Certified Nursing Assistant in Maine

Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for ME. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.

Median annual salary
$45,640
trending_up +15.5% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Maine.

engineering
8,590

Jobs (ME)

monitoring Stable
+2.3%

10-yr job growth

schedule
6-12 weeks

Time to complete

route How to become a certified nursing assistant in Maine

To become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Maine, individuals must complete a state-approved training program of at least 130 hours, which includes classroom instruction, skills lab, and supervised clinical practice. After completing the training, candidates must pass the Maine CNA Competency Test. The Maine Registry of Certified Nursing Assistants and Direct Care Workers, maintained by the Maine DHHS, Division of Licensing and Certification (DLC), is the official body for CNA certification. Maine offers reciprocity for CNAs certified in other states, and there is no fee for initial placement on the registry or for reciprocity. A criminal background check is required, and applicants must be at least 16 years old and have completed at least the ninth grade.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $37,350
25th percentile $40,270
50th (median) $45,640
75th percentile $48,390
90th (experienced) $54,580

Source: BLS OEWS 2024 for Maine. Metro-area wages may differ significantly from the state aggregate.

checklist Maine requirements

Licensing bodyMaine Registry of Certified Nursing Assistants
State license Required
Education130-hour state-approved training program
ExamMaine CNA Competency Test via Credentia
RenewalEvery 2.0 years
Continuing education30.0 hours per cycle
NotesMinimum age 16. Renewal requires having worked for pay as a CNA for at least 8 hours in the past 24 months. A criminal background check is required. Documentation of completion of at least the ninth grade is required if no high school diploma/GED. Nursing facilities must provide CNAs with no less than 12 hours per year of in-service education.

Source: Maine Registry of Certified Nursing Assistants

work_outline Job outlook

10-year growth
+2.3%
Average
Annual openings
204,100
Nationwide per year
Total employment
1,441,500
Nationwide

balance Is it worth it?

  • check_circleMaine license required — clearer credential signal to employers
psychology
Wondering if a certified nursing assistant career is the right fit?
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Frequently asked questions

What are the steps to becoming a certified nursing assistant in Maine? expand_more
To become a certified nursing assistant in Maine, you need to complete the required education (130-hour state-approved training program), and pass the Maine CNA Competency Test via Credentia.
Does Maine require certified nursing assistant licensure? expand_more
Yes, Maine requires a state license to practice as a certified nursing assistant. The licensing body is Maine Registry of Certified Nursing Assistants. You must pass the Maine CNA Competency Test via Credentia.
How much does a certified nursing assistant make in Maine? expand_more
The median certified nursing assistant salary in Maine is $45,640 per year. — 15% higher than the $39,530 national figure. The range spans from $37,350 at the entry level to $54,580 for top earners.
How quickly can I become a certified nursing assistant in Maine? expand_more
In Maine, becoming a certified nursing assistant generally takes 6-12 weeks, accounting for education requirements, hands-on training, and the exam process.
What are the continuing education requirements for certified nursing assistants in Maine? expand_more
License renewal in Maine requires completing 30.0 hours of continuing education on a 2.0-year cycle.

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