Certified nurse assistants (CNAs) assist patients with their care and wellbeing under the guidance and management of a licensed practical nurse (LPN) or a registered nurse (RN). In the US, the CNA salary is about $24,979 per year, compared to £15,945 (about $21,000 USD) in UK. Annual salary for CNAs in Canada and Australia are similar when looking at the US dollar conversion at C$38,915 (about $29,900 USD) and AU$43,448 (about $31,000 USD), respectively, followed by NZ$37,440 ($26,153 USD) in New Zealand.
The CNA average salary in South Africa is R101,288 (about $7,000 USD), more than double the US dollar equivalent amount in India, which is Rs296,609 (about $4,000 USD). Certified nursing assistant salary amounts vary per geographic location and work setting, while experience may have only a slight effect. Further details on certified nurse assistant salary are provided in this guide.
How Much Does a CNA Make per Year?
Hourly and annual earnings for CNAs in select geographic regions across the globe are provided in the chart below.
| CNA Salary | US | Canada | UK | Australia | New Zealand | India | South Africa |
| Hourly Wage | $12.14 | C$17.86 | £8.14 | AU$21.70 | NZ$18 | Rs95 | R30.72 |
| Annual Wage | $24,979 | C$38,915 (US$29,900) |
£15,945 (US$21,000) |
AU$43,448 (US$31,000) |
NZ$37,440 (US$26,153) |
Rs296,609 ($4,000 USD) |
R101,288 ($7,000 USD) |
Factors that Influence the CNA Salary
Certified nurse assistant salary varies by geographic location, work setting, and professional experience. Details on these factors and employment as a CNA are provided in this guide.
1. Geographic Area
CNA Salary in US
Certified nurse assistant salary in the US ranges from $14,618 – $39,963, with the hourly wage averaging $12.14. There is bonus potential that may reach $1,500 as well as profit sharing and commission opportunities up to $3,000. Experience in operating room and emergency room care may garner higher earnings. Entry level positions pay only slightly more than positions held by those with 20 years’ or more experience. While experience may not greater impact earnings, geographic location does as CNA salary in Denver is about 15% more than the national average, followed by Las Vegas at 12% more and Philadelphia at 9%.
CNA Salary in Canada
In Canada, CNAs earn between C$21,455 to C$48,395 per year. Hourly wages range from C$11.99 to C$23.22, while overtime pay is about C$14.19 to C$46.65 per hour. Skilled experience in elder care may increase earning potential for CNAs in Canada.
CNA Salary in UK
CNAs in UK earn, on average, between £10,775 – £21,250 per year. Hourly wages range from just over £6.95 to more than £10, and overtime pay is an additional £2.04 – £15.66 per hour. Experience does not have a strong impact on incomes, although they do peak for those with 20 years’ or more experience.
CNA Salary in Australia
CNA average salary in Australia is between AU$29,517 and AU$70,467 per year. Those working on an hourly wage earn from AU$19.11 to AU$27.98 with overtime pay at an additional AU$25.43 per hour. Earnings peak for those with 10 to 20 years’ experience, and may decline during late career, possibly due to accepting fewer shifts and overtime hours.
CNA Salary in New Zealand
In New Zealand, the CNA average salary is NZ$37,440 per year. Those starting their careers can expect to earn slightly more than NZ$27,000 annually, increasing to nearly NZ$62,000 per year with experience and overtime earnings. Hourly pay ranges from NZ$13 to NZ$30.
CNA Salary in India
The average salary for CNAs in India is Rs296,609 per year. There is a healthy distribution of experienced CNAs and those entering a career in the nursing field as about 43% have up to four years’ experience and about 43% have 10 years’ or more experience.
CNA Salary in South Africa
Certified nursing assistant salary in South Africa is between R72,172 and R143,209 per year. There are opportunities to earn bonus pay, increasing earnings up to R20,500. Overtime pay is also offered with the average hourly rate at R57.39. Earnings increase steadily during the first 10 years of experience, then plateau for the duration of one’s career.
2. Experience
While experience influences CNA average salary, its impact on earnings may not be the strongest influencer on income. In fact, overtime pay has the potential to greatly increase earnings, prompting some CNAs to volunteer for additional shifts beyond their full-time schedule. In the US, the difference between salaries for entry level CNAs and experienced CNAs is about $158%, compared to 172% in South Africa and 148% in UK.
3. Industry
CNAs work in a variety of healthcare settings, including hospitals, physician offices and nursing homes. Some CNAs also provide home healthcare, particularly if they possess elder care experience, and may receive higher earnings for this type of care. Those with experience in operating room and emergency care also may receive higher salaries. Nursing is a female dominated career with growing need due to an aging population worldwide and increased number of those diagnosed with chronic illnesses. To work as a CNA, an associate’s degree, equivalent to a state-approved program, is required as well as successful completion of a certification exam.
Working Hours
CNAs who work in hospitals, nursing homes, or in home health are subject to scheduling at any time, seven days a week, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, as 24-hour care is provided in these settings. Those who work in physician offices often work during typical business hours, Monday through Friday. While many CNAs work full-time and take advantage of generous overtime pay, there are opportunities for part-time hours and scheduling flexibility, which is a reason why some earn less in the later years of their career as they choose to work fewer hours.
Bonuses and Benefit Packages
As employees in the healthcare field, many CNAs receive healthcare benefits, including medical, vision and dental care. However, a sizeable number of CNAs indicate they are ineligible for these benefits, likely the result of being hourly employees in some instances. In fact, 88% in UK state they do not receive paid healthcare benefits compared to about 50% to 60% in other countries, with exception to Canada where only 23% of CNAs indicate a lack of paid health benefits.
Job Outlook
From 2014 to 2024, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics anticipates a 17% growth rate in nursing assistants, including certified nursing assistants. This increasing demand in due to an aging population and greater prevalence of chronic health conditions that are being experienced worldwide, which should continue to support salaries and meet the supply of new individuals entering the nursing field.
Conclusion
Certified nursing assistant salary ranges lag behind earnings for more skilled nurses such as registered nurses and licensed nurse practitioners; however, global demand for CNAs should support salaries and provide stable employment. CNAs with experience in elder, operating room, and emergency room care may earn higher incomes. While experience influences salaries, other factors such as geographic region and overtime pay options may have a stronger impact on total earnings. CNAs enjoy opportunities for part-time employment and flexible scheduling, and indicate a high level of job satisfaction.