Nursing Assistant (CNA) Salary in District of Columbia
Based on 3K+ workers in District of Columbia
Median Annual Salary (DC)
$47,700
$22.93/hr
vs National Average
$41,812
+14.1% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$39K – $58K
3K employed in District of Columbia
The median annual salary for a Nursing Assistant (CNA) in the District of Columbia is $47,700, which translates to an hourly rate of approximately $23. This figure is notably higher than the national average, standing at 14.1% above it. With 3,490 individuals employed in this role within the district, the demand for CNAs is significant.
Several factors can influence the Nursing Assistant (CNA) salary in the District of Columbia. These include the specific healthcare facility, years of experience, additional certifications, and the cost of living within different areas of D.C. While the typical range for CNAs in the district falls between $38,900 and $57,500 annually, these variables can cause individual earnings to deviate from the median.
Salary Distribution — Nursing Assistant (CNA) in District of Columbia
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $38,900 |
| 25th percentile | $42,400 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $47,700 |
| 75th percentile | $51,850 |
| 90th percentile | $57,500 |
Top-Paying Industries for Nursing Assistant (CNA) (U.S.)
Which industries pay Nursing Assistant (CNA)s the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Nursing Assistant (CNA)s in District of Columbia tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Finance and Insurance | $60,710 | 40 |
| Administrative and Support Services | $47,810 | 49K |
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $47,050 | 47K |
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $46,920 | 430 |
| Wholesale Trade | $46,540 | — |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Nursing Assistant (CNA) in District of Columbia vs National
| Year | Median Salary (District of Columbia) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $47,700 |
| 2026 (projected) | $49,131 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | District of Columbia Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $47,700 | $41,812 |
| 2026 (projected) | $49,131 | $43,066 |
Nursing Assistant (CNA) Salary by Experience Level in District of Columbia
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $42,400 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $47,700 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $51,850 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $57,500 |
Nursing Assistant (CNA) Salary in Other States
Related Nursing Assistant (CNA) Salaries in District of Columbia
How other high-demand occupations in District of Columbia compare to Nursing Assistant (CNA) ($47,700 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Nursing Assistant (CNA) | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emergency Medicine Physician in DC | $318,200 | +567.1% | $152.98/hr |
| Podiatrist in DC | $265,740 | +457.1% | $127.76/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in DC | $233,390 | +389.3% | $112.21/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in DC | $223,250 | +368.0% | $107.33/hr |
| Anesthesiologist in DC | $202,570 | +324.7% | $97.39/hr |
| Psychiatrist in DC | $183,080 | +283.8% | $88.02/hr |
| Radiologist in DC | $182,450 | +282.5% | $87.72/hr |
| Medical and Health Services Manager in DC | $155,140 | +225.2% | $74.59/hr |
| Pharmacist in DC | $153,400 | +221.6% | $73.75/hr |
| Dental Hygienist in DC | $137,220 | +187.7% | $65.97/hr |
| Nurse Practitioner in DC | $135,880 | +184.9% | $65.33/hr |
| Physician Assistant in DC | $135,140 | +183.3% | $64.97/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average annual salary for a CNA in Washington D.C.?
- The median annual salary for a Nursing Assistant (CNA) in the District of Columbia is $47,700. This median is 14.1% higher than the national average.
How much does a CNA make per hour in D.C.?
- CNAs in the District of Columbia earn a median hourly wage of $23. This is calculated from the median annual salary of $47,700.
What is the typical salary range for a Nursing Assistant (CNA) in the District of Columbia?
- The salary range for a Nursing Assistant (CNA) in the District of Columbia generally falls between $38,900 and $57,500 annually.
How many CNAs are employed in the District of Columbia?
- There are approximately 3,490 Nursing Assistants (CNAs) employed in the District of Columbia.