Hospice Aide/CNA Rates Increased 4.52% in 2021

WASHINGTON, D.C. (December 10, 2021)—The national average hourly rate for hospice aides (CNAs) increased 4.52% in 2021, according to the just released 2021-2022 Hospice Salary & Benefits Report, published by Hospital & Healthcare Compensation Service (HCS) in cooperation with the National Association for Home Care & Hospice (NAHC).

In a comparison of auspice type, hospital-based hospice aides received the highest pay of $17.62; followed by VNS/VNA rates of $17.53; not-for-profit agency CNAs received $16.34; and CNAs at for-profit agencies received $15.46.  

In state reporting, CNAs in Mississippi and Alabama received the lowest pay of $13.10 and $13.17 respectively; while CNAs in California ranked the highest in pay at $19.80, followed by Massachusetts at $18.91. (Data reported are national averages.) The national turnover rate for Hospice Aides/CNAs was 26.60%, up slightly from last year’s turnover rate of 25.72%.

Trend data from the 2021-2022 HCS Hospice Salary & Benefits Report

734 hospices participated in the study and 99.46% of respondents were Medicare certified hospice agencies. The complete 170-page report contains 61 jobs reporting on salaries, bonuses, and hourly and per visit rates. Data are reported by state, region, CBSA, auspice, hospice type and revenue size. The results include the 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th, 90th percentiles, average, number of agencies and number of employees by position. Also included are 21 fringe benefits, planned percent increases, turnover rates, caseload size and productivity.

The report price is $325. A separate Home Care Salary & Benefits Report is also available. Both studies are published in cooperation with the National Association for Home Care & Hospice (NAHC).  To order, visit the HCS website at hhcsinc.com or call (201) 405‑0075.