Average Nursing Assistant Salary: $38,402 (2026)

The average nursing assistant salary across all U.S. metropolitan areas is $38,402 per year as of 2026. This is based on official Bureau of Labor Statistics data covering 50 metro areas. Salaries range from $32,336 in El Paso, TX to $51,145 in San Jose, CA.

The average hourly rate for nursing assistants is $18.46 per hour, based on a standard 2,080-hour work year. Hourly rates vary by location, ranging from $15.55/hour in lower-paying areas to $24.59/hour in top-paying cities like San Jose.

San Jose, CA is the highest paying metro area for nursing assistants, with a median salary of $51,145 per year. This is 33% above the national average of $38,402. Other high-paying areas typically include major tech hubs and cities with high costs of living.

Entry-level nursing assistants (10th percentile) typically earn around $25,021 per year nationally. Starting salaries depend on education, certifications, location, and industry. Most entry-level professionals can expect to reach the median salary of $38,402 within 3-5 years of career growth.

The average nursing assistant salary of $38,402 is 35% lower than the typical U.S. worker salary of approximately $59,228. Top earners in this profession (90th percentile) can make $55,763 or more annually.

El Paso, TX has the lowest nursing assistant salary at $32,336 per year. However, lower salaries often correlate with lower costs of living, which can result in similar purchasing power. The salary difference between the highest and lowest paying areas is $18,809.

There are approximately 76,403 nursing assistants employed across the 50 metropolitan areas tracked by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This represents a substantial job market with opportunities in healthcare industries nationwide.

The biggest factors affecting nursing assistant salary include: geographic location (salaries vary by up to $18,809 across cities), years of experience, industry sector, State and geographic location — California and Washington CNAs earn median wages 40–60% above the national median, Shift differentials — evening, overnight, and weekend shifts add $2–$5/hour to base pay. Metropolitan areas with high industry demand and cost of living typically pay more.

In-demand skills that boost nursing assistant salaries include: Physical stamina and strength for patient transfers, lifting, and extended standing, Empathy and patience for working with elderly, ill, or cognitively impaired patients, Attention to detail for observing and accurately reporting changes in patient status, Basic clinical skills: vital signs measurement, infection control, catheter care observation, Effective communication with patients, families, and nursing team members. State and geographic location — California and Washington CNAs earn median wages 40–60% above the national median Developing specialized expertise can help you reach the top 25% of earners ($47,399).

Nursing Assistant salaries have generally kept pace with inflation, with the current average of $38,402 reflecting 2026 Bureau of Labor Statistics data. The job outlook is positive, which typically supports continued salary growth. Professionals who develop in-demand skills and pursue certifications tend to see above-average salary increases.