Utah 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
$39,840
Annual Salary
State Hourly
$19.45
Per hour
COL Adjusted Pay
$38,868
True Purchasing Power
vs National
+1%
Above 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, RN, APRN, NP
on March 2026
for accuracy.
Salary Range & Percentiles
Salaries for Nursing Assistants in Utah range from $34,870 (entry-level) to $47,080 (highly experienced) annually.
CNA Salary by Metro Area in Utah
Nursing Assistant salaries vary significantly across metro areas in Utah. Click any column header to sort, matching the Specialty rankings table behavior.
| Metro Area | Annual | Hourly | vs State Mean |
|---|---|---|---|
| St. George | $40,520 | $19.43 | +1.7% |
| Salt Lake City-Murray | $40,510 | $20.19 | +1.7% |
| Provo-Orem-Lehi | $39,230 | $18.90 | -1.5% |
| Ogden | $38,480 | $18.96 | -3.4% |
| Salt Lake City | $38,410 | $18.92 | -3.6% |
| Provo-Orem | $36,620 | $17.46 | -8.1% |
| Ogden-Clearfield | $36,480 | $17.68 | -8.4% |
| Logan | $35,720 | $17.45 | -10.3% |
Job Market Salary Data
Compare official BLS survey data with actual salary ranges from recent job postings. Based on 5 job postings in Utah over the past 12 months.
Top Hospitals Hiring CNAs in Utah
Utah is home to leading healthcare facilities. Based on CMS quality ratings, the highest-rated hospitals where CNAs are in demand include:
University of Utah Hospital and Clinics
VA Salt Lake City Healthcare - George E. Wahlen VA Medical Center
Intermountain Medical Center
Intermountain Health Utah Valley Hospital
Utah BON & Education Requirements
To practice as a Nursing Assistant and earn the salaries listed above, the Utah State 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 Utah.
-
2
Graduate Education: Completion of an accredited MSN or DNP program with a specific Nursing Assistant track. Top Programs: Brigham Young University and Utah Valley 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Nursing Assistant make in Utah?
As of 2025, the median Nursing Assistant salary in Utah is $39,840 per year or $19.45 per hour. This is 1% above the national median.
What is the starting salary for a new grad CNA in Utah?
Entry-level Nursing Assistants in Utah typically start around the 10th percentile, earning $34,870. With 5-10 years of experience, CNAs can expect to reach the median salary of $39,840 or higher.
Is Utah a good state for CNA salaries when considering the cost of living?
Utah has a cost of living index of 1.03. When adjusting the raw median salary of $39,840 for local expenses, the true purchasing power is approximately $38,868. Keep in mind that housing and living costs may offset the premium pay.
How much does an CNA make an hour in Utah?
The median hourly wage for an CNA in Utah is $19.45. Those in the top 90th percentile, often working in specialized or high-acuity roles, can make upwards of $22.63 per hour.
Which hospitals hire the most CNAs in Utah?
Salaries and demand vary by facility, but large medical centers and specialty units generally offer the highest compensation. In Utah, top employers hiring CNAs include University of Utah Hospital and Clinics, VA Salt Lake City Healthcare - George E. Wahlen VA Medical Center, Intermountain Medical Center, Intermountain Health Utah Valley Hospital.
What are the requirements to become an CNA in Utah?
To practice as a Nursing Assistant in Utah, 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 Utah State Board of Nursing.
Are there CNA programs in Utah?
Yes, aspiring Nursing Assistants can attend local programs such as Brigham Young University and Utah Valley University. Alternatively, many Utah nurses opt for accredited online programs that arrange clinical placements at local hospitals.
Is there a high demand for Nursing Assistants in Utah?
Yes, the demand for Nursing Assistants remains strong in Utah, 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.