STNA Salary in Ohio: The Ultimate 2024 Guide to Earnings,...

For individuals with a deep-seated desire to help others, a career in healthcare offers a direct path to making a tangible difference. If you're drawn to the front lines of patient care—providing comfort, support, and essential assistance—the role of a State Tested Nursing Assistant (STNA) in Ohio is one of the most accessible and rewarding entry points into this vital industry. But beyond the profound personal satisfaction, a practical question remains: what can you expect to earn? The financial reality of a career is as important as its purpose. In Ohio, an STNA can expect to earn an average annual salary of approximately $37,830, with a typical range falling between $33,000 and $42,000, depending on a host of factors we will explore in detail.

I've spent over two decades analyzing career trajectories, and the path of a nursing assistant is one I find particularly compelling. It’s a role of immense trust and responsibility. I recall the profound relief my family felt when a compassionate and highly skilled nursing assistant cared for my grandmother in her final years; their blend of clinical competence and genuine empathy was a source of incredible comfort during a difficult time. This role is the bedrock of patient care, and understanding its professional landscape—from salary potential to career advancement—is the first step toward building a successful and fulfilling future.

This guide is designed to be your definitive resource for everything you need to know about pursuing an STNA career in Ohio. We will dissect salary data from authoritative sources, explore the factors that can maximize your earning potential, map out your long-term career path, and provide a clear, step-by-step plan to get you started.

### Table of Contents

[What Does a State Tested Nursing Assistant (STNA) Do?](#what-does-a-stna-do)
[Average STNA Salary in Ohio: A Deep Dive](#average-stna-salary-in-ohio-a-deep-dive)
[Key Factors That Influence Your STNA Salary](#key-factors-that-influence-salary)
[Job Outlook and Career Growth for STNAs in Ohio](#job-outlook-and-career-growth)
[How to Become an STNA in Ohio: A Step-by-Step Guide](#how-to-get-started-in-this-career)
[Conclusion: Is an STNA Career in Ohio Right for You?](#conclusion)

What Does a State Tested Nursing Assistant (STNA) Do?

A State Tested Nursing Assistant (STNA) is the specific designation used in Ohio for what is nationally known as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA). These professionals are the heart and hands of direct patient care. Working under the supervision of a Registered Nurse (RN) or a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), STNAs provide essential, hands-on assistance to patients and residents in a variety of healthcare settings, including skilled nursing facilities (nursing homes), hospitals, assisted living communities, and home health environments.

Think of the STNA as the team member who spends the most time with a patient. While doctors and nurses manage treatment plans, medications, and complex medical procedures, the STNA is there to assist with the fundamental activities of daily living (ADLs). Their work ensures patients are comfortable, safe, and maintain their dignity. The role requires a unique blend of physical stamina, clinical skills, meticulous observation, and profound empathy.

Core Responsibilities and Daily Tasks:

The duties of an STNA can vary based on their work environment, but they generally revolve around a core set of responsibilities:

Personal Care: Assisting patients with bathing, dressing, grooming, and toileting.
Mobility Assistance: Helping patients move, turn, and reposition in bed; transferring them between a bed and a wheelchair; and assisting with walking.
Nutrition and Hydration: Assisting with feeding patients who are unable to feed themselves and ensuring they receive adequate fluids.
Vital Signs Monitoring: Measuring and recording a patient's temperature, pulse rate, respiration rate, and blood pressure.
Observation and Reporting: Acting as the "eyes and ears" for the nursing staff. STNAs are trained to observe changes in a patient's condition—such as changes in skin integrity, mood, or physical ability—and report these critical findings to the supervising nurse.
Maintaining a Safe Environment: Keeping patient rooms clean and tidy, changing bed linens, and ensuring the environment is free of hazards.
Emotional Support and Companionship: Providing a listening ear, offering encouragement, and being a source of comfort for patients and their families.

### A Day in the Life of an STNA

To make this role more tangible, let’s walk through a typical day for an STNA working the day shift (7 a.m. - 3 p.m.) in a skilled nursing facility:

6:45 a.m.: Arrival and Report. The day begins by receiving a detailed report from the night shift STNA. You learn about each resident on your assignment: who slept well, who was restless, any recent falls, or any specific needs for the day.
7:15 a.m.: Morning Rounds. You begin visiting your assigned residents. This is a busy time focused on ADLs. You help residents get out of bed, assist them with toileting, and help them get washed and dressed for the day. You might assist four to eight residents in this initial period.
8:30 a.m.: Breakfast Assistance. You escort residents to the dining hall or serve breakfast trays in their rooms. For those who need help, you provide direct assistance with feeding, ensuring they eat and drink safely. After breakfast, you collect trays and document food and fluid intake.
10:00 a.m.: Mid-Morning Care. This period involves changing bed linens, repositioning residents who are bed-bound to prevent pressure sores, and assisting with any scheduled therapies or activities. You answer call lights promptly, which could be for anything from a request for water to a need for bathroom assistance.
12:00 p.m.: Lunchtime. Similar to breakfast, you assist with the lunchtime meal, a critical time for socialization and nutrition.
1:30 p.m.: Afternoon Activities and Charting. After lunch, you might help transport residents to a social activity or assist them in getting comfortable for a nap. This is also a crucial time for documentation. You meticulously chart all the care you've provided, including vital signs, intake/output, and any observed changes in condition.
2:45 p.m.: Final Rounds and Report. You do one last check on all your residents, ensuring they are clean, comfortable, and safe. You then prepare a detailed report for the incoming evening shift, passing on all relevant information to ensure a smooth transition of care.
3:00 p.m.: Shift End. After a physically and emotionally demanding day, you head home, knowing you've made a direct and positive impact on the lives of your residents.

Average STNA Salary in Ohio: A Deep Dive

Understanding compensation is a critical component of career planning. For STNAs in Ohio, salary is influenced by a combination of national trends and local market dynamics. Here, we'll break down the numbers from authoritative sources to give you a clear and realistic picture of your earning potential.

### National and State-Level Averages

To establish a baseline, we first look at the national data provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the gold standard for occupational data. The BLS groups STNAs/CNAs under the category of "Nursing Assistants."

According to the May 2023 BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics report, the national median annual wage for Nursing Assistants was $38,200, which translates to a median hourly wage of $18.36.

Now, let's zero in on Ohio. The state-specific data from the BLS shows that Ohio's compensation is highly competitive and aligns very closely with the national average.

The annual mean wage for Nursing Assistants in Ohio is $37,830, or an hourly mean wage of $18.19.

This indicates that Ohio is a representative market for the profession, offering wages that are right in line with what one would expect across the country.

### Salary Ranges from Reputable Aggregators

While the BLS provides a powerful average, salary aggregators offer a look at the typical *range* you might encounter, which reflects differences in experience, location, and employer.

Salary.com reports that as of November 2024, the salary range for a State Tested Nursing Assistant in Ohio typically falls between $33,501 and $41,201, with a median salary of $37,189.
Indeed.com calculates an average base salary for STNAs in Ohio at $18.78 per hour, based on thousands of user-submitted data points. They also note that common benefits include tuition reimbursement, paid time off, and 401(k) plans.
Payscale.com shows a similar hourly wage range, typically between $14.00 and $21.00 per hour, with an average of $17.20. They emphasize that factors like shift differentials can significantly increase this base rate.

The consensus is clear: while entry-level positions may start in the low $30,000s, experienced STNAs in high-demand settings can certainly earn into the low-to-mid $40,000s, especially when factoring in overtime and other pay incentives.

### STNA Salary in Ohio by Experience Level

Your value and, consequently, your earning potential grow with experience. An experienced STNA is more efficient, can handle more complex patient needs, and often serves as a mentor to new staff. Here’s a breakdown of what you can likely expect at different stages of your career in Ohio:

| ----------------------- | ------------------- | -------------------------------- | ---------------------------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |

*Note: These ranges are estimates and can be higher in certain high-paying metropolitan areas or specific facilities, especially when including overtime and shift differentials.*

### Beyond the Paycheck: A Look at Total Compensation

Your hourly wage is just one piece of the puzzle. A strong compensation package can add significant value. When evaluating job offers, look closely at these components:

Base Salary/Hourly Wage: The foundational number upon which everything else is built.
Overtime Pay: In healthcare, overtime is frequently available. Under federal law, non-exempt employees must be paid 1.5 times their regular hourly rate for all hours worked over 40 in a week. This can be a substantial income booster.
Shift Differentials: Facilities operate 24/7, and staffing for evening, night, and weekend shifts can be challenging. To incentivize employees, employers offer "shift differentials"—an extra amount per hour (e.g., +$1.50/hr for nights, +$1.00/hr for weekends). Working these shifts is one of the fastest ways to increase your take-home pay.
Sign-On and Retention Bonuses: In response to staffing shortages, many facilities, particularly nursing homes, offer significant sign-on bonuses, sometimes ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 or more, often paid out over a specific period. Retention bonuses reward longevity.
Health and Wellness Benefits: This includes medical, dental, and vision insurance. The quality and cost of these plans are a major part of your compensation.
Retirement Savings Plans: Look for employer-sponsored plans like a 401(k) or 403(b), especially those with an employer match. An employer match is essentially free money for your retirement.
Paid Time Off (PTO): This includes vacation days, sick leave, and personal days. A generous PTO policy is crucial for work-life balance in a demanding job.
Tuition Reimbursement/Assistance: This is perhaps one of the most valuable benefits. Many healthcare organizations will help pay for your education to advance your career, such as becoming an LPN or RN. This is a powerful, debt-reducing pathway to significant salary growth.

Key Factors That Influence Your STNA Salary

While we've established an average salary range, your specific earnings as an STNA in Ohio will be determined by a confluence of critical factors. Understanding these variables empowers you to make strategic career decisions that can directly maximize your income. This is the most crucial section for anyone looking to not just enter the field, but to thrive within it financially.

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Geographic Location Within Ohio

Where you work in Ohio is arguably the single most significant factor influencing your paycheck. Compensation is closely tied to the local cost of living and the concentration of healthcare facilities in a given area. Major metropolitan areas with large hospital networks and a higher cost of living almost always offer higher wages than rural communities.

Let's examine the data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2023) for specific metropolitan statistical areas within Ohio. This provides a granular, evidence-based look at the pay landscape.

| ---------------------------- | -------------------------------- | ---------------- | ---------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |

| Cleveland-Elyria, OH | 18,220 | $18.91 | $39,340 | Cleveland is a top-paying metro, driven by major health systems like the Cleveland Clinic and University Hospitals. |

| Columbus, OH | 14,020 | $18.44 | $38,350 | As the state capital with a growing population, Columbus offers strong, competitive wages. |

| Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN | 12,850 | $18.27 | $38,000 | A large metropolitan area with numerous healthcare employers, offering solid, near-average pay. |

| Akron, OH | 5,690 | $17.91 | $37,250 | Slightly below the state average, but still a robust market for STNAs. |

| Dayton, OH | 5,600 | $17.84 | $37,110 | Wages in Dayton are consistent with other mid-sized Ohio cities. |

| Toledo, OH | 4,500 | $17.80 | $37,020 | Similar to Dayton and Akron, Toledo offers stable employment and wages. |

| Canton-Massillon, OH | 3,460 | $17.07 | $35,510 | Wages here are noticeably lower than in the larger metro areas like Cleveland or Columbus. |

| Nonmetropolitan Areas (Rural Ohio) | 10,130 | $16.89 | $35,130 | As expected, rural areas offer the lowest average pay, reflecting a lower cost of living and fewer large employers. |

Key Takeaway: If maximizing your base salary is the primary goal, targeting employment in the Cleveland, Columbus, or Cincinnati metropolitan areas will yield the best results. An STNA working in Cleveland can expect to earn, on average, over $4,000 more per year than one working in a rural part of the state.

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Work Environment and Type of Employer

The type of facility you work for has a profound impact on your duties, the patient population you serve, and your compensation. Different employers have different funding models, patient acuity levels, and staffing needs, which all translate to varying pay scales.

Government Facilities (e.g., VA Hospitals): These are often the highest-paying employers for STNAs. Federal government jobs, such as those at a Department of Veterans Affairs medical center, typically offer excellent hourly wages, comprehensive federal benefits, and a structured pay scale (GS-scale). These positions are highly competitive but are the gold standard for compensation.
Hospitals (State, Local, and Private): Hospitals generally offer the second-highest pay rates. The work environment is fast-paced, and patient acuity is high. STNAs in hospitals (often called Patient Care Technicians or PCTs) may perform additional skills like EKG readings or phlebotomy. Many hospitals are unionized, which often leads to better-negotiated wages, guaranteed annual raises, and robust benefits packages.
Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNFs) / Nursing Homes: This is the largest employer of STNAs. The pay is competitive and often very close to the state average. These facilities are where the demand is most acute, leading to the frequent availability of sign-on bonuses and overtime opportunities. The work focuses on long-term care for elderly residents.
Assisted Living and Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs): Pay in these settings can be slightly lower than in SNFs. The level of care is less intensive, as residents are more independent. The work-life balance may be perceived as better by some, but the base salary might reflect the lower acuity of care required.
Home Health Agencies: Compensation in home health can vary dramatically. Some agencies pay a competitive hourly wage, while others pay on a per-visit basis. This role offers the most autonomy and flexibility but can also involve unpaid travel time between clients and less consistent hours. It's a great fit for self-motivated individuals who value independence.

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Years of Experience and Seniority

As detailed in the previous section's table, experience is a direct driver of salary growth. An employer is willing to pay more for an STNA who has a proven track record of reliability, competence, and the ability to handle challenging situations with grace.

Initial Growth (Years 1-3): You'll see steady, if small, annual increases as you move from a novice to a competent practitioner.
Proficiency Growth (Years 4-8): This is where you can often make a significant jump, either by leveraging your experience to negotiate a higher wage at your current job or by moving to a higher-paying facility that values your proven skills.
Expert Status (Year 9+): Senior STNAs are invaluable. They often act as informal leaders, mentors, and preceptors for new hires. Their deep knowledge of patient care and facility procedures makes them highly valuable, and their compensation should reflect that. At this stage, you may be able to negotiate for specialized roles or higher pay grades.

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Specializations and Advanced Certifications

While the STNA certification is the required foundation, pursuing additional training and certifications can open doors to specialized roles and higher pay. These demonstrate a commitment to professional development and equip you with skills that are in high demand.

Medication Aide Certification (MA-C): In Ohio, experienced STNAs can undergo additional training to become a Certified Medication Aide. This allows them to administer routine medications in certain settings (like nursing homes) under the direction of a nurse. This added responsibility almost always comes with a significant pay increase.
Restorative Aide: This specialization involves training in therapeutic exercises and activities to help residents maintain or improve their functional mobility and independence. Restorative aides work closely with physical and occupational therapists and are a valuable asset in any long-term care facility.
Dementia/Alzheimer's Care Specialist: Specialized training in dementia care equips an STNA with the communication techniques and behavioral strategies needed to care for this challenging patient population. Facilities with dedicated memory care units highly value and often pay more for STNAs with this expertise.
Hospice and Palliative Care: Working with terminally ill patients requires a unique set of emotional and clinical skills. Certification or specialized training in hospice care can lead to roles that are both emotionally profound and financially rewarding.
Basic Life Support (BLS) / CPR: While required for employment, keeping this certification current is non-negotiable and a fundamental professional responsibility.

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Shift Differentials and Willingness to Work Overtime

This factor cannot be overstated. Your base hourly wage is not your final earning potential. By strategically choosing your shifts, you can dramatically increase your income.

Evening Shift (approx. 3 p.m. - 11 p.m.): Typically pays a differential of +$1.00 to +$2.50 per hour.
Night Shift (approx. 11 p.m. - 7 a.m.): Often has the highest differential, ranging

STNA Salary in Ohio: The Ultimate 2024 Guide to Earnings, Career Growth, and Becoming a State Tested Nursing Assistant

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