Certified Nursing Assistant: Career Overview

Official government data · Updated April 2026

Certified Nursing Assistants earn a national median of $39,530/yr with 2.3% projected employment growth over 2024–2034. The role draws on expertise in Customer and Personal Service, Administration and Management, English Language.

Median Salary

$39,530

National · 2024

10-Year Growth

2.3%

Slower than average

Employed Nationally

1,388,430

2024 data

Typical Education

Postsecondary nondegree award

Entry-level

What Employers Expect From a Certified Nursing Assistant

These are the competencies recruiters screen for in Certified Nursing Assistant candidates, ranked by importance. Your resume should demonstrate each one:

1 Service Orientation 2 Active Listening 3 Social Perceptiveness 4 Monitoring 5 Reading Comprehension 6 Speaking 7 Critical Thinking 8 Coordination 9 Active Learning 10 Judgment and Decision Making

Knowledge Areas

Core knowledge domains most important for Certified Nursing Assistant performance, based on verified occupational data.

Customer and Personal Service Administration and Management English Language Public Safety and Security Medicine and Dentistry

Tools & Technologies

High-demand tools and technologies for Certified Nursing Assistant roles.

Epic Systems MEDITECH software

Job Outlook: 2024–2034

Employment is projected to grow 2.3% for Certified Nursing Assistant roles over the 2024–2034 decade. That's slower than average compared to the 4% average across all occupations.

Current Employment
1,388,430
Projected Growth
2.3%
Typical Education
Postsecondary nondegree award

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a Certified Nursing Assistant do?
Certified Nursing Assistants apply expertise in Customer and Personal Service, Administration and Management, English Language to perform their core responsibilities. Key competencies include Service Orientation, Active Listening, Social Perceptiveness, Monitoring.
How much does a Certified Nursing Assistant make?
The national median salary for a Certified Nursing Assistant is $39,530 per year based on official government wage survey data. Actual compensation varies by location, experience, and employer.
Is Certified Nursing Assistant a good career in 2026?
Employment for Certified Nursing Assistant roles is projected to grow 2.3% over the 2024–2034 decade — slower than average compared to all occupations. There are currently 1,388,430 workers in this occupation nationally.
What education do you need to become a Certified Nursing Assistant?
The typical entry-level education for a Certified Nursing Assistant is Postsecondary nondegree award. Requirements vary by employer and specialization.
What skills do Certified Nursing Assistants need?
The most important skills for Certified Nursing Assistant roles based on verified occupational data: Service Orientation, Active Listening, Social Perceptiveness, Monitoring, Reading Comprehension, Speaking, Critical Thinking, Coordination, Active Learning, Judgment and Decision Making. Key tools and technologies include: Epic Systems, MEDITECH software.

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Salary, employment, and skills figures sourced from official U.S. government records and occupational databases. Actual compensation and requirements vary by location, experience, and employer. Salary and employment figures from official U.S. government records. Actual compensation varies by location, experience, and employer.