Nursing Home CNAs See 7.13% Hourly Increase
Oakland, NJ, August 2021 – The national average hourly rate for Certified Nurse Aides (CNAs) in nursing homes increased 7.13% in 2021, according to the 2021-2022 HCS Nursing Home Salary & Benefits Report. The national study is published by Hospital & Healthcare Compensation Service (HCS), in cooperation with LeadingAgeand AHCA.
In response to staffing demands from COVID-19, CNA rates spiked upwards in 2021, outpacing the 2020 increase of 4.76%. Certified Medication Technicians (CMTs) also saw a sharp rate increase, going from a 3.12% increase in 2020 to a 6.75% increase in 2021. The highest hourly rate increase was seen in Non-Certified Nurse Aides, which increased 7.98% from the 2020 increase of 4.24%.
Hourly Rate Increases
| Job Title | 2019 Increase |
2020 Increase |
2021 Increase |
Certified Medication Tech. |
2.60% |
3.12% |
6.75% |
Certified Nurse Aide |
3.10% |
4.76% |
7.13% |
Non-Certified Nurse Aide |
2.47% |
4.24% |
7.98% |
National data from the 2021-2022 Nursing Home Salary & Benefits Report.
The national 50th percentile for Non-Certified Nurse Aides was $12.60; the hourly rate for CNAs was $15.23; and the national 50th percentile for CMTs was $16.47. Turnover for CNAs increased significantly to 51.38%, compared to the 2020 turnover rate of 39.38%. The national turnover rate for all employees was 38.68%, up from the 2020 rate of 35.36%.
This year marks the 44th annual year of publication. 1,613 nursing homes participated in the study and provided compensation data on 147,900+ employees, covering 46 management and 53 nonmanagement positions. 40.05% of study participants were not-for-profit facilities, while 59.95% were for-profit facilities. The results are reported according to revenue size, profit type, region, state, and CBSA. The Report includes 19 fringe benefits, shift differentials, and projected salary increases by department for 2021 to 2022. Data in the study are effective as of March 2021.
The Nursing Home Report is available for $375. To order online, visit the HCS website at www.hhcsinc.com or call (201) 405-0075.
HCS released a separate CCRC Salary & Benefits Report last month, as well as its Assisted Living Salary & Benefits Report, which was released earlier this year.
HCS, founded in 1971, is recognized as the leader in national healthcare salary and benefits research. HCS conducts national and custom marketplace studies, publishing more than ten specialized Reports each year.
