing homes and hospitals, such as urban regions. Working at specialized institutions, government facilities, or research institutes might also help you earn more money as a CNA.
A certified nursing assistant’s annual salary can be increased with more experience and education.
Average CNA salary by state
Average salary information for nursing assistants based on geography and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
- Alabama: $23,022 per year
- Alaska: $40,566 per year
- Arizona: $32,733 per year
- Arkansas: $25,352 per year
- California: $37,088 per year
- Colorado: $35,813 per year
- Connecticut: $32,648 per year
- Delaware: $34,215 per year
- Florida: $30,400 per year
- Georgia: $24,431 per year
- Hawaii: $38,944 per year
- Idaho: $29,831 per year
- Illinois: $30,568 per year
- Indiana: $31,172 per year
- Iowa: $33,259 per year
- Kansas: $28,999 per year
- Kentucky: $30,346 per year
- Louisiana: $22,938 per year
- Maine: $34,832 per year
- Maryland: $29,766 per year
- Massachusetts: $35,566 per year
- Michigan: $31,151 per year
- Minnesota: $35,339 per year
- Mississippi: $23,008 per year
- Missouri: $27,657 per year
- Montana: $33,844 per year
- Nebraska: $35,131 per year
- Nevada: $30,572 per year
- New Hampshire: $37,187 per year
- New Jersey: $33,912 per year
- New Mexico: $32,413 per year
- New York: $35,916 per year
- North Carolina: $25,481 per year
- North Dakota: $36,758 per year
- Ohio: $27,284 per year
- Oklahoma: $27,137 per year
- Oregon: $37,634 per year
- Pennsylvania: $33,914 per year
- Rhode Island: $33,739 per year
- South Carolina: $25,163 per year
- South Dakota: $39,012 per year
- Tennessee: $27,547 per year
- Texas: $26,299 per year
- Utah: $29,186 per year
- Vermont: $39,349 per year
- Virginia: $27,456 per year
- Washington: $37,155 per year
- West Virginia: $32,003 per year
- Wisconsin: $34,464 per year
- Wyoming: $33,355 per year
Common benefits offered to CNA’s
Depending on the company and whether the certified nursing assistant is a part-time or full-time employee, certified nursing assistants can be eligible for a variety of benefits. The perks offered to CNAs can also be influenced by their location.
The following are some of the most frequent benefits provided to licensed nursing assistants:
Tuition reimbursements
Tuition reimbursement is when an employer agrees to pay for some or all of an employee’s further education. For example, a corporation can pay for a master’s degree for an employee if the degree is in a field that is relevant to the person’s employment. CNAs who are pursuing their education or training in the healthcare industry can be eligible for tuition reimbursement programs.
Referral programs
When an employee is compensated for suggesting a new hiring to their employer, this is known as a referral program. These programs are usually conditional on the new recruit staying with the firm for a specified period of time, such as six months or a year. After this time period has elapsed, the employee who suggested the new recruit will be rewarded with a monetary incentive or other kind of recompense for their efforts.
Health insurance
Most full-time certified nursing assistants are covered by their employer’s health insurance. Depending on the type of business and the size of the firm, several types of health insurance will be given.
Sick leave
Paid sick leave is a perk that allows employees to take time off when they are ill and still get paid. This benefit is available to the majority of full-time licensed nursing aides.
Retirement plans
A 401(k) plan is a perk that some employers provide to their CNAs. This is a tax-advantaged retirement plan that lets employees to save a portion of their income for retirement. Some employers will match the employee’s contribution or contribute a portion of the employee’s contribution.
Skills that pay well for CNA’s
To be successful in their employment, certified nursing assistants must possess a number of important abilities. CNAs with certain abilities can be able to earn a greater pay.
The following are the highest-paying abilities for a licensed nursing assistant:
Telemetry skills
Telemetry abilities are when a CNA uses various forms of medical equipment to continually monitor a patient’s vital signs. A patient with heart failure, for example, can require 24-hour monitoring with specialist equipment. Knowing how to use this equipment and interpret diagnostics can lead to a raise in pay.
ICU skills
Certified nursing assistants who work in the intensive care unit (ICU) at a hospital or other medical facility must be able to monitor patients with life-threatening disorders.
The ICU is a high-stress, fast-paced setting that demands CNAs to perform well under duress and effectively use their ICU abilities.
Many CNAs who work in the ICU make more money annually than CNAs in other areas of a hospital.
Surgical skills
CNAs who work in a surgical environment often earn more than CNAs who work in other areas of a medical facility. Monitoring patients before and after medical operations, as well as functioning efficiently under pressure, are surgical abilities required in this context.
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