Nursing Assistant Salary
The average nursing assistant salary in the United States is around the $28,000 mark.
Pay rate will differ greatly though from state to state. Also, senior CNA assistants will earn more than a newly qualified nursing assistant. But a certified nursing assistant salary starts high compared to other areas of employment, as the amount of training is low at only 4-6 weeks maximum.
In fact, due to the shortages of qualified nursing professionals. The average nursing assistant salary is over 25 % higher than other average salaries for all jobs across the country.
With the shortage of nursing assistants and other nursing roles, demand in the future for these jobs will only increase. This will keep the average level of pay high across all nursing job levels. This is in marked contrast to the rest of the economy which is in a slow down. So unlike other service sectors that are suffering, the health care profession is booming, and job prospects within this sector are much more secure.
The pay grades for registered Nurses (RN) goes much higher in the $40,000 – $75,000 + range.
The factors effecting a cna salary are :
- A city based CNA will earn more generally than a CNA working in a rural environment.
- The size and type of medical care administered within the facility.
- The education, other certifications and experience level of each CNA will have a bearing on the level of salary.
- Generally you will earn more if the facility is working in a specialized medical area.
- If the facility has opted out of primary care, you will most likely receive more salary than a primary care CNA would.
- Salaries for CNAs working in a hospital are more likely to earn more than in a nursing home.
When deciding on where you will work as a CNA, it is important to factor in these fluctuations in salary. Which includes state by state variations, city or urban, type of facility and area of medical care, and of course location all play a part in your decision.
It is important to remember if you are considering this path into the medical profession. The job of a certified nursing aide is both a physical and mentally draining occupation at times. It is however a relatively easy and quick option, if you wish to try a change in career.
Outlook for job prospects of CNAs :
The nursing assistant salary of most CNAs will keep on rising for the foreseeable future. The US Department of Labor has estimated an expected rise of 20 – 35 % growth in the market within the next ten years. This is due to the huge growth of an aging population from the baby boomer generation. This will demand more resources are needed in dealing with an older generations health care and rehabilitation needs. As well as demand for more nursing assistants in hospitals. Nursing care homes will become a major employer in the years to come, providing the necessary care for people with disability and chronic illness.
There has never been a better time to consider a career move into the nursing profession.