The job of a certified nursing assistant (CNA) offers the opportunity to get started in the medical field with a relatively low investment in education and financial resources. CNA training programs can usually be completed within 6 to 12 months at a cost of under $500. That means you could graduate from high school in June and be working by Christmas in most cases. It is a great way to earn a living while embarking on a career with plenty of upward mobility.
While there is a shortage of CNAs across the country this is one area where supply and demand doesn’t necessarily affect wages. There is a fairly large turnover among CNAs which helps in keeping wages lower than you'd expect. Nonetheless, after a couple of years on the job you can expect to be making a decent amount of money plus a good benefits package. The key to making the most out of your CNA career from a financial standpoint is longevity. The longer you stick with it, the more you'll make.
Some of the most important factors in determining CNA salary include:
- years of service
- dependability and job performance
- the type of institution you work for
- the state and city where you reside
Average Salary and Benefits in the U.S.
According to the latest national data compiled in January 2012, the average salary for a CNA in the United States is $24,000 annually. Those just entering the profession as newly certified CNAs can start as low as $17,400 while those on the higher end of the pay scale, with many more years of service, are currently earning as much as $32,000 annually. The statistics show that CNAs working in large urban areas where there is a higher demand tend to earn only slightly more than those in lower demand environments. The key seems to be longevity with the same institution.
In terms of benefits packages, nearly 50% of all CNAs have full medical and dental coverage; about 30% also have vision coverage. Unfortunately, the other half have no coverage at all, but this is probably due to the high turnover rate.
According to numbers from the Bureau of Labor Statistics more than 45% of all CNAs either quit or move into higher positions within the first four years in the field. The quick movement of CNAs into and out of the field could account for lack of benefits and such a low pay rate for entry-level workers.
Availability of Jobs
CNA positions are available pretty much anywhere you look. However, there are some cities where the demand for these workers is higher than others. According to statistics regarding the total number of CNA positions, both filled and open, the top five cities in the United States are Chicago, Houston, Atlanta, Phoenix, and Philadelphia.
It stands to reason that wherever you find large urban centers with concentrated populations there will be more hospitals and public health clinics. You'll also find more nursing homes. And the fact is most CNAs are employed by one of these three types of institutions. If you live in a large urban area you have a wide open door to begin your career as a CNA. There are training programs offered through multiple outlets such as hospitals, vocational training centers, community colleges, and even the Red Cross. Get started today and you could be working full-time in no time.