American CNAs: Economic Trends in the Job Market

As of 2010, there are about 1.5 million Certified Nursing Assistants working in the United States. These CNAs make an average hourly wage of just over $12, for a total salary of $25,000 per year. But there are wide differences between individual nurse aides’ employment conditions. Depending on where you live, where you work, and how long you’ve been working, the money you make can vary greatly. America is the land of opportunity, so here are some facts to consider when measuring all your options.

            The main employer of certified nursing assistants is the nursing home. About 45% of all nurse aides work at some type of nursing home, long-term care center, or residential patient facility. These workers make an average salary of $25,000. The next biggest employer is the hospital. About 25% of nurse aides work at general medical hospitals and surgical hospitals, making an average salary of $27,000. Another notable subset of CNAs is those employed as Home Health Aides. They provide services at private residences. About 5% of American CNAs fall into this category, and these workers earn an average salary of $24,000.

By geographic region, the nursing assistants working on the East Coast and West Coast make the most money compared to other American CNAs. The top 5 highest paying states are Alaska, New York, Connecticut, Nevada, and Washington D.C. Some other notable states for high salaries are Massachusetts, New Hampshire, California, and Washington. By industry and employer-type, nursing assistants that work for state governments and federal offices make significantly more money than their peers. Those CNAs working for a state government make $5,000 more per year than the average CNA. These jobs are the most competitive, and it is the most experienced nurse aides that hold them. To be better qualified, continued education and college experience are recommended pursuits.

But comparing salaries does not mean anything about the quality of your career. Don’t panic if you are not making as much as others. Whether you are just starting as a nurse aide or trying to find better compensation for your experience as one, there are many reasons to be hopeful about your career. By the year 2020, it is projected that occupations in healthcare will increase by about 35%. That means that over the next several years, there will be over half a million new job openings for qualified healthcare professionals. Investing time in your education and developing your expertise will give you a competitive edge in a job market that is growing faster than any other. Starting at the bottom of the pay-scale is not such a bad thing if you understand that your skills will be among the most valuable in the future.