How much does a CNA make?

In 2012, the median wage of a certified nursing assistant, or CNA, was $24,420 nationwide, according to the United States Department of Labor. The department defines "median wage" as the wage at which half of the CNAs earned less, and half earned more. The median pay on an hourly basis was $11.73.

CNAs are sometimes called certified nurse assistants or nurses aides. In 2014, the average pay of these medical professionals was $10.76 per hour nationwide, according to PayScale, a company that collects and posts salary data on its website. Its data was based on the income reports of 28,810 individuals. The highest earners made $31,421 per year, while the lowest earners made $18,072.