Are you planning on starting your career as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in a state in the US, but are unsure about the best states for certified nursing assistants?
In this article, you will learn about the best states to establish your career as a CNA. Knowing where CNAs are in high demand can help you plan your career properly. You will also learn about the best states for certified nursing assistants in terms of employment opportunities and income.
Best States for Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs)
Certified Nursing Assistants (CNA) are a booming industry. The demand for CNAs keeps increasing over time. Here are the 10 best states to establish your career as a certified nursing assistant (CNA):
- New York.
- Hawaii.
- Alaska.
- District of Columbia.
- Maryland.
- Delaware.
- New Hampshire.
- Connecticut.
- Nevada.
- California.
NEW YORK
New York is the 4th largest state in the US. The population of New York state is about 19,795,791 people. The estimate shows that the population rate has increased by approximately 2.1% since 2010.
There are about 5,878 jobs available for Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) in the state of New York. The average annual salary in New York for CNAs is about $33,882 and the location quotient for New York is 1.13.
The average salary is $20.19 per hour for CNAs in New York.
BEST SCHOOLS IN NEW YORK
Some of the best CNA schools in New York are:
- New Age Training, New York.
- Kingsborough Community College, New York.
- Hudson Valley Community College, New York.
HAWAII
Hawaii has 8 major islands. The population of Hawaii is about 1,401,709 people. An estimate shows that Hawaii’s population has increased by 5.2% approximately since 2010.
There are about 207 jobs available for Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) in Hawaii. The average annual salary in Hawaii is $44,967 and the location quotient is 0.61.
BEST SCHOOLS IN HAWAII
Some of the best CNA schools in Hawaii are:
- Healthcare School of Hawaii, Hawaii.
- Mid Pacific Medical Training Institute, Hawaii.
- University of Hawaii Maui College, Hawaii.
ALASKA
Alaska ranks as the 48th state in the US in terms of the population rate in the country. The population of Alaska is about 720,763 people. The population rate has increased at a moderate level since the 2010 census.
There are about 246 jobs available in Alaska for Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs). The average annual salary in Alaska is $26,474, or $19.01 per hour,and the location quotient is 0.73.
BEST SCHOOLS IN ALASKA
Some of the best CNA schools in Alaska are:
- Alaska CNA Program, Alaska.
- University of Alaska Anchorage, Alaska.
- University of Alaska Southeast, Alaska.
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
District of Columbia is also known as Washington DC. The “DC” stands for District of Columbia. This is the capital of the US and is not a part of any state in the US. The population in the District of Columbia is approximately 718,355 people.
There are about 201 jobs available for Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) in the District of Columbia. The average annual salary in the District of Columbia is $30,717, or approximately $21.88 per hour, and the location quotient is 0.29.
BEST SCHOOLS IN DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
Some of the best CNA schools in District of Columbia are:
- University of the District of Columbia Community College, District of Columbia.
- Allied and Technology Institute Health, District of Columbia.
- HealthWrite Training Academy, District of Columbia.
MARYLAND
Maryland is one among the smallest states in the US. Though it is small in size, the state is large in population and density and is considered one of the busiest areas in the country. The population in Maryland is about 6,075,314 people.
There are about 2,266 jobs available in Maryland for Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs). The average annual salary in Maryland is $29,318. And the location quotient is 0.88.
BEST SCHOOLS IN MARYLAND
Some of the best CNA schools in Maryland are:
- The Nursing Assistant Academy, Maryland.
- Compassionate Academy, Maryland.
- Cambridge Nursing Academy, Maryland.
DELAWARE
Delaware is the 45th largest state in the US in terms of population. The state is the 14th fastest growing state at a rate of 1.05% per year. The approximate population in Delaware is 998,619 people.
There are about 375 jobs available in Delaware for Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs). The average annual salary in Delaware is $32,789. And the location quotient is 0.74.
BEST SCHOOLS IN DELAWARE
Some of the best CNA schools in Delaware are:
- Bear Professional Institute, Delaware.
- Delaware Skills Center, Delaware.
- Delaware Technical Community College, Delaware.
NEW HAMPSHIRE
New Hampshire is one of the 13 original states that made up the US. The approximate population in New Hampshire is 1,378,449 people.
There are about 864 jobs available in New Hampshire for Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs). The average annual salary in New Hampshire is $36,485, or $18.22 per hour, and the location quotient is 1.22.
BEST SCHOOLS IN NEW HAMPSHIRE
Some of the best CNA schools in New Hampshire are:
- American Red Cross – Concord, New Hampshire.
- Royal Healthcare Institute, New Hampshire.
- White Mountains Community College, New Hampshire.
CONNECTICUT
Connecticut is the 29th largest state in the US. The population in Connecticut is around 3,546,588 people.
There are about 1,663 jobs available in Connecticut for Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs). The average annual salary in Connecticut is $33,046. And the location quotient is 1.24.
BEST SCHOOLS IN CONNECTICUT
Some of the best CNA schools in Connecticut are:
- Northeast Medical Institute, Connecticut.
- Valley Medical Institute, Connecticut.
- Griffin Hospital School of Allied Health Careers, Connecticut.
NEVADA
Nevada is the 7th largest state in the US with in terms of landmass covering a vast area of 110,567 square miles. The population in Nevada is around 3,238,601 people.
There are about 538 jobs available in Nevada for Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs).
The average annual salary in Nevada is $38,568, or $18.54 per hour, and the location quotient is 0.63.
BEST SCHOOLS IN NEVADA
Some of the best CNA schools in Nevada are:
- Truckee Meadows Community College, Nevada.
- Western Nevada College, Nevada.
- Great Basin College, Nevada.
CALIFORNIA
California is one of the world’s most diverse populations. The approximate population in California is around 39,664,128 people.
There are about 7,222 jobs available in California for Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs). The average annual salary in California is $33,898. And the location quotient is 0.61.
BEST SCHOOLS IN CALIFORNIA
Some of the best CNA schools in California are:
- American Medical Careers, California.
- Healthcare Academy of California, California.
- Northern California Nursing Academy, California.
Best States for CNAs in Terms of Salary
Here’s a list of 5 best states for CNAs in terms of average annual salary in the US.
| NAME OF THE STATE | INCOME (ANNUALLY) |
| Hawaii | $44,967 |
| Nevada | $38,568 |
| New Hampshire | $36,485 |
| California | $33,898 |
| New York | $33,882 |
Best States for CNAs in Terms of Employment Level
Here’s a list of 5 best states for CNAs in terms of employment opportunities in the US.
| NAME OF THE STATE | EMPLOYMENT | LOCATION QUOTIENT |
| California | 7,222 | 0.61 |
| New York | 5,878 | 1.13 |
| Maryland | 2,266 | 0.88 |
| Connecticut | 1,663 | 1.24 |
| New Hampshire | 864 | 1.22 |
Wrapping Up
Joining the best school in the best state is the first step towards making your dream come true. The best states have the greatest schools that offer the most quality, certified nursing assistant programs that can help you establish your CNA career in a much more efficient way. Graduating from a well-reputed school in the best state for CNAs can pave the way for good job opportunities down the line.
If your passion for becoming a certified nursing assistant is high and if you are planning to take the exam, you must try our free CNA practice tests. Free practice tests can help you prepare for the exam in a better way.
