I’ve worked alongside nursing assistants for years, and know how vital they are to patient care. They handle tough shifts, support nurses and doctors, and provide hands-on care that keeps hospitals and clinics running. Yet, many wonder if the nursing assistant salary reflects the hard work they put in. If you’re considering this career or are already in it, you should know what to expect financially and how to maximize your earning potential. Let’s break down what influences pay, where salaries are highest, and how you can take steps to boost your income in this essential healthcare role.

What’s the Average Nursing Assistant Salary?

In the US, nursing assistant salary averages around $45,819 per year, or about $19.70 per hour. Some earn closer to $33,159, while the top earners bring in $63,314 or more which is surprisingly close to an average resident physician salary. Not bad, but not exactly rolling in riches either. Where you work, how much experience you have, and what kind of facility you’re in all play a big role in how much you take home.

What Affects Nursing Assistant Pay?

1. Location, Location, Location

Where you work makes a huge difference in your salary. A friend of mine in New York was paid much less than someone I know working in the same role in California, even though they were doing the same work. Higher cost of living usually means higher wages, but some rural areas offer competitive pay too because they’re likely desperate for staff.

2. Experience & Training

Just starting out? Expect to earn on the lower end. But stick with it, get certified in specialized areas like critical care or geriatrics, and you’ll see your paycheck grow. A lot of NAs also use the job as a stepping stone to become nurses, which is where the real salary boost happens.

3. Type of Workplace

Not all NA jobs pay the same. Hospitals and government facilities usually pay more than nursing homes or home healthcare. For example, employment services offer an average of $45,460, while home health agencies tend to pay closer to $35,640. I’ve known NAs who loved the work in a hospital but decided to leave for a less stressful job at a nursing home when the pay gap wasn’t enough to make up for the stress. Fast-paced hospital work can be exhausting, but it often comes with better pay and benefits.

How Nursing Assistants Can Earn More

Salaries aren’t set in stone, and there are ways to earn more:

• Get Certified in Specialized Areas – Hospitals love NAs with extra skills, like phlebotomy or dementia care. More skills, more pay.
• Find the Right Employer – Some hospitals and government jobs pay significantly better than private facilities.
• Ask for a Raise – Sounds simple, but a lot of people never do. If you’ve been in the job for a while and know your worth, speak up.

Why This Matters for the Whole Healthcare Team

Doctors, nurses, and NAs are a team. If NAs aren’t paid fairly, they leave for better opportunities or burn out and quit altogether. That means hospitals and clinics struggle with short staffing, which makes life harder for everyone, including patients. Fair pay keeps good people in their jobs and helps the whole system run better.

Bottom Line

Nursing assistants work hard, and their pay depends on experience, location, and where they work. The good news? There’s room to grow. With time, training, and smart job choices, an NA can boost their earnings and build a solid career. They are essential to healthcare, and I’ve seen firsthand how good pay and support can make a huge difference in the care that patients receive. Thinking about becoming an NA? Already working and looking to earn more? When it comes to a nursing assistant salary, keep an eye out for better opportunities since they’re out there.