What Are the Highest-Paid CNA Specializations?

What Determines a CNA Salary?

There are a lot of moving parts to a CNA salary, and they are determined based on a combination of factors. Typically, these include:

• Minimum wage
• Education
• Experience
• Certifications and licensure
• The level of need for CNAs in the area where you’ll be servicing

In addition to these factors, CNAs can expect a much higher salary within more specialized areas of nursing. These specializations often require more experience and specific training – things that tend to increase salaries. The following CNA specializations offer a much more competitive salary for these reasons.

The Highest-Paid CNA Specializations

Critical Care CNAs

Embarking upon a journey within critical care settings, such as intensive care units (ICUs) or emergency departments, mandates a heightened level of expertise and finesse owing to the gravity of patients’ conditions. Critical care CNAs are responsible for administering direct care to patients grappling with life-threatening circumstances, necessitating adroitness in monitoring vital signs, facilitating procedures, and providing unwavering emotional solace to patients and their families. Given the demanding nature of this specialization, critical care CNAs invariably command remuneration that aligns with the challenges they adeptly surmount. On average, critical care CNAs make around $41,000 a year, according to payscale.com.

Surgical CNAs

Surgical CNAs occupy a pivotal role in assisting surgical teams not only during procedures but also in the preparatory and post-operative phases. Their responsibilities encompass the meticulous preparation of operating rooms, the sterilization of equipment, and the seamless facilitation of communication among members of the surgical team. The precision underpinning their mastery of sterile techniques and surgical procedures renders them an indispensable component of any surgical department. The specialized skill set that this role mandates invariably culminates in more favorable compensation arrangements. As a surgical CNA, you can expect to make an average of $53,000 dollars per year.

Pediatric CNAs

Pediatric CNAs specialize in the provision of care to infants, children, and adolescents, a realm that necessitates a distinctive set of competencies to effectively interact with young patients and their families. These specialized CNAs operate within a spectrum of settings, ranging from hospitals and pediatric clinics to educational institutions. The ability to extend compassionate care to the younger demographic and their families invariably translates to heightened demand for these professionals, consequently eliciting a more lucrative compensation of up to $37,085 per year.

Geriatric CNAs

In tandem with the escalating elderly population, the requisition for geriatric care has experienced a commensurate surge. Geriatric CNAs specialize in administering care to older patients within an array of settings including nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and domiciliary healthcare. Their training equips them to cater to the specific needs of senior citizens, spanning the gamut from aiding with activities of daily living to managing chronic conditions and offering companionship. The spiraling demand for specialists in geriatric care invariably directly results in higher compensation amongst CNAs within this specialty. As a geriatric CNA, you can expect to make around $34,744 per year.

How Can I Negotiate a Better Salary as a CNA?

Negotiating a better salary as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) requires preparation, confidence, and effective communication. Here are steps to help you negotiate a higher salary:

1. Research Salary Data: Begin by researching the average salary for CNAs in your area. Use online resources, such as salary surveys, job boards, and government data, to gather information on typical pay rates for CNAs with similar experience and credentials.
2. Highlight Your Skills and Experience: Prepare a list of your skills, qualifications, and relevant experience that demonstrate your value as a CNA. Emphasize any specialized training, certifications, or additional responsibilities you have undertaken that set you apart from other candidates.
3. Practice Your Pitch: Rehearse your negotiation pitch beforehand to feel more confident and articulate during the discussion. Practice responding to potential objections or questions from your employer about your salary request.
4. Choose the Right Timing: Timing is crucial when negotiating salary. Initiate the discussion at an appropriate time, such as during a performance review, when discussing a promotion, or when considering a new job offer.
5. Quantify Your Contributions: Provide concrete examples of how your work as a CNA has positively impacted patient care, improved efficiency, or contributed to the success of your team. Quantify your achievements whenever possible to demonstrate your value.
6. Be Realistic: While it’s essential to advocate for fair compensation, it’s also important to be realistic about salary expectations based on industry standards, your level of experience, and the employer’s budget constraints.
7. Express Your Interest in Growth: Communicate your commitment to professional development and career advancement within the organization. Express your interest in opportunities for training, mentorship, or additional responsibilities that could justify a higher salary.
8. Negotiate Beyond Salary: If the employer is unable to meet your salary expectations, explore other forms of compensation or benefits that may be negotiable, such as additional vacation days, flexible work hours, or tuition reimbursement.
9. Remain Professional and Positive: Approach the negotiation with a professional demeanor and a positive attitude. Maintain open communication and be willing to compromise to reach a mutually beneficial agreement.
10. Follow Up in Writing: After reaching a salary agreement, ensure that the terms are documented in writing, such as in an offer letter or employment contract. Review the terms carefully to confirm that they align with your expectations before accepting the offer.

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Catherine Burger, MSOL, RN, NEA-BC

In her 30+ years as a registered nurse, Catherine Burger has worked in a myriad of patient care and leadership specialties across the continuum of healthcare, including labor and delivery, ICU, home health, ambulatory care, education, infection control, and clinical practice consulting.

Upon completing an ADN from Pacific Union College, Catherine worked in various bedside roles until her career evolved into nursing leadership for a large HMO in Northern California. She then completed a BSN at the University of Phoenix and a Masters in Organizational Leadership at Colorado State University.

Catherine is the founder and CEO of a consulting and freelance writing business, is an advanced board-certified nurse executive, serves as the Director of Clinical Practice & Infection Prevention for an FQHC, and is the CNO & Media Response Specialist for RegisteredNursing.org.

Situated in the beautiful Idaho mountains, Catherine loves traveling and spending time with her husband and their five children.