Find a Job You Really Want In
Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) remain an essential part of the healthcare workforce across the United States, with job opportunities available in every state. As the demand for healthcare services continues to grow, especially with an aging population, CNAs are critical in providing quality care.
At Zippia, we analyzed which states offer the best conditions for CNAs, focusing on job availability, competitive salaries, and opportunities for career advancement.
Utilizing data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), we identified the top states where CNAs can thrive professionally and financially.
Here’s a look at the best states for Certified Nursing Assistants in 2026:
This list highlights the states where CNAs can find rewarding careers with ample job openings and fair compensation. To understand how these rankings were determined, let’s delve into the methodology behind our research.
How We Determined the Best States for Certified Nursing Assistants
At Zippia, we engage with diverse job seekers and have identified two critical factors that influence job satisfaction:
- Job Availability
- Competitive Pay
To pinpoint the best states for CNAs, we evaluated job availability and salary levels, using the following criteria based on the latest available data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics:
- Location Quotient: A measure of how prevalent the CNA profession is in each state.
- Average Annual Salary.
- Average Annual Salary for Entry-Level Positions.
- Average Annual Salary for Experienced Professionals.
To ensure an accurate comparison, salary figures were adjusted based on the cost of living in each state. This adjustment allows for a clearer understanding of how far salaries can stretch within different regions. For instance, while California may offer higher salaries, the cost of living can significantly affect purchasing power compared to states with lower living expenses.
We ranked each state across the criteria from 1 to 50, with 1 being the best. By averaging these rankings, we arrived at a comprehensive Job Score, with the state achieving the lowest score recognized as the top state for CNAs.
1. North Dakota
Total Jobs: 7,080
Average Annual Salary: $33,990
Average Entry Level Salary: $26,150
Average Experienced Salary: $42,750
Location Quotient: 1.7
2. Wyoming
Total Jobs: 3,310
Average Annual Salary: $30,910
Average Entry Level Salary: $24,250
Average Experienced Salary: $39,310
Location Quotient: 1.23
3. Michigan
Total Jobs: 49,760
Average Annual Salary: $30,130
Average Entry Level Salary: $23,240
Average Experienced Salary: $38,340
Location Quotient: 1.15
4. Iowa
Total Jobs: 20,890
Average Annual Salary: $29,120
Average Entry Level Salary: $22,330
Average Experienced Salary: $37,430
Location Quotient: 1.35
5. Nebraska
Total Jobs: 14,580
Average Annual Salary: $28,730
Average Entry Level Salary: $22,250
Average Experienced Salary: $36,110
Location Quotient: 1.49
6. Minnesota
Total Jobs: 31,640
Average Annual Salary: $33,710
Average Entry Level Salary: $26,280
Average Experienced Salary: $42,770
Location Quotient: 1.1
7. Nevada
Total Jobs: 6,660
Average Annual Salary: $35,130
Average Entry Level Salary: $26,480
Average Experienced Salary: $47,850
Location Quotient: 0.49
8. Wisconsin
Total Jobs: 32,310
Average Annual Salary: $29,590
Average Entry Level Salary: $22,540
Average Experienced Salary: $38,080
Location Quotient: 1.13
9. Pennsylvania
Total Jobs: 76,260
Average Annual Salary: $30,630
Average Entry Level Salary: $23,680
Average Experienced Salary: $38,920
Location Quotient: 1.3
10. Arizona
Total Jobs: 14,750
Average Annual Salary: $31,450
Average Entry Level Salary: $25,300
Average Experienced Salary: $39,200
Location Quotient: 0.53
The Best States For Certified Nursing Assistants
If you’re considering a career as a Certified Nursing Assistant, these states should be at the top of your list. They offer competitive salaries, abundant job opportunities, and pathways for career growth.
For a broader perspective, here are the states where CNAs may face greater challenges:
Detailed List Of The Best States For Certified Nursing Assistants
| Rank | State | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | North Dakota | $33,990 |
| 2 | Wyoming | $30,910 |
| 3 | Michigan | $30,130 |
| 4 | Iowa | $29,120 |
| 5 | Nebraska | $28,730 |
| 6 | Minnesota | $33,710 |
| 7 | Nevada | $35,130 |
| 8 | Wisconsin | $29,590 |
| 9 | Pennsylvania | $30,630 |
| 10 | Arizona | $31,450 |
| 11 | Kentucky | $26,800 |
| 12 | Illinois | $28,810 |
| 13 | Kansas | $26,210 |
| 14 | Delaware | $30,780 |
| 15 | Colorado | $32,610 |
| 16 | Idaho | $27,400 |
| 17 | Washington | $32,130 |
| 18 | Indiana | $27,210 |
| 19 | Ohio | $27,570 |
| 20 | Arkansas | $25,080 |
| 21 | Missouri | $25,930 |
| 22 | Alaska | $39,830 |
| 23 | Montana | $29,110 |
| 24 | Texas | $27,030 |
| 25 | Utah | $27,880 |
| 26 | Oklahoma | $25,690 |
| 27 | New Mexico | $28,310 |
| 28 | Tennessee | $26,400 |
| 29 | West Virginia | $26,410 |
| 30 | Georgia | $25,870 |
| 31 | New Hampshire | $32,200 |
| 32 | Oregon | $33,230 |
| 33 | Rhode Island | $31,340 |
| 34 | North Carolina | $25,570 |
| 35 | Mississippi | $23,100 |
| 36 | Virginia | $28,770 |
| 37 | Maine | $28,710 |
| 38 | Florida | $26,840 |
| 39 | Connecticut | $33,390 |
| 40 | South Dakota | $26,820 |
| 41 | Alabama | $24,110 |
| 42 | New York | $37,010 |
| 43 | New Jersey | $30,380 |
| 44 | Massachusetts | $33,630 |
| 45 | South Carolina | $25,390 |
| 46 | California | $35,220 |
| 47 | Vermont | $30,730 |
| 48 | Maryland | $31,310 |
| 49 | Louisiana | $22,750 |
| 50 | Hawaii | $35,770 |
Author
Chris Kolmar is a co-founder of Zippia and the editor-in-chief of the Zippia career advice blog. He has hired over 50 people in his career, been hired five times, and wants to help you land your next job. His research has been featured on the New York Times, Thrillist, VOX, The Atlantic, and a host of local news. More recently, he's been quoted on USA Today, BusinessInsider, and CNBC.
