Nursing Assistant (CNA) Salary in North Carolina
Based on 64K+ workers in North Carolina
Median Annual Salary (NC)
$38,460
$18.49/hr
vs National Average
$41,812
-8.0% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$30K – $47K
64K employed in North Carolina
The median salary for a Nursing Assistant (CNA) in North Carolina is approximately $38,460 per year, or $18 per hour. This figure is 8.0% lower than the national average. With over 64,000 employed CNAs across the state, this role is a significant part of North Carolina's healthcare workforce.
Several factors can influence the Nursing Assistant (CNA) salary in North Carolina. These include years of experience, the specific healthcare facility or setting (such as a hospital versus a long-term care facility), and geographic location within the state. Additional certifications beyond the basic CNA license can also contribute to higher earning potential.
Salary Distribution — Nursing Assistant (CNA) in North Carolina
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $30,260 |
| 25th percentile | $35,950 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $38,460 |
| 75th percentile | $43,850 |
| 90th percentile | $47,080 |
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 North Carolina 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 North Carolina vs National
| Year | Median Salary (North Carolina) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $38,460 |
| 2026 (projected) | $39,614 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | North Carolina Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $38,460 | $41,812 |
| 2026 (projected) | $39,614 | $43,066 |
Nursing Assistant (CNA) Salary by Experience Level in North Carolina
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $35,950 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $38,460 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $43,850 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $47,080 |
Nursing Assistant (CNA) Salary in Other States
Related Nursing Assistant (CNA) Salaries in North Carolina
How other high-demand occupations in North Carolina compare to Nursing Assistant (CNA) ($38,460 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Nursing Assistant (CNA) | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Surgeon in NC | $398,410 | +935.9% | $191.54/hr |
| Emergency Medicine Physician in NC | $339,350 | +782.3% | $163.15/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in NC | $289,780 | +653.5% | $139.32/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in NC | $224,610 | +484.0% | $107.99/hr |
| Podiatrist in NC | $215,420 | +460.1% | $103.57/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in NC | $215,230 | +459.6% | $103.48/hr |
| Dentist in NC | $207,000 | +438.2% | $99.52/hr |
| Pediatrician in NC | $183,550 | +377.2% | $88.25/hr |
| Psychiatrist in NC | $168,880 | +339.1% | $81.19/hr |
| Optometrist in NC | $161,560 | +320.1% | $77.67/hr |
| Pharmacist in NC | $138,860 | +261.1% | $66.76/hr |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in NC | $134,540 | +249.8% | $64.68/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average annual salary for a CNA in North Carolina?
- The median annual salary for a Nursing Assistant (CNA) in North Carolina is $38,460. This means half of CNAs earn more, and half earn less than this amount.
How does the North Carolina CNA salary compare to the national average?
- The median Nursing Assistant (CNA) salary in North Carolina, at $38,460 per year, is 8.0% lower than the national average. This indicates that CNAs in North Carolina may earn less on average than their counterparts in other states.
What is the salary range for a CNA in North Carolina?
- In North Carolina, the typical salary range for a Nursing Assistant (CNA) falls between $30,260 on the lower end and $47,080 on the higher end. This range reflects variations in experience and other contributing factors.
How many CNAs are employed in North Carolina?
- There are approximately 64,010 Nursing Assistants (CNAs) currently employed in North Carolina. This substantial number highlights the demand for these healthcare professionals across the state.