CNA Salary in Memphis, TN
2026 Data — Career Academy Memphis
Last updated: May 2026
CNA Salary in Memphis, TN — Quick Answer
CNAs in the Memphis metro area earn an average of $37,250 per year (~$17.91/hour), with experienced CNAs reaching $49,536 per year (~$23.81/hour), according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2024 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, Memphis MSA). Pay varies by employer: hospital CNAs typically earn 15–25% more than nursing-home or home-health CNAs.
The BLS average reflects all Memphis CNAs combined, but actual offers swing widely — from $14/hour at nursing homes to $24/hour at hospital systems, a $20,000+ annual difference. The tables below break out actual ranges at Methodist Le Bonheur, Baptist Memorial, Saint Francis, Regional One, and the Memphis VA, plus shift differentials and which roles cross $25/hour.
Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024 (Memphis-Tennessee-Mississippi-Arkansas MSA, occupation code 31-1131); Indeed-reported Memphis postings, April 2026; Tennessee Department of Health CNA wage surveys.
BLS Data: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Memphis employs approximately 3,830 CNAs. The Memphis MSA mean annual wage is $37,250 — above the Tennessee statewide average of $34,850.
Memphis CNA Salary Overview
Memphis MSA Average
$37,250
~$17.91/hr
Tennessee Average
$34,850
~$16.77/hr
Memphis Top Earners
$49,536
~$23.81/hr
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 |
How Much Do CNAs Make in Tennessee? Pay by Metro
Tennessee CNA pay varies by region, primarily because cost of living and hospital concentration differ across the state. Memphis and Nashville sit at the top because both are major healthcare hubs with high CNA demand.
| Metro Area | Hourly Range | Annual Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Memphis MSA | $14–$24 | $29,000–$49,536 | Avg $17.91/hr; hospital concentration |
| Nashville MSA | $14.50–$19 | $30,000–$40,000 | Highest in TN, higher cost of living |
| Knoxville MSA | $13–$17 | $27,000–$35,500 | UT Medical Center anchors demand |
| Chattanooga MSA | $13–$17 | $27,000–$35,500 | Erlanger Health System anchors |
| Rural Tennessee | $12–$15 | $25,000–$31,000 | Nursing homes / long-term care heavy |
| Tennessee statewide | $13–$18 | $27,000–$36,500 | Median ~$15.40/hr |
Ranges reflect Bureau of Labor Statistics OES Tennessee data for nursing assistants, adjusted for shift differentials and employer-type mix. Individual offers may fall outside these ranges.
Shift Differentials and Overtime Pay
Base hourly pay is only part of the picture. CNAs in Memphis and Tennessee routinely earn meaningful pay bumps from shift differentials and overtime — especially in hospital settings where 24-hour coverage is required.
| Pay Component | Typical Bump | What it means in dollars |
|---|---|---|
| Evening shift (3 PM–11 PM) | +$0.50–$2.00/hr | +$80–$320/month at full-time |
| Night shift (11 PM–7 AM) | +$1.50–$3.00/hr | +$240–$480/month at full-time |
| Weekend differential | +$1.00–$2.00/hr | Bigger for hospital baylor weekend programs |
| Overtime (over 40 hrs/week) | 1.5× base | Federal FLSA — applies in TN |
| Holiday pay | 1.5× to 2× base | Varies by employer policy |
Realistic example: a Memphis hospital CNA at $16/hr base who works night shift (+$2/hr) full-time earns about $37,440/year before overtime — meaningfully above the $32,000 Tennessee average. Picking up two weekend overtime shifts a month adds another $2,500–$3,500 annually.
Most of the highest-paying CNA roles in Tennessee combine hospital placements with night or weekend shift schedules. New graduates can negotiate for differential-eligible shifts during the offer process.
Top-Paying CNA Employers in the Memphis Area
Hospital systems pay Memphis CNAs the most, with reported wages 15–25% above nursing-home rates. The three largest health systems in the Memphis area are Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare, Baptist Memorial Health Care, and Saint Francis Healthcare. CNAs at hospital systems typically earn $19–$24/hour with shift differentials, compared to $14–$18/hour at nursing homes and assisted-living facilities.
Pay also rises faster at hospital systems — most offer annual increases plus tuition reimbursement for LPN or RN bridge programs.
Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare
CNAs at Methodist Le Bonheur typically earn $19–$24/hour with shift differentials. The system is known for strong benefits including tuition assistance for LPN/RN bridge programs.
Baptist Memorial Health Care
CNAs at Baptist Memorial typically earn $19–$23/hour. Baptist is one of the largest healthcare employers in Memphis, with multiple facilities across Shelby County.
Saint Francis Healthcare
Saint Francis Healthcare CNAs earn $18–$22/hour with shift differentials. The system operates two hospitals in the Memphis area.
Regional One Health
Regional One Health — Memphis's only Level I trauma center — pays CNAs $17–$21/hour with night-shift differentials.
Memphis VA Medical Center
The VA Medical Center pays CNAs $18–$22/hour with a full federal benefits package, including pension and tuition assistance.
Nursing Homes & Long-Term Care
Shelby County nursing homes and long-term care facilities typically pay $14–$17/hour and represent the highest volume of CNA roles in the area.
Home Health Agencies
Home health CNAs earn $14–$18/hour with the benefit of flexible scheduling and one-on-one patient care. Mileage reimbursement is common.
Reported wage data: Indeed (Memphis-area job postings), April 2026, cross-referenced with BLS OEWS Memphis MSA averages.
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 to LPN career path more accessible than ever.
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See tuition assistance optionsFrequently Asked Questions
How much does a CNA make per hour in Tennessee?
Tennessee CNAs earn an average of $17.08–$18.21 per hour statewide, per BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics. In the Memphis metro area, the average is $17.91/hour, with experienced CNAs reaching $23.81/hour. Hospital CNAs earn the most — 15–25% above nursing-home rates.
How much do CNAs make per hour in Memphis TN?
Memphis CNAs earn an average of $17.91/hour ($37,250/year), with top earners reaching $23.81/hour ($49,536/year). Hospital systems pay the most — typically $19–$24/hour with shift differentials. Nursing homes and home-health agencies pay $14–$18/hour. Staffing agency work ranges from $17–$22/hour.
Can a CNA make $1,000 a week in Memphis?
Yes. A Memphis CNA earning the top-quartile wage of $23.81/hour makes $1,000+ per week working 42 hours, or fewer hours with shift differentials and overtime. New CNAs can reach $1,000/week within 1–2 years by accepting weekend or night-shift differentials, which add $1.50–$3.00/hour.
How long is CNA school in Tennessee?
Tennessee CNA programs run 4–6 weeks. At Career Academy in Memphis, the day program completes in 4 weeks (Mon–Fri, 8:30 AM–2:30 PM) and the evening program in 6 weeks (Mon–Fri, 5:00–9:00 PM). Both deliver the 120 hours required by the Tennessee Department of Health.
What is the starting salary for a CNA in Memphis?
Entry-level Memphis CNAs typically start at $14–$16/hour ($29,000–$33,000/year). Most reach $17–$18/hour within the first year as they gain experience, move to preferred shifts, or transfer to hospital systems where pay is highest.
Which Memphis hospitals pay CNAs the most?
Hospital systems like Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare and Baptist Memorial Health Care typically pay $19–$24/hour with shift differentials — well above nursing-home or home-health rates. 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.
Where are CNA jobs in Memphis?
Major Memphis employers hiring CNAs include Baptist Memorial Health Care, Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare, Regional One Health, St. Francis Hospital, the Memphis VA Medical Center, and dozens of nursing homes and home health agencies across Shelby County. Most graduates have job offers within weeks of passing the state exam.
Can a CNA make $25 an hour in Tennessee?
$25/hour is at the top end of Tennessee CNA pay and is generally reached through specific paths rather than a base hospital rate. The most common ways to hit $25/hour are: (1) staffing agency or per-diem work, where rates of $20–$25/hour are common for filling short-staffed shifts, (2) specialty certifications such as Medication Aide that bump pay above the standard CNA range, or (3) combining a hospital base rate of $19–$22/hour with night and weekend differentials. New graduates typically start at $14–$16/hour and reach $25/hour as they build experience and shift to higher-paying employer types.
Salary data based on Bureau of Labor Statistics, Indeed, and ZipRecruiter figures as of 2025. Visit bls.gov for the most current data.
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Start Your CNA Career TodayWritten by Career Academy staff — CNA educators with 10+ years of experience training nursing assistants in Memphis, TN.