Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Salary and Job Market Outlook in Tennessee

What is the average salary for Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) in Tennessee?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary for Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) in the state of Tennessee is $27,440 per year as of May 2020.

Are there variations in CNA salaries based on geographic regions in Tennessee?

Yes, there are variations in CNA salaries based on geographic regions in Tennessee. The average hourly rate for Certified Nursing Assistants in the state of Tennessee can range from $10 to $14 per hour. The highest salaries tend to be found in the larger cities such as Nashville, Memphis, and Knoxville. The salaries tend to be lower in rural areas and smaller towns.

What factors, such as experience or specialization, can impact CNA salary in Tennessee?

1. Location: CNAs in larger metropolitan areas tend to earn higher wages than those in rural areas.

2. Experience: CNAs with more experience tend to earn higher wages than those with less experience.

3. Education and Training: CNAs who have additional education, certifications, and training can command higher salaries than those without such credentials.

4. Specialization: CNAs with specialized skills and experience, such as working with geriatric patients or those with Alzheimer’s, can earn higher salaries than CNAs who don’t specialize in any particular area.

5. Employer: Some employers may offer higher salaries than others, depending on the organization’s budget or demand for their services.

What benefits, such as healthcare, retirement, or tuition assistance, are typically offered to CNAs in Tennessee?

Healthcare: Many employers in Tennessee offer healthcare benefits to their CNAs, such as medical, dental, and vision insurance, as well as flexible spending accounts and health savings accounts.

Retirement: Many employers in Tennessee offer retirement plans to their CNAs, including 401(k)s, 403(b)s, and other retirement plans.

Tuition Assistance: Some employers in Tennessee offer tuition assistance programs to their CNAs to help them advance their education and certifications. These programs can range from a certain number of hours of free classes to tuition reimbursement for classes taken.

Are there opportunities for salary growth and advancement for CNAs in Tennessee?

Yes, there are opportunities for salary growth and advancement for CNAs in Tennessee. Many employers offer competitive wages and offers of promotion with higher pay grade levels. Additionally, many employers often offer employees the ability to work their way into specialized roles within the organization. Additionally, there are a variety of educational opportunities available to CNAs in Tennessee that can help them advance their careers and increase their salaries.

How do CNA salaries compare to the national average for certified nursing assistants in Tennessee?

The median annual wage for certified nursing assistants (CNAs) in Tennessee was $26,180 in May 2019, which is slightly below the national median of $28,540.

Is there a demand for CNAs, and how does the job market outlook look for CNAs in Tennessee?

Yes, there is a strong demand for Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) in Tennessee. According to the Tennessee Department of Labor, the job market outlook for CNAs is positive and growing. The state expects a 15.3% growth in CNA jobs from 2016 to 2026. Tennessee currently has over 19,000 CNAs employed in the state, earning an average annual salary of $25,590.

Are there specific healthcare sectors, such as long-term care, home health, or hospitals, that have a higher demand for CNAs in Tennessee?

The demand for CNAs in Tennessee varies depending on the region and the specific healthcare sector. In general, long-term care facilities, home health agencies, and hospitals all have high demand for CNAs in the state. Demand is also higher in urban areas like Nashville and Memphis than it is in rural areas. Additionally, Tennessee has a rapidly aging population, so demand is expected to continue to rise over the coming years.

Is there a demand for bilingual or multilingual CNAs in healthcare settings that serve diverse communities in Tennessee?

Yes, there is a demand for bilingual or multilingual CNAs in healthcare settings in Tennessee, especially in areas that serve diverse communities. As the population of Tennessee continues to become more diverse, many health care organizations are actively recruiting bilingual and multilingual CNAs who can communicate effectively with patients from different backgrounds and cultures. This demand is especially high in cities such as Memphis and Nashville which have large Hispanic and foreign-born populations.

What is the employment growth rate for CNAs, and are there expected shortages in the healthcare workforce in Tennessee?

The employment growth rate for CNAs in Tennessee is projected to be 8.3% between 2019 and 2029, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This is faster than the average rate for all occupations in the U.S.

Yes, there are expected shortages in the healthcare workforce in Tennessee due to population growth, an aging population, and an increase in chronic conditions that require more care.

What are the employment benefits and opportunities for career advancement in the healthcare facilities for CNAs in Tennessee?

Employment benefits for CNAs in Tennessee vary depending on the healthcare facility. Most employers offer medical insurance, retirement benefits, paid sick leave, holidays, and vacation time. Some employers may offer a tuition reimbursement program to help CNAs advance their careers or receive additional certifications. Opportunities for career advancement vary by employer. Many healthcare facilities offer nursing assistant programs or on-the-job training to help CNAs gain additional skills and knowledge to become a certified nursing assistant or registered nurse.

Do CNAs with specialized certifications or advanced practice roles have increased job opportunities and earning potential in Tennessee?

Yes, CNAs with specialized certifications or advanced practice roles often have increased job opportunities and higher earning potential in Tennessee. According to the Tennessee Department of Health, CNAs can earn higher wages and receive additional job opportunities if they have specialized certifications or advanced practice roles. Specialized certifications may include Certified Nursing Assistants (CNA), Certified Medication Aides (CMA), and Certified Home Health Aides (CHHA). Additionally, CNAs can increase their earning potential by taking on additional training or advanced roles, such as becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), Registered Nurse (RN), or Nurse Practitioner (NP).

Are there opportunities for immigrants, including those with language skills, to find employment in healthcare facilities in Tennessee?

Yes, there are opportunities for immigrants to find employment in healthcare facilities in Tennessee. The Tennessee Department of Health has partnerships with vocational schools and programs to provide healthcare training to immigrants with language skills. In addition, many hospitals and health systems across the state have programs that offer language training and hiring assistance for immigrants.

What are the typical work schedules for CNAs, and do they include options for part-time or flexible hours in Tennessee?

In Tennessee, the typical work schedule for CNAs is 8-hour shifts, usually covering days, evenings, nights, and weekends. Some CNAs work full-time, while others may choose to work part-time. Some facilities may also offer flexible hours or alternative schedules to accommodate the needs of their employees.

Are there resources, such as job fairs or online job portals, that can help immigrants find CNA job opportunities in Tennessee?

Yes, there are many resources that can help immigrants find CNA job opportunities in Tennessee. Local job fairs and online job portals are a great way to find CNA positions. Additionally, Tennessee has several state-run programs that provide assistance to immigrants looking for employment opportunities in the healthcare field. These include TennCare, the Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition, and the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development. Finally, many hospitals, nursing homes, and other healthcare centers in the state are actively seeking qualified CNAs from diverse backgrounds and may be willing to provide assistance with the process of obtaining a license or certification.

What are the options for continuing education and professional development for CNAs to enhance their careers in Tennessee?

1. Online courses: Tennessee offers a selection of online Continuing Education courses that are approved by the Tennessee State Board of Nursing (TSBN). These courses are designed to help CNAs maintain their certification and provide opportunities for professional development.

2. In-person workshops: The Tennessee Department of Health offers CNA in-person workshops on topics such as infection prevention, reporting incidents and ethical behavior, and infection control.

3. Conferences: Several conferences are held in Tennessee to help CNAs stay up to date on the latest healthcare trends and best practices.

4. Certifications: Earning advanced certifications such as medication assistant certification or dementia care certification can enhance the career prospects of a CNA.

5. Networking: Attending local networking events or joining professional organizations such as the Tennessee Association of Nursing Assistants can help CNAs to advance their careers.

Are there specific job search strategies and resources for immigrants, including those with unique language or cultural considerations, seeking CNA positions in Tennessee?

Yes, there are several job search strategies and resources for immigrants seeking CNA positions in Tennessee. One strategy is to utilize the Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition (TIRRC) website, which provides resources for immigrants and refugees seeking employment in the state of Tennessee. TIRRC also provides a list of job search resources specifically for CNA positions, including organizations that provide job training and placement services for immigrants. Organizations such as Tennessee Health Care Association, Tennessee Health Careers, and Tennessee Association of Home Health Agencies can provide resources to connect individuals with CNA job postings in their area. Additionally, immigrants may wish to use online job search sites such as Indeed.com or Monster.com to search for CNA positions. Finally, immigrants looking for CNA jobs may also benefit from attending job fairs and networking events to meet potential employers and learn about job openings in their area.

How can immigrants with CNA qualifications ensure that their credentials align with the state’s licensing and employment requirements in Tennessee?

Immigrants with CNA qualifications in Tennessee should contact the Tennessee Department of Health’s Division of Health Care Facilities and their local Board of Nursing to ensure that their credentials meet the state’s licensing and employment requirements. In addition, they can also consult with the appropriate national or state certification board to find out if they are eligible for certification in Tennessee. Additionally, they can connect with local nursing organizations or hospitals to inquire about available positions and the licensing requirements for those positions.

Do CNAs have opportunities for overtime or shift differentials that can increase their earnings in Tennessee?

Yes, CNAs in Tennessee do have the opportunity to increase their earnings through overtime and shift differentials. Overtime pay is usually available for those who work more than 40 hours in a week, while shift differentials are usually offered to those who work night shifts, holidays, or weekends.

What are the potential legal implications or challenges immigrants may face when pursuing CNA careers, especially in the context of immigration status, in Tennessee?



Immigrants who are pursuing a CNA career in Tennessee may face legal implications and challenges related to their immigration status. In Tennessee, all Certified Nursing Assistants must be eligible to work in the United States, and many employers require that applicants provide proof of their legal status. This means that applicants must have a valid work visa or green card. Additionally, an immigrant’s legal status and/or documentation may be checked during the hiring process.

As a result, immigrants may face additional hurdles when applying for CNA jobs due to their immigration status. In some cases, these hurdles may prevent them from being able to pursue this career path. There is also a risk that employers could discriminate against immigrants due to their legal status. It is important to note that discrimination based on immigration status is illegal in Tennessee and those who experience it can seek legal recourse.

Lastly, if an immigrant is hired as a CNA in Tennessee, they must continue to maintain their legal immigration status in order to stay employed. Any changes in their status must be reported to their employer in order to remain compliant with the law.