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CNA Certification ROI › Virginia

CNA Certification Cost in Virginia 2026: $37K Salary, 2.0-Month Payback

CNA in Virginia: certified professionals earn $36,944/year at state-adjusted rates. Total cost $1,140. Payback: 2.0 months.

CNA in Virginia — Key Numbers

$37K
Avg Salary w/ Cert
+$7K
Annual Salary Boost
$1,140
Total Cost
2.0 mo
Payback Period

Salary data: BLS OEWS state estimates 2024. State multiplier: 102% of national average.

CNA Cost Breakdown

Exam fee $140
Study materials $1,000
Total upfront cost $1,140
Salary without cert (Virginia) $30,090/yr
Salary with CNA (Virginia) $36,944/yr
5-year net ROI $33K

CNA Job Market in Virginia

Virginia CNA wages sit near the national median at $37K ($17.76/hr). Nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and home health agencies are the main employers. Demand is steady — BLS projects nursing assistant openings will remain high through 2032 due to turnover and an aging population. Community college CNA programs in Virginia typically cost $800–$1,200 for tuition. The NNAAP exam runs $120–$175. Most hospitals in Virginia prefer CNA experience for patient care technician hiring, which pays $2–$4/hr above standard CNA rates. If you're planning to go LPN or RN, CNA work experience counts toward clinical hour requirements at most Virginia nursing programs.

Virginia Payback Calculator

Related Certifications in Virginia

CDL License → HVAC Cert →
← Back to full CNA guide
All certifications in Virginia · Payback period by state
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