Where Can CNAs Work?
Where can CNAs work? The possibilities stretch across nearly all healthcare environments. Certified nursing assistants (CNAs) provide essential hands-on support in a variety of settings — from busy hospitals and rehabilitation centers to nursing homes and private homes. Whether you thrive in fast-paced acute care environments or prefer the slower pace of residential care facilities, there’s a workplace where your CNA skills can truly make a difference.
If you’ve ever wondered, What is the best place to work as a CNA?, you’re in the right place. This article walks you through a variety of workplace settings and explains what you can expect to earn in each one.
Where Can CNAs Work? 5 Areas
- Nursing homes and residential care
- Hospitals
- Home health
- Ambulatory care
- Government organizations
1. Nursing Homes and Residential Care
Residential care facilities, such as nursing homes and assisted living communities, are some of the most common workplaces for CNAs. In these settings, CNAs provide hands-on care to residents who may need help with daily activities like bathing, dressing, eating, and mobility. Beyond physical care, CNAs often offer companionship and emotional support to help residents feel a sense of belonging within the community.
Here’s an overview of average CNA salaries per year across different facility types:
- Skilled nursing facilities: $40,650
- Nursing and residential care facilities: $40,390
- Continuing care retirement communities and assisted living facilities: $39,660
- Residential intellectual and developmental disability, mental health, and substance abuse facilities: $39,620
Want to understand how these facility types differ? Learn more about the types of facilities below:
- Assisted living facilities
- Rehabilitative care
- Skilled nursing facilities
- Substance abuse facilities
Explore the latest CNA memory care jobs on IntelyCare.
2. Hospitals
Where can a CNA work besides a nursing home? Hospitals offer a range of options. So, where can a CNA work in the hospital? CNAs here have the flexibility to work in a wide range of acute care settings, such as medical-surgical units, maternity wards, and emergency rooms. In these environments, CNAs assist with basic daily needs, monitor vital signs, and support nurses and other medical staff in delivering high-quality patient care.
Here’s a breakdown of average annual salaries for CNAs across different hospital types:
- Specialty hospitals (except psychiatric and substance abuse): $44,010
- General hospitals: $42,210
- Psychiatric and substance abuse hospitals: $40,390
What do CNAs do in hospitals? Your job duties will vary based on the department you work in, the patient population, and the level of care required. In some areas, you may assist with daily living activities, while in others, you could support basic medical tasks and help nurses manage complex care plans. Here are some examples of hospital-based nursing specialties where you can work:
Find the latest CNA med-surg jobs, CNA ER jobs, and CNA mother-baby jobs on IntelyCare.
3. Home Health
Home health CNAs provide in-home care to patients who need assistance due to illness, injury, or age-related conditions. In these roles, CNAs help with daily living activities such as bathing, dressing, meal preparation, and medication reminders. They also monitor vital signs, report changes in patients’ conditions to nurses or physicians, and provide companionship, which can be especially important for patients who are homebound.
This work setting is great for CNAs who prefer a more personalized, one-on-one care environment and the chance to work in homes rather than traditional medical facilities. Home health CNAs can also specialize in hospice care, providing compassionate support to patients and families during life’s final chapter.
Curious about what you could earn in this setting? The annual average salary for CNAs working in home health care is $37,810 per year.
Explore the latest CNA home health jobs and CNA hospice jobs on IntelyCare.
4. Ambulatory Care
Ambulatory care settings, such as outpatient clinics, urgent care centers, and same-day surgery facilities, offer CNAs the opportunity to work with patients who don’t require overnight stays. In these roles, CNAs assist with patient intake, basic medical procedures, and preparation for exams or minor procedures. This work environment is great for CNAs who enjoy teamwork and hands-on clinical support in a fast-paced outpatient setting.
What facilities pay CNAs the most? Here’s an overview of average annual CNA salaries for ambulatory care settings:
- Outpatient care centers: $46,570
- Offices of physicians: $41,200
- Personal care services: $39,920
- Ambulatory health care services: $39,470
- Medical and diagnostic laboratories: $39,000
Explore the latest CNA outpatient jobs and CNA urgent care jobs on IntelyCare.
5. Government Organizations
CNAs can also find opportunities within various government-run healthcare facilities. This includes veterans’ hospitals, public health clinics, correctional facilities, and other federally or state-operated medical centers. Examples of such employers include the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP), and the Veterans Health Administration (VA).
These positions often come with strong career growth potential, including tuition assistance for programs like CNA-to-RN, and great benefits, making them an attractive choice for CNAs seeking job stability and long-term growth.
If you’re considering a CNA role in the public sector, here are the average salaries you can expect to earn:
- Federal executive branch: $52,830
- State government (excluding schools and hospitals): $43,880
- Local government (excluding schools and hospitals): $42,900
- Social assistance: $35,560
Where can CNAs work within the government? Here’s an overview of available job types:
- Community health nursing
- Correctional facilities
- Military hospitals
- Public health organizations
- VA facilities
Explore the latest VA jobs and CNA jobs in correctional facilities on IntelyCare.
Where Can CNAs Work: FAQs
Where can CNAs work within the education sector?
Some CNAs work in educational settings, particularly in vocational schools, community colleges, or training programs that offer nursing assistant courses. These positions are great for CNAs who enjoy mentoring and sharing their practical experience with the next generation of nursing assistants.
Here is an overview of average salaries for CNAs working in educational institutions:
Can a CNA work from home?
While CNAs typically provide hands-on care in healthcare facilities or patients’ homes, there are limited opportunities for remote work, often related to telehealth or virtual patient monitoring. Remote roles are more common for registered nurses (RNs) and nurse practitioners (NPs).
Can CNAs work in clinics?
Yes! Specialty clinics, outpatient centers, and physician offices often employ CNAs to assist with taking vital signs, preparing patients for exams, and supporting medical staff with basic clinical tasks. Examples of these work settings include the following:
Can a CNA work with babies?
Yes! CNAs can work in pediatric hospitals, labor and delivery units, OBGYN offices, and neonatal care settings. In these roles, CNAs may help with feeding, diaper changes, monitoring vital signs, and supporting nurses with basic care tasks.
Can a CNA work anywhere?
CNAs can work in a variety of healthcare settings — from hospitals and nursing homes to adult daycare and post-acute care facilities — though their roles are generally limited to hands-on patient care under the supervision of nurses and medical staff.
What are the best-paying states for CNAs?
As with any profession, CNA salaries can differ based on factors like facility type, years of experience, and educational background. Some states, however, stand out for offering the highest average wages for CNAs:
What’s the typical CNA salary?
On average, CNAs in the U.S. earn $41,270 per year, or $19.84 per hour. However, income varies widely based on experience, workplace type, geographic location, and other individual factors.
Can CNAs take travel assignments?
Yes. CNAs can take travel assignments. However, because CNA licensing is state-specific, you’ll need to check CNA reciprocity rules — some states recognize out-of-state certifications, while others require you to meet additional state requirements before you can practice. Travel CNA agencies often help navigate this process, making it easier to work across state lines.
Find Quality CNA Roles With IntelyCare
Where can CNAs work in your area? We can help you connect to a world of nursing opportunities nationwide and customize your search based on what matters most to you, whether that’s your preferred specialty, location, or schedule.