Highest-Paying Certified Nursing Assistant Jobs in 2026
Research Summary: The Zippia data team has utilized a blend of public government data and insights from thousands of job postings to generate average salary estimates for jobs across the United States. This analysis has identified the highest-paying roles within the certified nursing assistant (CNA) field, based on average annual salaries.
Here’s a brief overview of the highest-paying types of certified nursing assistants:
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The top-earning certified nursing assistant role is the Registered Nursing Assistant, earning an average salary of $50,644, which translates to about $24.35 per hour.
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Next is the Licensed Nursing Assistant, with an average salary of $41,395.
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Overall, the average salary for certified nursing assistants stands at $32,597 annually, or approximately $15.67 per hour.
Table of Contents: Background | Table | Methodology | FAQs
Background
Choosing a career path in healthcare can be challenging. While salary is an important consideration, it’s not the only factor. If you’re considering a career as a certified nursing assistant, understanding the highest-paying positions can help you map out your career trajectory effectively.
Below are the top salaries for various types of certified nursing assistants:
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Registered Nursing Assistant
Average Salary: $50,644
Registered Nursing Assistants play a crucial role in patient care by assisting with daily activities such as bathing and dressing, monitoring vital signs, providing meals, and ensuring a clean environment for patients.
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Licensed Nursing Assistant
Average Salary: $41,395
Licensed Nursing Assistants deliver basic healthcare services under the supervision of registered nurses, including taking vital signs and assisting with patient mobility. They often engage with medical technology, managing patient records and administering medications when permitted.
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Assistant
Average Salary: $37,363
Assistant roles involve administrative support, including managing records, answering calls, and assisting with reports. Strong time-management and communication skills are essential for success in these positions.
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Certified Medical Assistant/Certified Nurse Assistant
Average Salary: $36,382
Certified Medical Assistants perform both clinical and administrative duties in healthcare settings, ensuring patients receive necessary care while managing records and assisting with insurance claims.
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State Registered Nursing Assistant
Average Salary: $35,193
Below is a comprehensive table showcasing the highest-paying certified nursing assistant roles, along with a detailed explanation of our methodology.
Highest-Paying Types Of Certified Nursing Assistants
Methodology
The salary estimates provided are based on publicly available information from authoritative sources such as the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Foreign Labor Certification Data Center (FLC), and the Office of Personnel Management (OPM).
Our data science team continuously reviews job postings and company resources to ensure our salary information for certified nursing assistants is current and accurate.
After gathering this data, the team computes a weighted average for each job title. For more comprehensive details on our salary estimates, please refer to our detailed methodology.
FAQs on Highest-Paying Certified Nursing Assistant Jobs
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What is the highest-paid certified nursing assistant job?
The highest-paid certified nursing assistant job is the Registered Nursing Assistant. Registered Nursing Assistants earn an average salary of $50,644, which translates to about $24.35 per hour. Their primary responsibilities include providing essential care to patients, assisting with daily activities, monitoring vital signs, and ensuring a sanitized environment.
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What is a good salary for a certified nursing assistant?
A good salary for a certified nursing assistant is $32,597 or more. This figure represents the average salary, indicating that those earning at least this amount are above the average salary threshold. However, it’s essential to consider location and experience level, as these factors influence salaries. If you’re starting your career, remember that entry-level positions may offer lower salaries.
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Do Certified Nursing Assistant jobs pay well?
Certified nursing assistant jobs vary in pay. While some positions may offer higher salaries, the average salary of $32,597 is lower than the national average of around $44,225. However, certified nursing assistants have opportunities for advancement and potentially higher earnings, particularly in specialized or high-demand areas.
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Where do certified nursing assistants get paid the most?
Certified Nursing Assistants earn the highest salaries in Maine. In Maine, the average annual salary for CNAs is $38,575, with an average hourly wage of $18.55. Other states with competitive salaries include New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, and Vermont, with annual averages of $37,696, $33,411, and $40,762, respectively.
Some cities also report higher salaries for certified nursing assistants, including:
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Portland, ME – $38,636
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Boston, MA – $36,947
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Seattle, WA – $36,534
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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.
