Nursing Assistant Salary Calculator

Below is the full outline of this Nursing Assistant Salary Calculator page. Each section answers a specific question about nursing assistant compensation, job markets, and the factors that shape your earnings.

1. What Are the Salary Ranges for a Nursing Assistant?
2. What Is the Entry Level Salary for a Nursing Assistant?
3. How Much Does a Nursing Assistant Earn at Entry Level vs Senior Level?
4. Where Are the Best Job Markets for Nursing Assistants?
5. Which Employers Hire Nursing Assistants and What Do They Pay?
6. What Does a Nursing Assistant Do on the Job?
7. What Factors Push Nursing Assistant Salary Higher?
8. What Factors Lead to Lower Nursing Assistant Salary?
9. What Benefits Do Nursing Assistants Typically Receive?
10. What Skills Affect Nursing Assistant Salary?
11. How Does Nursing Assistant Salary Vary by Different States and Cities?

The salary calculator uses a national median hourly base pay of $17.75 as its starting reference point. From there, it generates LOW and HIGH ranges that reflect the realistic spread of nursing assistant compensation across the country. Under a standard full-time assumption of 40 hours per week, the calculator produces the following approximate ranges.

These ranges shift substantially when you adjust for experience, education, union membership, job market size, and location within the calculator. A nursing assistant with several years of experience working in a unionized large metro hospital will land near the high end, while someone just starting out in a small rural facility will see estimates closer to the low end. Part-time workers can set their exact weekly hours, and the weekly, monthly, and annual figures will scale proportionally from the hourly rate.

In the salary calculator, entry level is defined as a nursing assistant with limited professional experience (typically under one year) and a basic education credential such as a high school diploma paired with state-mandated CNA training. The calculator does not assume any specialized certifications or additional college coursework at this stage.

When you set the experience slider to its lowest position and select a standard education level, the calculator estimates entry-level hourly pay in the range of $14.00 to $16.50, depending on your selected job market size and state. For a full-time, 40-hour week, that translates to an annual range of roughly $29,120 to $34,320 before taxes. Selecting the union member toggle at the entry level pushes the hourly estimate up by approximately 15%, which can bring an entry-level nursing assistant closer to $16.10 to $19.00 per hour in unionized facilities.

After-tax estimates will vary further based on your filing status and state. An entry-level nursing assistant in Texas, which has no state income tax, will keep more of each paycheck compared to one in California, where state income taxes are notably higher. The calculator allows you to see these differences side by side.

The salary calculator models a clear progression from entry-level to senior-level nursing assistant roles by adjusting both the years of experience and education level inputs. The gap between these two career stages is significant and reflects real-world compensation patterns in healthcare.

Senior-level nursing assistants who hold additional credentials such as a Certified Medication Aide (CMA) license or who have completed college-level anatomy and physiology courses land at the top of the calculator's output. When the union toggle is enabled for a senior-level nursing assistant in a large metro area, hourly estimates can reach $27.00 or higher. The calculator reflects these compounding factors, making it possible to model precise scenarios rather than relying on a single national average.

The strongest job markets for nursing assistants are large metro areas with high concentrations of hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and aging populations. These markets tend to offer both higher pay and greater shift availability.

The salary calculator applies a job market size adjustment that increases estimates for large metro areas and decreases them for small metros. Cities like Boston and Seattle consistently produce higher estimates because of elevated cost of living, strong union presence in healthcare, and high facility density. Use the calculator to compare your specific city against these benchmarks.

Nursing assistants are employed across a wide range of healthcare settings, from large hospital systems to privately owned skilled nursing facilities and home health agencies, each with distinct pay structures.

Kaiser Permanente stands out because of strong union contracts on the West Coast that drive hourly rates well above the national median. Staffing agencies like AMN Healthcare often pay higher hourly rates but may classify workers as 1099 contractors, which the salary calculator accounts for when estimating after-tax take-home pay — 1099 workers owe self-employment tax, significantly reducing net income compared to W-2 employees at the same hourly rate.

Nursing assistants provide direct, hands-on patient care under the supervision of registered nurses (RNs) or licensed practical nurses (LPNs). Daily responsibilities include assisting patients with activities of daily living (ADLs) such as bathing, dressing, grooming, feeding, and toileting. Nursing assistants take and record vital signs including blood pressure, pulse, temperature, and respiration rate. They reposition and transfer patients to prevent bedsores and facilitate mobility, and they document intake, output, and changes in patient condition.

In skilled nursing facilities and long-term care settings, nursing assistants often serve as the primary point of daily contact for residents, which requires sustained physical endurance and emotional resilience. In hospitals, nursing assistants may assist with specimen collection, EKG setup, and post-operative ambulation.

The nature of the work setting directly influences salary outcomes in the calculator. Hospital-based nursing assistants tend to earn toward the higher end because hospital shifts often include nights, weekends, and holidays with shift differentials. Those working in residential care or assisted living facilities typically fall closer to the midpoint of the calculator's range. Home health nursing assistants working through staffing agencies may see higher hourly rates but fewer guaranteed hours, making the part-time hours adjustment in the calculator particularly relevant for that population.

Several concrete factors drive nursing assistant pay toward the top of the calculator's range. Union membership is one of the most impactful: the calculator applies an approximate 15% uplift when you toggle it on, and this reflects real-world data from unionized healthcare systems in states like New York, California, Michigan, and Illinois where SEIU and AFSCME contracts frequently set nursing assistant wages above market averages.

Large metro job markets push salary higher because facilities compete for a limited labor pool. The calculator adjusts upward for large metro areas to reflect this competition. Working in a high-cost-of-living city such as San Diego or Boston inherently produces higher estimates than a comparable role in a small rural community.

Additional certifications such as Certified Medication Aide (CMA), phlebotomy certification, or EKG technician credentials expand the scope of duties a nursing assistant can perform and justify higher pay. In the calculator, increasing the education level input captures this effect.

Shift differentials for evening, night, and weekend work are standard in most hospitals and many skilled nursing facilities. While the calculator does not model shift differentials as a separate toggle, their effect is embedded in the HIGH end of the hourly range for hospital-based roles. Years of experience beyond five years consistently move the calculator output toward the upper range, especially when combined with a large metro setting and union membership.

The calculator's LOW range reflects several realistic conditions that compress nursing assistant pay. Small job market size is a primary factor — rural nursing homes and small-town hospitals have smaller budgets and less competitive pressure to raise wages. Selecting the small metro option in the calculator produces notably lower estimates.

Limited experience at zero to one year keeps the calculator output near the floor. Facilities hiring brand-new CNAs typically start at or near state minimum CNA wage, which in many states hovers between $14.00 and $15.50 per hour.

Non-union workplaces make up the majority of long-term care facilities in states like Texas, Georgia, North Carolina, and Florida, where right-to-work laws reduce union density. Without the 15% union uplift, the calculator produces significantly lower hourly rates for otherwise identical inputs.

Part-time schedules reduce weekly, monthly, and annual totals proportionally. A nursing assistant working 24 hours per week sees a 40% reduction in annual income compared to a 40-hour schedule, even at the same hourly rate. Assisted living and residential care settings typically pay less than hospitals or acute-care skilled nursing facilities, and the lower acuity of patients in those environments is reflected in lower wage floors.

Benefits for nursing assistants vary significantly based on employer type and employment classification. W-2 employees at hospitals and large skilled nursing chains typically receive health insurance (medical, dental, and vision), paid time off, employer-matched 401(k) or 403(b) retirement plans, tuition reimbursement for LPN or RN bridge programs, and shift differential pay. Many unionized facilities also negotiate additional benefits such as pension plans, guaranteed annual raises, and higher employer contributions to health premiums.

The salary calculator's after-tax module captures the impact of 401(k) contributions on take-home pay. If you contribute 5% of gross pay to a 401(k), the calculator reduces your taxable income accordingly, which means a smaller tax bite and a moderately lower paycheck — but greater long-term retirement savings.

Nursing assistants classified as 1099 independent contractors through staffing agencies generally receive no employer-sponsored benefits. They must cover their own health insurance, pay both the employer and employee portions of Social Security and Medicare taxes (self-employment tax), and fund their own retirement. The calculator's W-2 vs 1099 toggle makes this difference visible: a nursing assistant earning $20.00 per hour as a 1099 contractor will see noticeably lower after-tax estimates than the same rate as a W-2 employee, even before accounting for the absence of paid time off.

Employer-sponsored tuition reimbursement is a benefit with outsized long-term value for nursing assistants planning to advance into LPN or RN roles. Facilities like HCA Healthcare and the Veterans Health Administration offer structured programs that cover a significant portion of nursing school costs.

Clinical proficiency in ADL assistance is the foundational skill, but it alone does not differentiate salary outcomes. What pushes nursing assistant pay higher in the calculator's framework is the accumulation of skills that expand your scope and make you more valuable to employers.

Vital signs monitoring and accurate documentation using electronic health record (EHR) systems such as Epic, PointClickCare, or MatrixCare is increasingly expected. Nursing assistants who are fluent in these platforms are preferred by hospitals and large skilled nursing facilities, which tend to pay at the higher end of the calculator range.

Phlebotomy and specimen collection skills allow nursing assistants to take on tasks that would otherwise require a separate technician. Facilities that cross-train CNAs in phlebotomy often pay a premium, reflected as higher experience and education adjustments in the calculator.

Restorative nursing skills — including range-of-motion exercises, ambulation assistance, and fall prevention techniques — are valued in rehabilitation-focused facilities. Nursing assistants with restorative care training often qualify for designated "restorative aide" positions that carry a $1.00 to $2.50 per hour premium over standard CNA roles.

Bilingual communication, particularly English-Spanish fluency, is a salary-enhancing skill in markets like Los Angeles, Houston, Dallas, and Phoenix where large Spanish-speaking patient populations require direct-care staff who can communicate without interpreters. Dementia and Alzheimer's care training is another specialty that commands higher pay in memory care units within assisted living and skilled nursing facilities.

What does a Nursing Assistant earn in New York?

New York is one of the highest-paying states for nursing assistants due to a combination of a high state minimum wage, strong union presence through 1199SEIU, and significant demand in both New York City's massive hospital systems and upstate long-term care facilities. The salary calculator reflects these factors through the large metro job market adjustment and the union toggle. State income taxes in New York are notable, so the after-tax calculator module is especially useful here for estimating realistic take-home pay.

What does a Nursing Assistant earn in California?

California consistently produces some of the highest nursing assistant wages nationally. The state's elevated minimum wage, strict nurse-to-patient staffing ratio laws, and heavy union representation through SEIU-UHW all contribute. However, California also imposes significant state income taxes, which the salary calculator captures when you select California as your state. The net effect is high gross pay but a more moderate after-tax figure compared to states without income tax.

What does a Nursing Assistant earn in Florida?

Florida has no state income tax, which benefits after-tax take-home pay. However, nursing assistant hourly rates in Florida tend to fall below the national median because of lower cost of living in many areas, limited union presence, and a large supply of CNA-trained workers. The salary calculator will show Florida-based nursing assistants keeping more of each dollar earned, but starting from a lower hourly base in most markets outside Miami and Orlando.

What does a Nursing Assistant earn in Texas?

Texas combines zero state income tax with a massive healthcare sector, making it a state where after-tax earnings can be favorable despite hourly rates that sit near or slightly below the national median. Union representation is rare in Texas nursing facilities, so the calculator's union toggle is less commonly applicable here. The sheer volume of skilled nursing facilities and hospitals in metros like Houston and Dallas creates steady demand.

What does a Nursing Assistant earn in Michigan?

Michigan has a moderate cost of living and a healthcare sector with meaningful union presence, particularly in the Detroit metro area where health systems like Beaumont and Henry Ford employ large numbers of nursing assistants. The calculator's union uplift is relevant for many Michigan facilities. State income tax is moderate, and the calculator applies it when estimating after-tax pay for Michigan-based users.

What does a Nursing Assistant earn in Georgia?

Georgia's nursing assistant wages tend toward the lower end nationally, particularly outside the Atlanta metro. The state has a moderate income tax and low union density in healthcare. The salary calculator adjusts downward for small metro settings common in rural Georgia while producing higher estimates for Atlanta, where major hospital systems like Emory Healthcare and Piedmont Healthcare compete for CNA staff.

What does a Nursing Assistant earn in Ohio?

Ohio has a large long-term care sector with many skilled nursing facilities clustered around Cleveland, Columbus, and Cincinnati. Union representation varies by facility, and the state income tax is moderate. The salary calculator reflects Ohio's mid-range cost of living and solid demand. Nursing assistants in Ohio's large metros will see calculator estimates close to the national median, while those in smaller markets will see figures below it.

What does a Nursing Assistant earn in North Carolina?

North Carolina has a growing healthcare sector, particularly in the Research Triangle and Charlotte areas, but nursing assistant wages remain below the national median in most of the state. Right-to-work laws limit union influence, and the state income tax is relatively flat. The salary calculator accounts for these factors, producing lower estimates for North Carolina compared to northeastern or West Coast states.

What does a Nursing Assistant earn in Illinois?

Illinois salary estimates are heavily influenced by the Chicago metro area, which is a large, unionized market with above-average nursing assistant pay. Downstate Illinois, by contrast, has much lower rates. The salary calculator's metro size adjustment is particularly important here — selecting large metro for Chicago-area roles versus small metro for rural Illinois produces dramatically different results. Illinois has a flat state income tax that the calculator applies uniformly.

What does a Nursing Assistant earn in Maryland?

Maryland benefits from proximity to Washington, DC and a high concentration of healthcare facilities including Johns Hopkins Health System. Nursing assistant pay tends to be above the national median, particularly in the Baltimore-Washington corridor. Maryland's progressive state income tax is captured by the calculator's after-tax module, which slightly reduces take-home pay relative to gross earnings.

What does a Nursing Assistant earn in Indiana?

Indiana has a lower cost of living and correspondingly lower nursing assistant wages. The state has a flat income tax rate that is relatively modest. Union presence is limited in most Indiana healthcare facilities. The salary calculator produces estimates below the national median for Indiana, though the Indianapolis metro area generates somewhat higher figures due to its larger job market size.

What does a Nursing Assistant earn in Virginia?

Virginia's nursing assistant market is split between the high-demand Northern Virginia corridor near Washington, DC and more modestly compensated roles in the rest of the state. The salary calculator's metro size adjustment is critical here. Northern Virginia nursing assistants working in large metro facilities see estimates well above the national median, while those in southwestern Virginia's small towns see significantly lower numbers. Virginia has a moderate state income tax.

What does a Nursing Assistant earn in Connecticut?

Connecticut is a high-paying state for nursing assistants, driven by high cost of living, strong union contracts in many skilled nursing facilities, and proximity to the New York City labor market. The calculator produces above-average estimates for Connecticut, though the state's income tax takes a meaningful portion. After-tax estimates for Connecticut-based nursing assistants using the calculator will reflect this reduction.

What does a Nursing Assistant earn in New Jersey?

New Jersey offers above-average nursing assistant compensation, supported by a dense network of hospitals and long-term care facilities, union representation in many settings, and competition with the New York City and Philadelphia labor markets on either side. State income taxes are progressive and significant for higher earners. The salary calculator applies New Jersey's tax structure to after-tax estimates, and the union toggle is applicable for a sizable share of NJ nursing assistants.

What does a Nursing Assistant earn in Chicago?

Chicago is one of the strongest nursing assistant markets in the Midwest. Large health systems like Northwestern Medicine, Rush University Medical Center, and Advocate Aurora Health employ thousands of CNAs. Union contracts through SEIU Healthcare Illinois Indiana are common. The salary calculator produces estimates in the $17.50 to $23.00 per hour range for Chicago, with the union toggle adding roughly 15%. Illinois state income tax applies to all Chicago-based workers.

What does a Nursing Assistant earn in Los Angeles?

Los Angeles is a massive healthcare market with high demand for nursing assistants across acute-care hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and home health agencies. SEIU-UHW represents many nursing assistants in the region. The calculator produces hourly estimates of $18.50 to $24.00 for LA, reflecting the large metro adjustment and high regional wages. California's state income tax reduces after-tax figures meaningfully.

What does a Nursing Assistant earn in New York City (NYC)?

NYC nursing assistants benefit from the highest floor in the country due to the city's minimum wage, 1199SEIU contracts that cover tens of thousands of healthcare workers, and intense competition among hospital systems like NYU Langone, Mount Sinai, and NYC Health + Hospitals. The calculator estimates $19.50 to $25.00 per hour in NYC. Combined state and city income taxes make the after-tax calculator module essential for NYC-based nursing assistants to see realistic take-home pay.

What does a Nursing Assistant earn in Houston?

Houston's enormous Texas Medical Center and surrounding healthcare infrastructure create steady demand. Hourly rates of $16.00 to $21.50 are typical in the calculator for Houston. The absence of state income tax means after-tax estimates are more favorable than gross-pay comparisons with higher-wage but higher-tax cities might suggest. Union presence is minimal in Houston healthcare facilities.

What does a Nursing Assistant earn in Phoenix?

Phoenix is a growing healthcare market fueled by population growth and an aging demographic. Major employers include Banner Health and Dignity Health. The calculator estimates $16.50 to $22.00 per hour for Phoenix. Arizona's state income tax is relatively low, which produces solid after-tax numbers. Union presence is limited but demand is climbing.

What does a Nursing Assistant earn in Atlanta?

Atlanta is the dominant healthcare hub for the Southeast, anchored by Emory Healthcare, Piedmont Healthcare, and Grady Memorial Hospital. The calculator estimates $15.50 to $21.00 per hour. Georgia's state income tax is moderate, and union density in Atlanta healthcare settings is low, which keeps rates slightly below comparably sized markets in the Northeast or West Coast.

What does a Nursing Assistant earn in San Diego?

San Diego offers strong nursing assistant wages in the $18.00 to $23.50 per hour range in the calculator, bolstered by California's regulatory environment and union activity. Scripps Health, Sharp HealthCare, and UC San Diego Health are major employers. California's income tax reduces after-tax totals, which the calculator makes visible when you select the state.

What does a Nursing Assistant earn in Washington, DC?

Washington, DC has a compact but high-paying nursing assistant market. MedStar Health, George Washington University Hospital, and Howard University Hospital all compete for CNA staff. The calculator estimates $18.00 to $24.50 per hour. DC's own income tax structure applies (separate from Virginia and Maryland), and the cost of living is among the highest nationally, which the large metro adjustment captures.

What does a Nursing Assistant earn in Boston?

Boston is a top-paying market for nursing assistants, driven by the density of world-class hospital systems including Mass General Brigham, Beth Israel Deaconess, and Boston Medical Center. Strong union representation through 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East further elevates wages. The calculator estimates $19.00 to $25.50 per hour. Massachusetts state income tax applies and is factored into after-tax calculations.

What does a Nursing Assistant earn in Dallas?

Dallas has a large and expanding healthcare market with major employers like Baylor Scott & White Health and Texas Health Resources. The calculator estimates $16.00 to $21.00 per hour. Like Houston, Dallas benefits from zero state income tax, which means after-tax calculator estimates are favorable relative to gross pay. Union representation is uncommon in Dallas-area facilities.

What does a Nursing Assistant earn in Seattle?

Seattle produces some of the highest nursing assistant wages in the country. Washington State's high minimum wage, strong SEIU Healthcare 1199NW union contracts, and the presence of major systems like UW Medicine, Swedish Medical Center, and Virginia Mason Franciscan Health all contribute. The calculator estimates $19.00 to $25.00 per hour. Washington has no state income tax, which makes after-tax take-home pay in Seattle exceptionally competitive — a combination the calculator highlights clearly.