A Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) plays a hands-on role in patient care, assisting patients with daily living activities under the supervision of nursing staff. Compensation for this position fluctuates significantly based on geographic location and employment type. Understanding the earning potential in Wisconsin requires analyzing local market conditions rather than relying on national averages. This detailed examination helps both prospective and current CNAs maximize their professional and financial outcomes within the state’s healthcare industry.
Typical CNA Salary Range in Wisconsin
The typical earnings for a Certified Nursing Assistant in Wisconsin are generally in line with or slightly above the national average. On average, CNAs across the state earn an annual salary of approximately $43,050, which translates to an hourly wage of about $20.70.
The salary range demonstrates a considerable variance based on experience and setting. Entry-level positions tend to start around an annual salary of $34,202, or about $16 per hour. More experienced CNAs who reach the 75th percentile of earners can command annual wages closer to $47,400, equivalent to an hourly rate of approximately $22.79.
Key Factors That Influence CNA Pay
A CNA’s hourly wage is heavily influenced by specific internal factors and the employment setting.
Experience and Seniority
One primary variable is the CNA’s years of experience and seniority within a facility. Employees with a longer tenure and proven track record often receive incremental pay raises that push their hourly rate higher than the starting wage.
Shift Differentials
Shift differentials represent another significant factor that boosts total earnings. Facilities frequently offer an increased hourly rate for working undesirable hours, such as evening, night, or weekend shifts. Accepting these non-traditional shifts is a common strategy for CNAs to increase their overall compensation without needing additional certifications.
Facility Type
The type of healthcare facility where a CNA is employed also plays a large part in determining the salary. Hospitals or specialized outpatient care centers typically offer higher wages than skilled nursing facilities or home health agencies. CNAs working in a hospital setting may earn a notably higher average wage than those employed in a long-term care nursing home setting.
Non-Wage Compensation and Benefits Packages
The total value of a CNA’s job extends beyond the hourly wage to include a comprehensive benefits package, which can substantially increase overall compensation.
Health and Retirement
Health insurance is a standard offering, typically including medical, dental, and vision coverage. Retirement planning benefits are common, most often in the form of a 401(k) or 403(b) plan. Employers frequently offer a matching contribution for funds the CNA invests, which immediately increases the value of the retirement savings. Additionally, paid time off (PTO) is accrued based on hours worked and years of service, allowing for paid holidays and vacation days.
Career Incentives
Many employers in Wisconsin’s healthcare sector also offer educational assistance or tuition reimbursement programs to support career development. These programs encourage CNAs to advance their education, potentially pursuing licensure as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or Registered Nurse (RN). Some facilities also offer sign-on bonuses to attract new CNAs to full-time positions.
Highest Paying Metropolitan Areas in Wisconsin
Salaries for Certified Nursing Assistants show distinct variations when comparing the major metropolitan areas across Wisconsin.
Madison, the state capital, is a competitive market, with CNAs often earning an average hourly rate of approximately $20.22 to $21.61. Specialized roles, such as those in a hospital setting, can push the average hourly wage even higher, sometimes reaching $23.36.
Milwaukee, the state’s largest city, also offers a strong earning environment, with average hourly wages for CNAs in skilled nursing facilities reported to be around $20.51. This higher pay in densely populated areas is often driven by a higher cost of living and a greater concentration of large hospital systems competing for qualified personnel.
Green Bay presents average hourly wages around $19.52, though some nursing home facilities report averages as high as $22.26 per hour. The regional differences in pay reflect the localized supply and demand for healthcare workers.
Job Outlook and Demand for CNAs in Wisconsin
The demand for Certified Nursing Assistants in Wisconsin is significantly high, primarily driven by the state’s large and growing aging population requiring long-term care services. This robust and sustained demand ensures excellent job stability for CNAs across the state.
The healthcare workforce in Wisconsin is experiencing a considerable shortage, with a vacancy rate for CNAs and direct care workers reported to be at 28.4 percent. This high vacancy rate creates numerous opportunities for immediate employment for individuals who have completed the necessary state-approved training and certification requirements. The continuous need for care means that a CNA certification provides a reliable pathway into the healthcare field.