CNA Salary: How much can I make as a CNA?
The figures for a CNA salary vary depending on the location, level of expertise and the facility. The future of certified nursing assistants appears to be a promising one within the next few years. In fact, it is said that employment is supposed to increase 28% within the next five years. Not only is there a growth in employment, but many people change occupations every year. This helps open up new opportunities for incoming CNAs.
The job of a Certified Nursing Assistant requires a lot of physical demands as well as emotional strength. The career of a certified nursing assistant is generally entry-level and there are limited advancement opportunities.
The salary is also determined by the industry you are working in. Many nursing assistants are very content with their earnings. Below is some CNA salary information that can help you get an idea of the type of income you will be earning as a CNA.
Certified nursing assistants working for the local government make an average of about $12 per hour where as CNAs working in nursing care facilities average about $10 per hour. The following are some of the 2006 CNA salary earnings, organized according to industry, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics:
- Local government $12.15/hr
- Employment services $11.47/hr
- General medical and surgical hospitals $11.06/hr
- Nursing care facilities $10.37/hr
- Community care facilities for the elderly $10.07/hr
Nursing assistants receive 1 week of paid vacation at the least after working for a year. The advantage of being a CNA is that you get great benefits including:
- paid holidays and sick leave
- hospital and medical benefits
- higher pay for late-shifts
- pension plans
The salary of a CNA is largely dependent on the number of years you work, the industry you work in and the amount of hours you put in. Certified nursing assistants enjoy their job and feel satisfaction for giving aid to those in need.