The most comprehensive caregiver and CNA pay guide on the web - edition 2012 from myCNAjobs.com

1. The Most Comprehensive Caregiver and CNA
Pay Guide on the Web
Caregiver and CNA Job Market
The career outlook for certified nursing assistants (CNAs) and caregivers can be summed up in two words -
in demand. With a large aging population, the U.S. Department of Labor estimates a 20% increase in
caregiver and CNA jobs between 2010 and 2020, which is faster than the average for other occupations.
Here are some other notable statistics regarding the CNA job field:
CNA Gender
- 90% of CNAs are female and 10% of CNAs are male
CNA Experience
- 11% of CNAs have less than one year of CNA experience
- 45% of CNAs have one to four years of CNA experience
- 20% of CNAs have five to nine years of CNA experience
- 18% of CNAs have ten to nineteen years of CNA experience
- 6% of CNAs have twenty+ years of CNA experience
When it comes to whether a caregiver or CNA will receive benefits, it mainly depends on the
place of employment. Working with a senior homecare agency (all jobs posted on
myCNAjobs are through agencies) allows greater access to health benefits. Here’s a look at
the most common health benefits CNAs receive:
CAREGIVER &
PERCENTAGE
CNA BENEFIT
Health Insurance 48%
Dental Insurance 39%
Vision Insurance 30%
None 49%
An Overview of Caregiver and CNA Pay

2. Caregivers and certified nursing assistants are similar professions within the healthcare industry, but
caregiver and CNA pay differ based on the specific job. CNAs are required to complete state-approved
certification and be licensed in the state where practicing. This license gives CNAs more authority and
responsibilities than a caregiver, as well as a higher pay rate.
On average, CNA pay ranges from $8.55 per hour at the low end to $16.62. The median CNA pay is $11.54
per hour. The salary of a caregiver ranges from about $7.89 to $14.20, with a median salary of $9.91.
While the pay difference between a CNA and a caregiver seems incremental, the few extra dollars per hour
add up:
Job Type Average Hourly Wage Lifetime Salary
Certified Nursing Assitant (CNA) $11.54 $960,400
Caregiver $9.25 $756,000
Difference in Pay: Caregiver & CNA $2.29 $204,400
CNA Pay Based on Location
Like the weather, CNA pay varies based on one’s geographical location. For example, CNA pay in California
is different than CNA pay in New York. But when it comes to personal salaries, CNA wages will vary not only
by city and state, but also based upon experience level and the specific employer. It’s also important to
consider the cost of living for a specific region when evaluating CNA pay in a specific area.
National CNA Pay
The national average pay for a CNA ranges from $8.55 per hour at the low end to $16.62 on the high end.
The median CNA hourly rate is $11.54. Annually, average CNA pay goes from $17,800 to $34,600 at the
high end, with a median salary of $24,000.
Percentile National CNA Pay - Hourly National CNA Pay - Salary
Low $8.55 $17,800
Median $11.54 $24,000
High $16.62 $34,600
*The low percentile means 90% earn higher than the specified rate, while 10% earn more.
Median indicates 50% earn more than this rate and 50% earn higher. The high percentile
indicates that 10% earn more than this rate, while 90% earns less.
State-by-State CNA Pay
Compared to the national average pay of a CNA, some states offer more lucrative
compensation than others. When it comes to average CNA pay, CNA pay in Alaska has the
highest hourly wage with median pay at $16.40 per hour, compared to the national average
of $11.54. CNA pay in New York follows with 15.38 per hour. The following states have the
highest CNA pay:
Median Hourly
State
CNA Pay

3. Median Hourly
State
CNA Pay
Alaska $16.40
New York $15.38
Nevada $14.85
Connecticut $14.49
Hawaii $14.40
Based on median CNA pay, the following states offer the lowest paying CNA wages:
Median Hourly
State
CNA Pay
Mississippi $9.05
Louisiana $9.22
Oklahoma $9.68
Alabama $9.86
Georgia & West Virginia $9.89
CNA Pay by Region
Even within the same state, CNA pay can differ by region and metropolitan areas. CNA pay in California, for
example, averages $15.93 per hour in San Francisco, while the median CNA pay in Los Angeles is $11.61.
CNA pay in New York City is $16.20, but the average pay of a CNA in Buffalo drops to $12.61. Factors that
can influence CNA pay by region include demand and cost of living.
How to Increase Your Caregiver or CNA Pay
As a caregiver, the most effective way to increase your pay is through more caregiver education and
training. Advanced caregiver certification shows employers that you are knowledgeable and up-to-date on
the latest training. An investment of time—as low as 10 hours—can increase your caregiver pay and make
you a more competitive player in the marketplace. The Professional Association of Caregivers offers 10
hour caregiver certification that meets many state requirements through our partner, Caregiverlist. For a
myCNAjob special offer, click here.
As a CNA, on the job experience is a great way to increase your CNA pay. CNA pay—much
like other professions—is lower when first starting out. But with additional years of
experience, CNAs can increase their pay rate.
CNA Average CNA
Experience Salary
Less than one
$7.83 - $12.27
year
5+ years $8.67 - $14.49
20+ years $9.22 - $16.51

4. Caregiver and CNA rate of pay also goes up when employees work overtime, weekend,
evening or holiday shifts, and as caregiver and CNAs receive more training. For more
information, check out 10-hour online caregiver certification.
DOWNLOAD THE FULL REPORT HERE: http://www.mycnajobs.com/caregiver-cna-pay/
Sources: payscale.com, careeronestop.org