Re: Salary as a CNA
It doesn't simply vary from state to state, it varies from area to area within a state. For example, in the Chicago area where I reside, LTC jobs start at about $9 hourly and hospitals start at $10 (I'm generalizing, of course). But, as soon as you get an hour out of the area, wages drop at least $1 an hour. Everything is based on cost of living and competition.
If you live in a rural area, with low cost of living, and only a couple of places to work, your wages are going to be low. Supply and demand.
You really have to check on places in your area, see if you can find some job boards to determine what is a 'decent' wage for the specific area you're in.
Don't forget about benes either. Some places trade benes for wages. That is lower hourly wage than others, but better insurance.
Nursing News