CNA Salary in Memphis, TN
2026 Data — Career Academy Memphis
Memphis CNA Salary Overview
Memphis CNA (Annual)
$28,000–$38,000
$13.50–$18/hr
Tennessee Average
$30,000–$32,000
per year
National Average (BLS)
$35,740
per year
Purchasing power note: Memphis's cost of living is approximately 15–20% below the national average, which means a $30,000 salary in Memphis provides comparable purchasing power to roughly $35,000+ in a higher-cost city.
Pay by Employer Type
| Employer Type | Hourly Range | Annual Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nursing homes / long-term care | $13–$15 | $27,000–$31,000 | Highest volume of openings |
| Hospitals | $15–$18 | $31,000–$37,000 | Methodist, Baptist, Regional One |
| Home health | $13–$16 | $27,000–$33,000 | Flexible schedule |
| Staffing agencies | $17–$22 | $35,000–$46,000 | Higher pay, fewer benefits |
| Government / VA | $16–$19 | $33,000–$40,000 | Federal benefits package |
Top Memphis Employers Hiring CNAs
- Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare
- Baptist Memorial Health Care
- Regional One Health
- St. Francis Hospital
- Memphis VA Medical Center
Memphis's healthcare sector employs tens of thousands across these major systems. CNAs are consistently among the highest-demand positions across all facilities.
How to Earn More as a CNA
Shift differentials
Night and weekend shifts typically pay $1–$3/hr more. Working evenings or weekends can add $2,000–$6,000 to your annual earnings.
Overtime
Overtime is common in healthcare. Working just 5 extra hours per week at time-and-a-half can add $5,000–$7,000/year.
Staffing agency work
Agency CNAs earn $17–$22/hr — 20–40% more than direct hires. Trade-off: fewer benefits and less schedule consistency.
Specializations & certifications
Medication aide, restorative aide, or dementia care certifications can increase your hourly rate by $1–$2.
Total compensation
Many employers offer health insurance, paid time off, and tuition reimbursement for LPN/RN bridge programs — adding significant value beyond base pay.
Career Growth Path
CNA
$14–$16/hr
4–6 weeks training
CNA II / Med Tech
$16–$18/hr
1–2 years experience
LPN
$22–$26/hr
12-month bridge program
RN
$30–$38/hr
2-year ADN or BSN
CNA
$14–$16/hr
4–6 weeks training
CNA II / Med Tech
$16–$18/hr
1–2 years experience
LPN
$22–$26/hr
12-month bridge program
RN
$30–$38/hr
2-year ADN or BSN
Many Memphis hospitals offer tuition reimbursement for LPN and RN bridge programs, making the CNA → RN path more accessible than ever.
Your healthcare career starts with CNA certification.
Start Earning in 4 WeeksThe ROI of CNA Certification
Few careers offer a faster return on training investment. At full-time hours, most graduates recover the cost of certification within their first month on the job.
See tuition assistance optionsFrequently Asked Questions
How much do CNAs make per hour in Memphis TN?
$13.50–$18/hr depending on employer and experience. Hospital CNAs typically earn more than nursing home CNAs, and staffing agency work can push hourly pay to $22 or higher.
What is the starting salary for a CNA in Memphis?
Entry-level CNAs start at $13.50–$14/hr ($28,000–$29,000/year). Most reach $15–$16/hr within the first year as they gain experience and move to preferred shifts.
Which Memphis hospitals pay CNAs the most?
Hospital systems like Methodist Le Bonheur and Baptist Memorial typically pay $15–$18/hr — higher than nursing homes or home health agencies. The Memphis VA Medical Center also pays competitively with a full federal benefits package.
Is CNA a good career in Tennessee?
Yes. Healthcare is Memphis's largest employment sector with consistently strong demand. CNA also serves as a direct stepping stone to LPN and RN careers, with many employers offering tuition reimbursement for bridge programs.
How can a CNA make more money in Memphis?
Work night and weekend shifts for differential pay, pick up overtime hours (common in healthcare), consider staffing agency work ($17–$22/hr), or pursue specialized certifications such as medication aide or restorative aide.
What is the job outlook for CNAs in Memphis TN?
Strong. The BLS projects 5–8% growth for nursing assistants through 2032, and Memphis typically has 200–500+ open CNA positions at any given time due to high turnover and an aging population.
Salary data based on Bureau of Labor Statistics, Indeed, and ZipRecruiter figures as of 2025. Visit bls.gov for the most current data.
Start earning in as little as 4 weeks
Career Academy's CNA program gets you certified and job-ready fast. Classes are small, hands-on, and held in Memphis.
Start Your CNA Career Today