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CNA Pay by City: Real Per-Diem Rates, September 2026
Live posted rates from CNA and GNA shifts bookable in the AllShifts app today.
Updated September 22, 2026 · live AllShifts shift data
Why most CNA pay articles get it wrong
Search “how much do CNAs make” and you'll find national averages built from year-old survey data. That number doesn't help you decide whether to pick up a shift this weekend. This page is different: every rate below is pulled from shifts posted right now in the AllShifts app across 132 city markets in 27 states, and it refreshes daily.
Posted per-diem rates currently run from $16.56/hr to $45.00/hr depending on the market — the spread between cities is real money, and per-diem rates in high-demand markets often beat staff hourly rates for the same work.
Highest-paying CNA markets right now
| City | Role | Posted rate | Open slots |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bowdle, SD | CNA | $30.00–$45.00/hr | 38 |
| Baldwinsville, NY | CNA | $26.80–$42.21/hr | 12 |
| Liberty, NY | CNA | $23.40–$35.10/hr | 30 |
| Buzzards Bay, MA | CNA | $23.18–$34.77/hr | 94 |
| Ithaca, NY | CNA | $22.77–$34.16/hr | 81 |
| Gettysburg, PA | CNA | $20.70–$33.12/hr | 165 |
| Bayard, NE | CNA | $30.00–$32.00/hr | 6 |
| Vineland, NJ | CNA | $19.50–$31.95/hr | 48 |
| Elwood, NE | CNA | $28.50–$30.40/hr | 3 |
| Colby, KS | CNA | $29.50/hr | 2 |
| Dallas, OR | CNA | $28.00–$29.40/hr | 22 |
| Bend, OR | CNA | $27.14–$29.40/hr | 12 |
| Stevensville, MT | CNA | $29.19/hr | 1 |
| Oshkosh, NE | CNA | $27.00–$28.80/hr | 13 |
| Huntington, NY | CNA | $26.80–$28.14/hr | 78 |
GNA is Maryland's state-specific credential (Geriatric Nursing Assistant) — if you're a certified GNA, the Maryland rows above apply to you.
Most open shifts right now
Pay is only half the picture — these markets have the most open slots over the next 30 days, which means the most schedule flexibility:
| City | Role | Posted rate | Open slots |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hollidaysburg, PA | CNA | $23.46–$24.84/hr | 216 |
| Gettysburg, PA | CNA | $20.70–$33.12/hr | 165 |
| Altoona, PA | CNA | $22.50/hr | 110 |
| Buzzards Bay, MA | CNA | $23.18–$34.77/hr | 94 |
| Ithaca, NY | CNA | $22.77–$34.16/hr | 81 |
| Huntington, NY | CNA | $26.80–$28.14/hr | 78 |
| Rising Sun, MD | GNA | $20.70–$22.08/hr | 59 |
| Franklin, PA | CNA | $20.70–$22.08/hr | 57 |
| Milford, DE | CNA | $20.70–$22.08/hr | 56 |
| Orbisonia, PA | CNA | $24.30–$25.70/hr | 51 |
How per-diem CNA pay actually works on AllShifts
- The rate you see is the rate you get. Every shift in the app shows its hourly rate up front — no calling a recruiter to find out.
- Instant pay, 7 days a week. After your shift is verified, 100% of your net pay is sent to your account via direct deposit or Zelle — weekends and holidays included, no fees.
- Holiday rates are boosted. Working July 4th or Thanksgiving pays above the posted base rate.
- W-2 or 1099 — your choice. Instant pay works either way, and W-2 means taxes are withheld for you.
Common questions
Are these rates real?
Yes. Every number on this page comes from shifts posted in the AllShifts app as of the update date above. Rates change daily as facilities post new shifts; click any city to see its live market page.
Why do rates differ so much between cities?
Local supply and demand. Markets with fewer available CNAs and more open shifts post higher rates. That's also why per-diem rates move faster than staff wages — they reprice with demand.
How do I start picking up shifts?
Download the AllShifts app (iPhone / Android), create a free profile, and upload your credentials — the app walks you through the 10-point credential check. Most CNAs can book their first shift within days of applying.
Does AllShifts charge fees on instant pay?
No. Instant pay sends 100% of your net pay with no fee, every day of the week.
Pay figures on this page come from shifts currently posted in the AllShifts app and change daily. AllShifts is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.