Florida Nursing Assistant (CNA) Salary
Explore the complete guide to CNA compensation. Review mean pay, percentiles, local hospital job demand, and specific Board of Nursing (BON) requirements.
State Mean
$37,510
Annual Salary
State Hourly
$18.83
Per hour
COL Adjusted Pay
$36,488
True Purchasing Power
vs National
-5%
Below US Mean
Our nursing salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program, supplemented by real-time job posting salary data for current market comparison.
Data
reviewed by 
sirI, MSN, APRN, NP
on March 2026
for accuracy.
Salary Range & Percentiles
Salaries for Nursing Assistants in Florida range from $34,350 (entry-level) to $46,790 (highly experienced) annually.
CNA Salary by Metro Area in Florida
Nursing Assistant salaries vary significantly across metro areas in Florida. Click any column header to sort, matching the Specialty rankings table behavior.
| Metro Area | Annual | Hourly | vs State Mean |
|---|---|---|---|
| Naples-Marco Island | $40,260 | $19.88 | +7.3% |
| North Port-Bradenton-Sarasota | $39,950 | $20.12 | +6.5% |
| Sebastian-Vero Beach-West Vero Corridor | $38,530 | $18.83 | +2.7% |
| Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach | $38,010 | $19.25 | +1.3% |
| North Port-Sarasota-Bradenton | $37,800 | $18.61 | +0.8% |
| Jacksonville | $37,760 | $19.11 | +0.7% |
| Port St. Lucie | $37,690 | $18.62 | +0.5% |
| Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford | $37,690 | $18.70 | +0.5% |
| Cape Coral-Fort Myers | $37,510 | $19.11 | +0.0% |
| Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater | $37,470 | $18.73 | -0.1% |
| Naples-Immokalee-Marco Island | $37,360 | $18.35 | -0.4% |
| Palm Bay-Melbourne-Titusville | $37,070 | $18.31 | -1.2% |
| Gainesville | $36,990 | $18.29 | -1.4% |
| Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin | $36,970 | $18.57 | -1.4% |
| Deltona-Daytona Beach-Ormond Beach | $36,950 | $18.10 | -1.5% |
| Punta Gorda | $36,700 | $18.36 | -2.2% |
| Ocala | $36,510 | $17.80 | -2.7% |
| Panama City | $36,470 | $17.30 | -2.8% |
| Sebastian-Vero Beach | $36,440 | $17.51 | -2.9% |
| Pensacola-Ferry Pass-Brent | $36,430 | $18.00 | -2.9% |
| Panama City-Panama City Beach | $36,420 | $18.44 | -2.9% |
| Wildwood-The Villages | $36,110 | $17.88 | -3.7% |
| Lakeland-Winter Haven | $36,000 | $17.77 | -4.0% |
| Sebring | $35,650 | $17.55 | -5.0% |
| Homosassa Springs | $34,510 | $17.05 | -8.0% |
| Tallahassee | $34,180 | $17.07 | -8.9% |
| The Villages | $34,130 | $16.62 | -9.0% |
Job Market Salary Data
Compare official BLS survey data with actual salary ranges from recent job postings. Based on 10 job postings in Florida over the past 12 months.
Top Hospitals Hiring CNAs in Florida
Florida is home to leading healthcare facilities. Based on CMS quality ratings, the highest-rated hospitals where CNAs are in demand include:
View all open CNA jobs in FloridaFlorida BON & Education Requirements
To practice as a Nursing Assistant and earn the salaries listed above, the Florida Board of Nursing requires strict licensure and certification steps.
-
1
Active RN License: You must hold an active, unencumbered RN license in the state of Florida.
-
2
Graduate Education: Completion of an accredited MSN or DNP program with a specific Nursing Assistant track. Top Programs: University of Florida and Florida State University
-
3
National Certification: Pass the relevant national certification exam provided by a recognized credentialing body (e.g., ANCC, AACN, NCC).
-
4
Advanced Practice Licensure: Apply for a Nurse Practitioner license or Furnishing Number through the state BON to prescribe medications. Apply for APN Licensure
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Nursing Assistant make in Florida?
As of 2025, the median Nursing Assistant salary in Florida is $37,510 per year or $18.83 per hour. This is 5% below the national median.
What is the starting salary for a new grad CNA in Florida?
Entry-level Nursing Assistants in Florida typically start around the 10th percentile, earning $34,350. With 5-10 years of experience, CNAs can expect to reach the median salary of $37,510 or higher.
Is Florida a good state for CNA salaries when considering the cost of living?
Florida has a cost of living index of 1.03. When adjusting the raw median salary of $37,510 for local expenses, the true purchasing power is approximately $36,488. Keep in mind that housing and living costs may offset the premium pay.
How much does an CNA make an hour in Florida?
The median hourly wage for an CNA in Florida is $18.83. Those in the top 90th percentile, often working in specialized or high-acuity roles, can make upwards of $22.50 per hour.
Which hospitals hire the most CNAs in Florida?
Salaries and demand vary by facility, but large medical centers and specialty units generally offer the highest compensation. In Florida, top employers hiring CNAs include Sarasota Memorial Hospital, Mayo Clinic, Orlando Health Rockledge Hospital, Doctors Hospital.
What are the requirements to become an CNA in Florida?
To practice as a Nursing Assistant in Florida, you must hold an active RN license, graduate from an accredited program, pass the relevant national certification exam, and apply for advanced practice licensure through the Florida Board of Nursing.
Are there CNA programs in Florida?
Yes, aspiring Nursing Assistants can attend local programs such as University of Florida and Florida State University. Alternatively, many Florida nurses opt for accredited online programs that arrange clinical placements at local hospitals.
Is there a high demand for Nursing Assistants in Florida?
Yes, the demand for Nursing Assistants remains strong in Florida, particularly in metro areas supporting large healthcare systems. Job growth is projected to remain steady as facilities seek specialized providers to manage complex patient care.