Career Guide
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA): Pay & How to Get Hired
A certified nursing assistant (CNA) helps patients with daily care — bathing, eating, moving, and comfort — under a nurse's direction. In the U.S. they make about $20.32 an hour, and you become one through a short state-approved program, not a college degree.
What a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) makes
| Lower pay (25%) | Typical (median) | Higher pay (75%) |
|---|---|---|
| $17.91/hr | $20.32/hr | $22.70/hr |
U.S. average, 2025. Pay is higher in some metros.
Data from
· U.S. Dept. of Labor (ETA) & Minnesota DEEDSee certified nursing assistant (cna) pay near you How much experience you need
Some short training or a certificate is usually needed — but no four-year degree.
A short state-approved CNA program (often a few weeks) plus a state exam. No college degree needed.
In demand — the U.S. Dept. of Labor flags lots of openings
Source: This application incorporates information from O*NET Web Services by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). O*NET Web Services. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
What a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) does
- Help patients bathe, dress, eat, and use the toilet.
- Turn or reposition patients who are in bed to keep them comfortable and safe.
- Answer call lights and check on patients' needs.
- Measure and record food, liquids, and other basic health information for the nurses.
- Support patients as they get out of bed, stand, and walk.
Also called: Certified Nurse Aide (CNA), Nurse's Aide, Patient Care Technician, Certified Medication Aide (CMA).
Source: This application incorporates information from O*NET Web Services by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). O*NET Web Services. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
How to get hired as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
- Find a state-approved CNA program — community colleges, Red Cross chapters, and many nursing homes run them.
- Ask employers near you if they sponsor free CNA training in exchange for working there.
- Finish the program (often 4–12 weeks) and pass your state's CNA exam.
- Get on your state's nurse aide registry, then apply to hospitals, nursing homes, and home-care agencies.
The card that helps you earn more
CNA certification (state-approved program)
employers often pay · ~120h to earn
A state-approved program is required. Some employers (nursing homes, hospitals) sponsor the training. The Spanish exam varies by state.
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Frequently asked
How much does a CNA make an hour?+
In the U.S., certified nursing assistants make about $20.32 an hour on average, and most earn between $17.91 and $22.70 an hour, per 2025 U.S. Department of Labor data. Pay is higher in some states and hospitals.
How do you become a CNA?+
Finish a short state-approved CNA program (often a few weeks) and pass your state's exam, then join the state nurse aide registry. No college degree is required, and some employers sponsor the training for free.
How long does it take to become a CNA?+
Most state-approved CNA programs take about 4 to 12 weeks, followed by a state exam. It's one of the fastest ways into a healthcare career.
Do employers pay for CNA training?+
Often, yes. Many nursing homes and hospitals sponsor free CNA training in exchange for working there after you're certified — ask employers near you.